Crystalens® Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Crystalens?

A: The Crystalens is a new technology that is designed to mimic the eye's natural ability to focus on distant,middle and near objects.The Crystalens can restore a full range of functional vision,from distance to reading vision without total dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Crystalens is:

• The first and only FDA approved accommodating intraocular lens
• The only lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye
• The only lens that provides a single focal point throughout a continuous range of vision from far to near.

The crystalens accommodating intraocular lens is made with hinges on each side that are designed to allow the optic,or part of the lens that you see through,to move back and forth as you constantly change focus on images around you.The crystalens is a small lens that enables it to flex or bend as you focus on near objects.

Safety of the crystalens was proven in clinical trials:

• 98.4% of patients implanted with crystalens in both eyes could pass a driver's test without glasses.
• 100% could see intermediate (24" to 30") without glasses, the distance for most of life's activities.
• 98.4% could see well enough to read the newspaper and the phone book without glasses.

Q: What makes the Crystalens different from other intraocular lenses?

A: The Crystalens has a unique ability to focus on objects at varying distances using the eye's natural muscle.This means that the Crystalens can provide sharper vision, without corrective lenses, throughout a full range of vision from near to far and everything in between.

Standard lens implants do not have the ability to provide a full range of vision. Most people who have single vision lens implants must wear glasses for middle and near vision.

Q: Can my vision be corrected to 20/20, for both reading and distance?

A: The Crystalens has been designed to focus your eyes at all distances after cataract surgery. While virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery, some people will not see 20/20 at all distances.

It is interesting to note that many people, who have not had surgery, are not able to see 20/20 at both near and far even with glasses or contact lenses. This is due to a variety of ocular and physiological problems as well as lifestyle preferences, yet most of these people function quite normally although their vision is reduced.

The Crystalens FDA two-year clinical study results indicate that 92% of the people enrolled in the study that had both eyes corrected with Crystalens could see 20/25 or better at distance, 96% could see 20/20 at arm's length and 73% could see 20/25 at near without glasses or contact lens.

What is more exciting is that 98% of these people could pass their drivers test, 100% could see their computer and dashboard, read the prices in the supermarket or put on their makeup, and 98% could read the telephone book or newspaper,all without glasses or contact lenses.

Q: What about my middle vision like working on my computer. Will it be like wearing trifocals?

A: Your ability to see at approximately arm's length (middle vision) will be greatly enhanced with the Crystalens. Over 96% of people enrolled in the clinical study were able to see 20/20 at arm's length without correction.

In addition the quality of vision compared to wearing trifocals is significantly improved. You will have a full range of vision, without having to tilt your head to find that portion of your glasses that allows you to see clearly. You simply look at something and the Crystalens will automatically focus at near, arm's length, or distance. The Crystalens mimics the natural focusing ability of your eye.

Q: Will I be able to read in all lighting conditions?

A: The Crystalens functions very much like the normal human lens. It is important to remember that reading vision in low light is also influenced by the overall health of your eye and by the condition of the light sensors in the retina. As we get older our ability to see in low light conditions may start to decrease. It is always best to read in good light conditions.

Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate for Crystalens implantation?

A: Virtually everyone with good general health is a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes,or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery.

People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eye is in good health. If you have already had cataract surgery, you are not a candidate for the Crystalens procedure.

Q: Should I have the Crystalens implant put in both eyes?

A: Typically cataracts will develop in both eyes. If only one eye has a cataract, only one implant is necessary. If both eyes have cataracts and the vision in one eye is worse, the surgeon will elect to implant that eye first. If both eyes are the same, the surgeon usually starts with the 'non-dominant' eye.

Q: How long will the surgery take? Will I feel anything?

A: The Crystalens procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical facility. You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour before the procedure. A number of topical drops will be placed in your eye and oral medications may be administered to help you relax. The eye drops anesthetize your eye and dilate your pupil.

The actual surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes. You will feel no pain, only slight pressure on your eye. Once the surgery is complete, additional drops will be placed in your eye to prevent infection, decreased inflammation, and to keep your pupil dilated. A patch will be placed over your eye and someone will have to drive you home. Once home, ou should rest for the remainder of the day. You should avoid any strenuous activities. Your doctor will see you the day after surgery to examine your eye.

Our staff will give you additional medications that you will need to put in your eye for the next week or two. These drugs help the eye heal leaving no residual effects.

Q: What will my vision be like after surgery?

A: Your distance vision will usually be very good within a day or two after surgery. However, your middle and near vision may be somewhat blurred at first.

Drops will be applied to your eye after surgery,preventing the eye from changing focus from far to near. These drops dilate your pupil making you sensitive to light until the drops wear off. This is done to ensure that the Crystalens is correctly positioned in your eye as it heals. It will take 7 to 14 days for the effects of the drug to wear off. You may need to wear reading glasses to help you read during this time.

After about 2 weeks, you will notice that your middle vision is improving and your near vision is also starting to get better. It is important that you discontinue the use of the reading glasses at this time so that you strengthen the focusing muscle of your eyes.

It may take several months for your eyes to reach their full focusing potential. The more you try to read without reading glasses, the quicker you will be able to read without them. You may notice a difference in you vision from one eye to the other after your eyes heal. This is normal.If the difference in your vision is significant your doctor may recommend additional corneal refractive surgery. This is often done for the correction of astigmatism after implant.

Everyone's focusing ability is different. Most people will be able to see clearly in the distance, have excellent middle vision and will be able to read a newspaper without glasses, but some people may be more comfortable with additional correction, particularly at night or in dime light.

It is important to remember that implant surgery cannot resolve pre-existing visual conditions such as floaters, flashes, or visual field loss that are a result of conditions of the eye and not related to the lens.

While virtually everyone experiences much improved vision after cataract surgery, some people will have better uncorrected vision than others. It may be necessary for some people to wear glasses for distance and/or near vision to obtain optimal visual acuity. The difference from standard lenses is that most people will not be dependant on these supplemental vision aids to function normally.

Q: When will I be able to return to normal activities after Crystalens refractive implantation?

A: Typically you will be able to return to normal activities within several days after implantation with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light,but you should be able to drive and return to work in two to three days.

It is important that you avoid heavy lifting or straining that would increase the pressure in your eye for several days after surgery. You also must avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye. You should refrain from activities that could increase your chances of getting hit in the eye. Wear your protective sunglasses when outdoors.

You can shower and wash your hair as long as you avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eye. Refrain from using eye makeup, lid liner and mascara for several weeks after implantation. You should avoid public swimming pools, hot tubs or other sources of bacterial contamination for several weeks.

Q: How does Crystalens differ from other IOLs?

A: Crystalens is an accommodative IOL for adults with cataract who would benefit from near, intermediate and far vision without the use of spectacles. It moves in the eye to give a continuous full range of vision.

Q: Is glare, halos and night vision a problem?

A: Fewer patients with crystalens have experienced glare, halos and night vision problems than patients with multifocal or multi-image intraocular lenses. This is because only one image is projected to the back of the eye, unlike a multifocal lens that projects multiple images, requiring your brain to "adjust" to the differences. In addition, your vision might not be as sharp because only some of the light is distributed to your vision. With crystalens, 100% of the light rays are available and distributed - when you need it..

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