Crystalens Intraocular Lens

During cataract surgery, the eye’s clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).  The visual outcome of the surgery depends on the type of implant that is inserted.  Today there are multiple types of IOLs, each delivering a different performance profile based on how the lens is designed.   A standard monofocal IOL is a fixed lens (it doesn't move) that is designed to deliver improved vision at just one distance (usually far). The potential drawback is that after surgery, you will definitely need to wear glasses for near and intermediate vision, even if you didn't wear glasses before surgery.

You probably noticed in your forties that you started to lose some “accommodation”, which is the loss of your up-close vision forcing you to start wearing reading glasses.   The crystalens® is the first and ONLY FDA-approved accommodating IOL to be introduced into the United States market.  The crystalens® uses the eye’s natural focusing mechanism (the ciliary muscle) to flex the central part of the lens back and forth, changing the focus of images instead of remaining fixed and stationary like the multifocal IOL design. This accommodation allows the eye to see clearer and brighter objects across a broad range of distances to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses for most daily activities. In particular, it provides significant advantages in providing intermediate vision, which is your computer (finger-tip) distance.  However, patients find that they may need to wear a pair of over-the-counter readers for reading improvement.

All IOLs, including the standard monofocal and crystalens IOLs, can create some degree of halos and glare at night.  However, unlike a multifocal IOL, crystalens® works similarly to your natural lens in the way it delivers available light rays at all distances which typically creates fewer halos and less glare than a multifocal IOL.

Will this lens ever stop working?  The crystalens® surgery is permanent and there is no evidence that the lens will stop working over time.  Patients have had crystalens® implanted in their eyes for nearly 7 years with no change in its ability to flex.  It is an extremely well-tested and durable design.  In fact, there is clinical evidence to support that most patients' vision continues to improve with time.

No surgeon can guarantee 20/20 vision because everybody’s eye’s function differently and the patient may experience a trade off where they become less dependent on glasses, but may lose the sharpness in their vision. While virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery some people will not see 20/20 at all distances.

Crystalens® has changed the lives of nearly 100,000 patients around the globe, some of whom have been enjoying the benefits of better vision for several years.  The crystalens® is safe, effective, and works naturally to help you see the world as you did when you were younger. We hope you decide to start your journey to stronger vision with us!

To read more about Crystalens®, please visit their website at www.crystalens.com.