• Home
• About Us
  • Our Team
  • Robert G. Burlingame
  • Andrew Bossen
  • William B. Plauché
• Eye Conditions
  • Cataracts
  • Presbyopia
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Diabetic Eye Disease
• Procedures
  • No Stitch Cataract Surgery
  • Crystalens Cataract Surgery
  • AcrySof ReSTOR
  • AcrySof Toric IOL
  • SLT
  • Avastin
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Botox
  • Restylane
  • Latisse
• Patient Testimonials
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Patient Forms
• Financing

• Home
• Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Crystalens Cataract Surgery

Crystalens® Questions & Answers

• What is Crystalens?

  Crystalens is a new technology that is designed to mimic the eye's natural ability to focus on distant, middle and near objects. Used in conjunction with standard cataract extraction methods, the crystalens can restore a full range of functional vision, from distance to reading vision without total dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

• What makes the crystalens different from other intraocular lenses?

  The crystalens has the 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 (single vision) 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.

• Your Results

  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 for the first few days. It may take several weeks 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. In addition, the quality of vision compared to wearing bifocals and/or trifocals is significantly improved. You simply look at something and the crystalens, mimicking the natural focusing ability of your eye, will automatically focus your eye within arm's length, or at a distance.

• Can my vision be corrected to 20/20, for both reading & distance?

  The crystalens has been designed to focus your eyes at all distances after Presbyopia 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. Crystalens automatically moves forwards and backwards with the ciliary muscle to help Presbyopia patients focus naturally at all distances.98 percent of patients surveyed could see 20/40 and could read small type without glasses.

• What about my intermediate vision, like working on the computer?

  In the Crystalens clinical trials, patients reported good intermediate vision. Most Crystalens patients are able to see their computers, dashboards and anything else at arm's length without glasses.

• Will I experience halos and glare? Will this lens affect how I drive at night?

  All IOLs, including standard monofocal IOLs, can create some degree of halos and glare. Glare and halos have sometimes been observed with the Crystalens. However, unlike a multifocal IOL, Crystalens works similarly to your natural lens in the way it delivers available light rays at all distances -- near, far, and intermediate. As a result, Crystalens patients typically experience fewer halos and less glare than a multifocal IOL patient.

• Will insurance/Medicare cover any of the procedure?

  Insurance coverage varies greatly from policy to policy. Generally speaking, private insurance and Medicare will cover the cataract surgical procedure and may also allow a certain additional amount for a standard lens implant. With Crystalens, you are receiving an additional benefit of presbyopia correction that will allow you to enjoy a fuller range of vision with decreased dependence on glasses. You will be responsible for paying for the presbyopia correcting portion of the surgery, which is not covered by Medicare.

• Will Crystalens stop working over time?

  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.

• Surgery Questions

  Every patient is different and only your surgeon can fully explain the details of your Crystalens procedure. However, the following information may be helpful for most patients.

• Should I have the procedure in both eyes?

  Typically cataracts will develop in both eyes, and we recommend that the surgery be done in both eyes. Usually you will have surgery on the second eye within 2 weeks of the first eye.

• How long will the surgery take?

  Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient surgery. The actual surgery itself is approximately 15-20 minutes.

• Will I feel anything?

  No. Topical anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye and oral medications may be administered to help you relax.

• What to Expect on Surgery Day

  You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour before the procedure. Topical drops will be placed in your eye and oral medications may be administered to help you relax. A microscope will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to look up into the light of the microscope. The actual surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes. You will feel only slight pressure on your eye. Once the surgery is complete, you may be given eye drops and in some cases a protective patch. Your doctor will see you the day after surgery to remove the eye patch and examine your eye.

• When will I be able to return to my normal activities?

  Typically you will be able to return to normal activities within several days. You should be able to drive and return to work within 2-3 days. Your eyes may be sensitive to the touch for a few days, and you should avoid strenuous activity and rubbing your eye. It is important to avoid lifting or straining that would increase pressure on your eye. You can shower, but avoid getting soap in your eyes. Refrain from eye makeup for several weeks. You should also avoid public pools and hot tubs.

• What should I expect during the recovery period?

  Patients vary widely in how they are affected during the recovery phase. For example, for some patients it takes longer for their near vision to come into focus, while others achieve great near vision almost immediately. The best way to learn about the recovery period is to talk to your surgeon about the procedure.

• How often will I need to have my eyes checked after surgery?

  Your doctor will advise you based on your procedure. Typically, the doctor will see you one day after surgery, after 2-4 weeks and again around 3-6 months after surgery. Thereafter, an annual exam is sufficient.

• Will I have to have cataract surgery again?

  Once your cataracts are removed and replaced with an IOL, you will never need to have cataract surgery again. Occasionally, several months after the lens has been placed in the eye, your vision may start to become cloudy again. This can happen with any type of IOL. This is sometimes called a secondary cataract and refers to the clouding of the membrane that surrounds the implant. Your surgeon will go in and quickly remove the clouded cells. This is done painlessly in an outpatient environment and usually takes just a few minutes.

Call RGB Eye Associates today: 903.892.3282