Crystalens

The Crystalens is an Intraocular lens, or IOL, that replaces the eyes natural lens. It is used both for patients with cataracts, and patients having Refractive Lens Exchange.(link to RLE), who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of the Crystalens procedure is to correct distance vision, while at the same time restore the eyes ability to focus at near, by working with the eyes own focusing muscles.

Once the eyes natural lens is replaced, even if no cataract is present, you will not need cataract surgery in the future.

The Crystalens is the only FDA approved “accommodating” IOL. The advanced technology of the Crystalens is designed to mimic the eye’s natural ability to focus on distance, middle, and near objects. It is the only IOL that is able to “accommodate”, or ‘change focus” in the same way as the natural lens of your eye. By using the eyes own focusing muscles, the Crystalens can provide sharper vision, without corrective lenses, throughout a full range of vision from near, to far, and everything in between.

The Crystalens procedure, whether being used in conjunction with cataract removal, or with Refractive Lens Exchange, is a similar to outpatient cataract surgery. Dr. Violin removes your natural lens, and the Crystalens is inserted to replace it. The procedure is performed on one eye at a time, usually one to two weeks apart. The procedure is performed by Dr. Violin at The Cataract and Laser Center, our “state of the art” surgical facility located in Dedham Massachusetts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is crystalens®?

Crystalens is an intraocular lens that, unlike a standard IOL, can treat both a person’s cataracts and a person’s presbyopia (loss of near and intermediate focusing ability). You probably noticed in your forties that you started to lose some of your up-close vision and had to start wearing reading glasses; this was due to a loss of accommodation. crystalens is designed to recreate your accommodation and reduce or eliminate wearing glasses. With the unique crystalens, you can enjoy activities such as: reading a book, working on the computer, and driving a car.

How does it work?

Crystalens replaces the eye’s natural lens and is designed to mimic the eye’s natural focusing ability, thereby enabling vision across a broad range of distances comparable to a healthy eye. As with the natural lens, crystalens accommodates, or moves and flexes, in response to ciliary muscle contractions in the eye. These contractions drive forward movements of the lens so the eye can maintain a clear image as it focuses on near, intermediate and far objects.

How is this different from regular cataract surgery?

In the past, cataract surgery was only able to treat a patient's cataracts, so patients would still be dependent on glasses for most of their daily activities, especially for up close and intermediate activities. crystalens will correct for more than just your cataracts. crystalens can offer you a fuller range of vision and reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.

How do I know if I am a good candidate?

If your eyes are healthy, you have not had previous cataract surgery and you have no major health problems, you may be an excellent candidate for crystalens. Your doctor will perform a thorough exam and advise if crystalens is right for you.

How is crystalens® different from other lifestyle lenses on the market?

Crystalens is the only accommodating intraocular lens on the United States market. As with the natural lens, crystalens accommodates, or moves and flexes using an innovative design, in response to ciliary eye muscle contractions. These contractions drive forward movement of the lens as it focuses on near, intermediate and far objects.

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

No surgeon can guarantee 20/20 vision because everybody’s eyes function differently. However, our patients have been reporting excellent results and most enjoy the majority of their activities without glasses.

Will I really be able to see without glasses? Will I be 20/20?

Since everyone’s vision, expectations, and lifestyles differ it is difficult to determine how much you will be dependent on glasses. If you are like the majority of crystalens patients, you should be able to experience the same quality vision you did when you were younger, with minimal or no dependence on glasses after crystalens surgery.

Will I be able to read in all lighting conditions?

Crystalens works similarly to your natural lens in that it delivers 100% of available light rays at all distances - near, far, and intermediate. Unlike many mulitfocal IOLs on the market, lighting conditions have very little impact on patients with crystalens. crystalens directs all available light received by the eye to a single focal point, resulting in quality of vision comparable to a healthy natural lens. Patients have reported very minimal disturbances. However, it is recommended that you use good lighting when reading.

Will I experience halos and glare? Will this lens effect 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.

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 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.

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 out-patient environment and usually takes just a few minutes.

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