Procedures (implant) - CRYSTALENS

  Crystalens™ is a revolutionary new breakthrough in vision enhancement by Eyeonics. It is the first and only intraocular lens (IOL) replacement for cataracts that focuses like the eye's natural lens, allowing for continuous vision up close, far away and all distances in between. By using the eye's muscle to move the lens backwards and forwards naturally in response to the brain's desire to see at different distances, Crystalens™ enables the eye to focus continuously and seamlessly through a range of distances, including near, far and everything in between. Patients experience the same vision they had when they were younger, for most without the inconvenience of corrective lenses.

  Crystalens™ is very different from other lens implant procedures especially intraocular lenses. The Crystalens™ implant procedure allows your eye and it's natural muscles to focus on objects at various distances. Intraocular lenses do not. They only allow you to focus on objects at a certain distance and you may be required to wear glasses for near or middle vision. It's important to note that not everyone will gain 20/20 vision at all distances after this procedure. It is also important to point out that even after having this procedure done and having the possibility of having 20/20 vision, you still may not increase your chances to read or focus on objects in low light. As we get older, we lose our ability to focus on objects under these conditions. Our health and health of our eyes will also determine this outcome regardless of any type of refractive surgery.

THE IMPLANT PROCEDURE

  The implant procedure is a safe and proven cataract procedure performed in an outpatient surgical facility. The procedure itself lasts about 20 minutes or less and is pain free. A few drops are put into your eye by the surgeon and an ultrasonic probe is used to remove the cloudy lens from the eye. The Crystalens™ implant is then put in place of the original lens used to be. When this procedure is complete, the doctor will put additional drops in your eye to prevent infection and help with any inflammation that may occur. The opening of the eye is very small and allows for quick healing. No stitches are required. Most people have 20/20 vision after the procedure but not everyone.

ONE EYE OR TWO?

  The Crystalens™ procedure is normally performed in one dominant eye to determine the outcome of your vision in both eyes. Of course both eyes usually develop cataracts, so in this case of 2 eyes having bad vision, the surgeon will prefer to wait 2 to 3 weeks before inserting a second implant, or implant in the second eye. For more information regarding this issue, it's best to consult with your surgeon.

WHO's A CANDIDATE?

  The Crystalens™ is ideally suited for men and women aged 50 to 64 years of age with cataracts who want to not only restore clarity in their vision but restore their near, intermediate and distance vision. Almost anyone who has cataracts are candidates for the Crystalens™ procedure so long as you are healthy and do not have any serious eye diseases or disorders like uncontrolled diabetes. You may also be a candidate even if you have had previous refractive surgery. The best way to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure is to visit your local eye doctor for an exam. If you have already had cataract surgery, you are not a candidate for this procedure.

For more information about Crystalens™ and to view a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Eyeonics website at: www.crystalens.com.