Crystalens
Imagine
being able to see your world as you did when you
were younger without the help of glasses or contact
lenses. Near, far and all distances in between.
The
Crystalens changes shape in your eye to create
seamless 
focusing
from distance to near and everywhere in between.
It is placed in your eye at the time of cataract
removal or as part of a vision correction procedure.
A
revolutionary design makes Crystalens implantation
the state-of-the-art procedure to improve distance
and near vision. This unique lens is “hinged”
so that it changes shape inside the eye as you
focus. Unlike old-style ridge lenses, Crystalens
has the ability to move, thus focusing as your
eye's natural lens.
Dr.
Wilmarth and his staff were named
a National Center of Excellence
by Eyeonics for outstanding results with Crystalens
surgery.
More information may be found at www.crystalens.com.
Frequently
Asked Questions about Crystalens
Q:
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, crystalens®
can restore a full range of functional vision, from
distance to reading vision without total dependence
on glasses or contact lenses.
Top
Q:
How do I know if I am a good candidate for crystalens®
implantation?
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination
and advise you of a customized treatment plan for
effectively correcting your vision.
Top
Q:
Can my vision be corrected to 20/20, for both reading
& distance?
The crystalens® FDA two-year clinical study
results indicate that 92% of the people enrolled
in the study (implanted in both eyes) 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 lenses.
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.
Top
Q:
What about my computer vision?
Over 96% of people enrolled in the clinical
study were able to see 20/20 at arms length without
correction.
Top
Q:
How long with the surgery take? Will I feel anything?
The actual surgery usually takes less than
20 minutes. All you have to do is to relax and hold
still. A patch may be placed over your eye and someone
will need to drive you home. Once at home, you should
rest for the remainder of the day and avoid any
strenuous activities. Your doctor will see you the
day after surgery to remove the eye patch and examine
your eye. Do not rub your eye. The doctor will give
you additional medications that you will need to
put in your eye for the next week or two.
Top
Q:
How safe is the surgery?
The medical procedure to implant crystalens®
is the same safe, proven cataract surgery performed
annually on over 7 million eyes globally. Over 40
million procedures have been done in the last 25
years. But because it is surgery, it is not completely
risk-free. Current data indicate that 98% of people
have no complications after cataract surgery and
more than 95% have improved vision. Your doctor
will perform a thorough examination and fully inform
you of any increased risk of a complication.
Top
Q:
What will my vision be like after surgery?
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. You may need to wear reading glasses to help
you read during this time.
After
about 2 weeks, you will notice that your middle
(arm's length) vision is improving and your near
vision is also starting to get better. 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 read
without them.
Top
Q:
When will I be able to return to normal activities
after crystalens® refractive implantation?
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.
Top
Q:
Will I have to have cataract surgery again?
Once your cataracts are removed and replaced
with an artificial lens, you will never have to
have cataract surgery again.
Top
Q:
What happens if my eye is injured sometime in the
future?
The presence of an artificial lens does not
make the eye any more vulnerable to trauma. Indeed,
once the human lens has been replaced by the crystalens®
, eye trauma would not cause a cataract.
Top
Q:
What will the crystalens® procedure cost? Will
insurance cover any of it?
Since each patient's vision is different
and unique, the cost for the crystalens® procedure
will vary. Generally speaking, private insurance
may cover the cataract surgical procedure and may
also allow a certain additional amount for the artificial
lens implant. The insured is then required to pay
a deductible as well as any additional amount above
the primary coverage. (Some patients are completely
responsible for payment – not all insurance
companies will cover the same).
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