How many times has your surgeon performed this surgery?
Our surgeon has performed thousands of cataract surgeries. The only difference is our surgeons use a new lens that will restore your vision to see all distances (near, intermediate, and far). NOTE: Cataract surgery is the most common surgery in the United States. Over 2.7 million cataract procedures were performed last year. There is a very low complication rate.
How much does the Crystalens cost?
In order to provide you with an exact cost, we will need to set up a time for an eye exam to determine the health of your eye and what percentage your insurance will cover. At that time, we would be happy to provide you with an exact cost.
You mentioned this is a "new" lens, how new is it?
This lens has been in development for 15 years, and has been implanted in over 13000 eyes in the United States. It received FDA approval November 14, 2003.
Will my insurance cover this lens?
Many insurance companies cover a percentage of the surgery cost, however an exact cost cannot be given until we have done an exam to better assess the health of your eye.
Is the Crystalens FDA approved?
Yes, November 14, 2003, and there are over 13000 Crystalens implants in the United States.
What will I be able to read?
The Crystalens FDA data presented (497 patients):
- 98.4% of the patients could read NYSE, Wall Street Journal, Newspaper
- 100% of the patients could read their Email or computer screens.
- 98.4% were 20/40 or better in the distance (most were 20/20 or 20/30)
Where can I get more information?
We would be happy to send you more information, and you are welcome to visit the Crystalens website, www.crystalens.com.
Will I be able to see immediately after surgery if I get the Crystalens?
Yes, but your near and intermediate vision will begin to come into focus two to three weeks after surgery. In order for the Crystalens to heal into place, your eye muscle will be in a relaxed state for the first two weeks due to the post-op medication. When the medication wears off after two weeks, your eye muscles will progressively get stronger, and your near and intermediate vision will start to come into focus. During the first two weeks, while your eye muscle is in a "relaxed state" you may use (+1.00) reading glasses for near/intermediate vision. But after the medication wears off, do NOT use your reading glasses anymore - this will allow your eye muscles to strengthen.
How does the Crystalens work?
The Crystalens is the only accommodating intraocular lens that restores your near, intermediate, and distance vision. The surgeon gently breaks down the old lens in your eye and replaces it with the Crystalens. As your eye muscle constricts and relaxes, it gently moves the lens forward and back depending on what you are looking at. This movement allows you to see at all distances seamlessly.
Used in conjunction with standard cataract extraction methods, lens replacement surgery can restore a full range of functional vision, from distance to reading vision, without total dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Lens replacement surgery includes Crystalens ™, ReZoom™ and ReSTOR®. Because each of these lenses uses a slightly different design to help you achieve clear vision at all distance levels, your doctor will decide which lens is right for you.
Crystalens is the first and only accommodating intraocular lens that allows patients to focus automatically and seamlessly at all distances. This technology 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. However, cataracts do not have to be present to make this procedure possible for you. The Williamson Eye Center is the first in Baton Rouge to perform this medical breakthrough procedure aimed at restoring vision.
The ReZoom™ lens is a true multifocal IOL. That means that it literally has multiple focal points so you can see well at a variety of distances. It allows most people to see well anywhere, be it near, mid-distance or far. The lens has five uniquely proportioned visual zones that provide it with its major advantage. Each visual zone is designed for different light and focal distances. 
ReSTOR® is designed to allow patients to see clearly at all distances without bifocals or reading glasses. The design gives it the ability to focus light correctly on the retina for images at various distances without mechanical movement of the lens. The ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision by combining the strengths of apodized diffraction and refractive technologies.