The crystalens accommodating lens implant is currently the only FDA approved lens designed to use the natural focusing ability of the eye in order to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts after surgery. This lens provides a single focal point throughout a continuous range of vision from near to intermediate to far.

Your near and intermediate vision results from the action of the focusing muscle in the eye, called the ciliary muscle. This muscle changes the power, and thus the focus, of the natural lens. Around the age of 40, the eye's natural lens begins to gradually enlarge and harden, and it becomes difficult for the muscle in your eye to automatically focus. This is known as loss of accommodation, or presbyopia. The crystalens IOL (intraocular lens) is uniquely engineered with a hinge that allows the artificial lens to move back and forth as you constantly change focus on images around you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 surgery. Whie virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery, some people will not see 20/20 at all distances. The two-year clinical trial that supported the FDA approval of the crystalens indicated that 92% of the people enrolled in the study (implanted bilaterally) 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.

It is important to keep in mind that visual acuity is subjective and depends upon each individual's own ocular and physiological conditions as well as lifestyle preferences. Some patients implanted with the crystalens still require glasses for certain activities.

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What about my middle vision, like working on the computer. Will it be like wearing trifocals?
Your ability to see at approximately arm’s length (middle vision) will be greatly enhanced with the crystalens. Over 96% of people enrolled in the clinical study were able to see 20/20 at arm’s length without correction.
In addition, the quality of vision compared to wearing trifocals is significantly improved. You will have a full range of vision, without having to tilt your head to find that portion of your glasses that allows you to see clearly. You simply look at something and the crystalens will automatically focus your eye at near, arm’s length, or distance.

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Will I be able to read in all light conditions?
The crystalens functions very much like the normal human lens. It is important to remember that reading vision in low light is also influenced by the overall health of your eye and by the condition of the light sensors in the retina. As we get older our ability to see in low light conditions may start to decrease. It is always best to read in good light conditions.

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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 intermediate and near vision may be somewhat blurred at first. After about 2 weeks, you will notice that your intermediate (arm’s length) vision is improving and your near vision is also starting to get better. It is important that you discontinue the use of the reading glasses at this time so that you strengthen the focusing muscle of your eyes. 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 to read without them.

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