Eyeonics CRYSTALENS Lens Implants:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the CrystaLens implant.

Can vision be corrected to 20/20, for both reading & distance?

The Crystalens has been designed to correct vision at all distances. While virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery, some people will not see 20/20 at all distances.

Keep in mind that many people who have not had eye surgery cannot see 20/20 at both near and far, even with corrective glasses or contacts. This is due to a variety of physiological problems as well as lifestyle preferences; yet most of these people function quite normally.

The FDA two-year clinical study on the Crystalens indicates 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.

Even more exciting, 98% of these people could pass their drivers test, 100% could see their computer and dashboard, read the prices in the supermarket and/or apply makeup, and 98% could read the telephone book or newspaper, all without glasses or contact lenses.

Note the different positions of the Crystalens, which mimics the accommodative ability of a youthful eye.

What about middle-distance vision — like working on a computer?

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 potentially 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 typically will automatically focus your eye at near, arm's length, or distance, because the Crystalens mimics the natural focusing ability of your eye.

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.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Crystalens implantation?

At Harvard Eye Associates, you will receive a thorough examination and a customized treatment plan for addressing your visual needs.

Virtually everyone with good general health is a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery.

People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eyes are in good health. Prior corneal refractive surgery can make it more difficult to obtain the optimum lens implant power for your eye; our doctors at Harvard Eye will be happy to discuss this with you further.  If you have already had cataract surgery, you are not a candidate for the Crystalens procedure.

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.

Typically within the first 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 is important that you limit 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 reduce your dependence on them. You may notice a difference in your vision from one eye to the other after your eyes heal. This is normal. If the difference in your vision is significant your doctor may recommend additional corneal refractive surgery. This is often done for the correction of astigmatism after implant surgery.

Everyone's focusing ability is different. Most people will be able to see clearly in the distance, have excellent middle vision and will be able to read a newspaper without glasses, but some people may be more comfortable with additional correction, particularly at night or in dim light.

It is important to remember that implant surgery cannot resolve pre-existing visual conditions such as floaters, flashes, or visual field loss that are a result of conditions of the eye and not related to the lens.

Your doctor will thoroughly discuss the restoration of your vision after surgery and will recommend a specific plan for optimizing your uncorrected vision for near and far. It is important to remember that while virtually everyone experiences much improved vision after cataract surgery, some people will have better uncorrected vision than others.

It may be necessary for some people to wear glasses for distance and/or near vision to obtain optimal visual acuity. The difference from standard lenses is that most people will not be dependent on these supplemental vision aids to function normally.

Since this information isn't intended to replace the advice of a health care professional, be sure and talk with the eye doctors at Harvard Eye Associates before making any decisions regarding vision correction procedures.

The long-term safety and effectiveness of this lens have not been established.

What about glare, problems driving at night and sensitivity to light?

These symptoms can be produced or exacerbated by cataract surgery. Many people report these problems before cataract surgery and even after surgery; however, they are rarely debilitating.

Sensitivity to light is often a temporary symptom. The Crystalens optic material is so clear that in some people it takes time to get used to how bright colors are and how intense lights can be, particularly at night.

As with any intraocular lens, glare can be a problem at night when the pupil widely dilates and occasionally light can reflect off the edge of the implant and create a flash or halo of light. This typically does not occur in your central field of vision, but rather in the periphery. People who have worn contact lenses in the past may be familiar with this phenomenon.

Again, glare is rarely debilitating and if it does bother you, there are a number of things that your doctor can do to improve your vision at night including medications or night driving glasses.

Will security eye scanning still work after Crystalens implantation?

Security scanning should not be affected after Crystalens implantation. Security scanning usually relates to iris or retinal pattern recognition. The implant has no influence on iris scanning and should not interfere with retinal visualization through a normal sized pupil.

Will insurance cover the Crystalens procedure cost?

Medicare: Prior to May, 2005 people with Medicare were not eligible to have a Crystalens implant. However, a new Medicare ruling, which declared this special class of lens implants as a non-covered service, makes this new technology available. Out-of-pocket costs do apply. Read Medicare's ruling on these new lenses . To learn more about your own insurance coverage, contact us .

Non-Medicare: Each patient's vision is different and unique. Insurance coverage varies greatly from policy to policy. Generally speaking, if the Crystalens is implanted as part of cataract surgery, private insurance may cover the cataract surgical procedure and anesthesia; and may also allow a certain additional amount for the artificial lens implant. The insured is then required to pay a deductible and possible co-payment as well as any additional amount above the primary coverage. (Some patients are completely responsible for payment – not all insurance companies will cover some).

The patient counselors at Harvard Eye Associates will review your insurance coverage and your surgical alternatives prior to your surgery. It may also be beneficial for you to contact your insurance carrier.

ReZOOM and ReSTOR Lens Implants
Two other FDA-approved lens implants can also provide near and distance vision without glasses.

How Does the Crystalens compare to these other lenses?

Your individual exam may indicate that one lens may be better suited to you than another, and perhaps neither one may be as appropriate as a standard monofocal lens implant. Our doctors at Harvard Eye will of course discuss this with you after a thorough consultation.

Monovision LASIK
Monovision is very simple and effective way to avoid the use of reading glasses. This technique has been applied to contact lens wearers for many decades, and the same technique works extremely well with LASIK. Monovision LASIK takes advantage of the fact that each of us has a dominant and a non-dominant eye, much as we do with our hands. For distance vision, our dominant eye provides the high-definition detail information about our word, while the non-dominant eye provides depth perception, which does not rely on sharp focus.

In monovision, we correct the non-dominant eye to be sharply focused on reading material, leaving the dominant eye focused for distance vision. This allows the non-dominant eye to play a greater role in reading while the dominant eye plays a greater role in distance vision.

With careful measurements and proper planning, monovision LASIK can provide good reading vision that will last for decades.

If you've never tried it, it can be difficult to imagine what monovision is like. During your FREE LASIK consultation in our office, we'll give you a free demonstration of what monovision is like.

Read more about LASIK.

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As always, Harvard Eye Associates is first and foremost concerned about what is best for each individual patient. Call us today for your personalized consultation!