The crystalens® is an intraocular lens (IOL) that replaces the eye’s natural lens to improve vision in adults with cataracts, presbyopia, or aging or rigid lenses. Approved by the FDA, crystalens® works naturally with muscles in the eye to retain the eye’s ability to “accommodate”—to shift focus between nearby and distant objects—after surgery. With other IOLs, patients lose this ability and require further vision correction with glasses or contact lenses.
How does the crystalens® work?
The crystalens® was modeled after the natural lens in the eye. Unlike rigid lenses, the crystalens® is made with flexible silicone and has hinges on each side that allow it to move with the eye muscle, flexing and accommodating seamlessly so you can focus on the objects around you at any distance. In other words, it dynamically adjusts to your visual needs.
What sets it apart from other IOLs?
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- The first and only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens
- The only lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye
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What are some of the advantages of the crystalens®?
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- Low incidence of glare, halos and night vision problems.
- Sharp and crisp vision. Why? Because 100% of the light rays are available and distributed—when you need it.
- A single image is sent to the back of the eye, unlike multifocal lenses that project several unfocused images at the same time that require the brain to “adjust” to the differences.
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More than 100,000 crystalens® IOLs have been implanted worldwide.
How is the crystalens® implanted?
The crystalens® is placed in the eye during the same surgery that removes the cloudy or rigid lens. First, the surgeon makes a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The damaged natural lens is liquefied and removed, and the new IOL is implanted in its place. The process typically takes about 15 minutes.
Recovery from the surgery is usually short, and most patients return to their normal activities almost immediately. The doctor will discuss aftercare and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the patient’s recovery.
Am I a candidate for the crystalens®?
Most people who have cataracts (with or without presbyopia), who have aged or rigid lenses, or who have had corneal refractive surgery and retained good eye health, are acceptable candidates for crystalens® implantation. Those who have already had cataract surgery are not. People with eye health problems such as chronic infections or diabetes should check with their doctors about eligibility.
Click here for more information about the Crystalens™ Lens.