Why did the Crystalens make me nearsighted?

[Kathy14221]

In July 2008, I had a crystalens placed in my left eye, in August I had a crystalens placed in my right eye.  I became extremely nearsighted in both eyes.  Not the result I was expecting.  In November 2008, I had PRK in my left eye to make that eye far-sighted.  I now have monovision and it doesn't seem to be working well.

I expected to be able to see both near and far (I was previously far-sighted needing glasses only for reading).  Why did the crystalens make me so nearsighted?

[foreveryoung757]

DO NOT USE CRYSTALENS. I AM 48, 100% HEALTHY. CRYSTALENS SCREW UP MY EYE AND LIFE.
LUIZ GOMES, NORTH MIAMI BEACH
TEL [phone]

[caren123]

If anyone knows a customer service number for Crystalens where they would handle complaints, I'd like to  know.  My impression is that they only talk to doctors and not patients.

My experience so far has been calling a Crystalens telephone number and being told they don't answer specific questions about a case - - they only answer general questions about the lens (and advertise it),  Then I tried sending some facts and my request to have a representative intervene, via cert mail RRR, to the address on the crystalens card I received the day of the surgery.  It was returned "moved and left no forwarding address".

I am considering writing to the FDA who approved the product.  There must be some government agency that has oversight and could regulate the training of the surgeons or would have the authority to recall the product if there are enough complaints, or cite the manufacturer for false and misleading advertising if warranted.  The only thing I didn't try was insisting that my surgeon call a rep to come in.

[foreveryoung757]

I live in North Miami Beach and tried to select one of the best doctors available. Studied the internet for months.  Was recommended by the Dr. to use crystalens to correct my 5 +deg farsightedness. I had the surgery on 1 eye 2 months ago and am totally disappointed. My life changed, i am like in a jail because I can barely leave home and in a jail inside myself. In the supermarkets, malls, driving at night is hell.  First I became nearsighted (which the Dr. tried to correct with an "mini RK" proceedure which I barely see results).  But the worse yet are the glares, halos, star bursts !  I was so vibrant and became depressed.

Crystalens seem to be a lie. I am not sure whether my doctor screwed up or the mechanism of the IOL does not work properly. I told the doc that I paid from my pocket $4,000 and lost millions of dollars.

Anybody has a recommendation ?  Shld I sue the doc, crystalens manufacuturers or what ?  Where can I file a complaint ?  I only know that I cannot live like that.

By my bloody depressing experience I DO NOT RECOMMEND CRYSTALENS.

Luiz Gomes
***@****

[ace399]

I had the same problem with a Crystalens HD in my right eye.  Eventually, my Dr. replaced it with the new Restor lens.  My Dr. suspects that a tightening of the capsule (it doesn't take much) could have been the cause.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Get a second opinion.  Look on the Crystalens website and go to a center of excellence.

Dr. O.