Crystalens HD for mild myopes

[bobanlou]

I've read several times that mild myopes (I'm 66 years old and have been -2.0 for the past 45 years) are the poorest candidates for a Crystalens HD cataract replacement lens.  Why is that the case?  Is it simply that I've been able to read fine print for years without glasses and that I may be disappointed that Crystalens may require corrective glasses for reading ?  Or does it have something to do with the geometry of the eye, making it more difficult to hit the target with a Crystalens implant as opposed to a monocular lens?

[caren123]

Your prior question as to whether I like the Crystalens - answer is that I did not get the far vision (best is 20/30 and that is using glasses over the crystalens) and I did not get the intermediate vision (I cannot see the t.v.) and I lost the reading ability I had as a nearsighted person.  I can only see clearly at a point (my fingertips) - before that point I cannot see images clearly and beyond that point I cannot see clearly.  I am suspecting the the lens is stuck, not flexing and therefore I am not getting accomodation.  Also the target was missed.  I have a refractive error of -1.50 which means the surgeon's measurement was off and I ended up more nearsighted when the target was for distance.  The 20/30 is only accomplished if I wear glasses.  So I need glasses for distance and for reading.  Very disappointed in the results.  Other complications after the surgery include stubborn retina edema and a retinal pucker which cause blurriness

[bobanlou]

Hi JodieJ, Do you have any comment on my following question?

"I've read several times that mild myopes (I'm 66 years old and have been -2.0 for the past 45 years) are the poorest candidates for a Crystalens HD cataract replacement lens.  Why is that the case?  Is it simply that I've been able to read fine print for years without glasses and that I may be disappointed that Crystalens may require corrective glasses for reading ?  Or does it have something to do with the geometry of the eye, making it more difficult to hit the target with a Crystalens implant as opposed to a monofocal lens?"

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

A minus 2 is a poor candidate for many of the premium IOLs due to the fact you near vision is very good without glasses, but your distance is poor

Crystalen HD (new Apsheric Crystalens is now available-I have it my eye).

The vision with the Crystalens is the poorest at near, it is the best for intermediate and distance.  Also,  it is the harder to hit target compared to other IOLs.

If interested in Crystalens find a center of excellence on the Crystalens website.

Dr. O.

[bobanlou]

How is your distance vision?  Do you need glasses for distance?  Assuming that your vision since childhood, i.e. glasses for distance/no glasses for reading, has now reversed since the surgery, i.e. glasses for reading/no glasses for distance, do you like your new distance/near trade-off better than the one you grew up with?

[caren123]

That is interesting.  I was never told that when I chose crystalens 6 months ago.  Instead it was completely up to me whether to have Crystalens or monofocal lens during cataract surgery.  I asked and was told that there would be no difference in risk for complications with either choice.  I've had -4.5 and -5.00 since childhood .  I am in my 60's.  I can no longer see to read after the implant.