IOL Removal

[Kate4499]

I had cataract surgery 5 months ago and every day since the bandgage was removed I can see the lens edge (definitely not a reflection) and feel as if I have something in my eye that needs to be removed.  After several opinions, etc. no one can figure out the problem.  I am OK with seeing lens edge but the issue of something in my eye has gotten quite problematic.  My surgeon is reluctantly going to remove the current lens and implant another type.  Can you tell me if you know of any patients who have experienced this and what the solution was.  I am a bit concerned about the removal as my doctor mentioned that he might not be able to get all of the lens out. Is there another surgeon in the SE that you could suggest I see.   Any suggestions you can offer would be appreciated.  I'm at my wits end.  

[Chetley]

Thanks greatly for your help.  I have definitely decided against the multifocal type of IOL.  With a capable surgeon, the Crystal Lens should have a good chance of working well.  I've heard that it is tricky to emplace and get the lens muscles to attach properly.  In one forum I remember it stated that the Crystal lens is a 5mm diameter IOL, while the monofocals are 6mm.  This, it was said, caused light to spill outside of the Crystal lens when the pupils were widened, and gave troublesome visual artifacts.  Does the Crystal Lens HD, which I believe is the newest model, defeat these problems?  Again, many thanks.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

In my opinion, post RK patients can only have a monofocal or accommodating IOL such as the Crystalens.  The cornea already has some multifocalty from the RK and adding a multifocal IOL will call additional visual disturbances.  

The new Crystalens is similar to the AT50 except is is aspheric.  This should give better night vision especially in someone with large pupils.  The visual quality of my Crystalens AO is very good.  

Dr. O.

[Chetley]

I am a 60 yr. old who had RK 19 years ago.  I will need cataract surgery in the left eye and want as clear distance and night vision as I can get afterwards.  My surgeon says the right will probably show cataract problems before a year is out.  I would like good intermediate vision but will wear progressive glasses as needed for reading.

In another thread you mentioned a new Crystal Lens coming out now.  Is this better than the HD for my case?  I've heard that with RK the Crystal Lens, as well as Restore have amplified visual artifact problems.  I appreciate your opinion greatly.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Google positive dysphotopsia and also use the search function on this forum.

Dr. O.