Many problems with Crystalens

[jefields]

After much stress in the decision process, I'm going to ask my surgeon to go ahead and exchange the Crystalens in my left (dominant) eye for the ReStor, which was at his suggestion. I have put it off because I have such good intermediate vision in that eye, but that's really all it has going for it. I continue to feel fuzzy-eyed when I am in any space larger than my office cubicle. Any larger area   just makes me uncomfortable because of the cloudiness/blurriness in my left eye. My guess is that this is because my left eye is trying to see distance and the Crystalens did not accommodate for that. The ReStor that my doctor suggested using would be "calibrated" (don't know if that's a proper medical term) for arm's length close vision with a good distance vision.

At this point, I don't care if I have to wear glasses all the time. I'm used to wearing progressives. I just want to end the uncomfortable feeling in my left eye and be able to see. It doesn't even feel right when I blink. But the ReStor in the right eye has felt comfortable from day one.

The Crystalens has been in for 9-1/2 weeks. Any comments are appreciated. I just think I am using up precious time hoping that the Crystalens will start working right.

Thanks,
jefields

[fletch361]

How have your results been with the crystalens?  Is you vision improving?

[fletch361]

I am 53 and just had cataract surgery on 1/22/14 on my left eye.  I have cataracts on both eyes from vitrectomy surgeries to repair macular holes.  I had wanted Crystalens.  I had laser cataract surgery with LRI for slight astigmatism.  After removing cataract I did not have good support for crystalens.  They put in the new Restor.  I can see distance like I never have experienced in my life.  Intermediate is excellent and only need readers if my eye is tired.  The downside is contrast sensitivity.  Granted it has only been a week.  Met with surgeon today and hope to have crystalens implanted in my right in a few weeks.  If it cannot be done I will have standard monofocal set for distance and use reading glasses.  I don't know about everyone else but there was no promise made that I ever would be glasses free just not so glasses dependent.  If I can watch TV, drive, work out at the gym, work in the yard, ride my bike, go for a run without glasses on my face or having to put a contact in my eye I will be a satisfied patient.  I am ok with cheater readers.  I will post my outcome on my second surgery.  Going to Associates in Opthamology in Pittsburgh Pa they have been wonderful.  

[KayakerNC]

My brother-in-law had cataract surgery (in Michigan) last year and received the Crystalens in one eye and then in the other eye a month later.
He is thrilled with the surgery and the lenses and says it only took a couple of weeks of "training"  the eye to see perfectly.  If he is tired or the light is poor, he will use a pair of reading glasses, but normally he reads without problems.
$2500 per eye out-of-pocket.  I think a lot of the complaints about the Crystalens are regarding the 1st generation of the IOL, so I wouldn't rule it out just yet.

[joe49424]

I am 65 and scheduled for surgery on both eyes next month. My doctor didn't recommend any multifocal lens or the crystalens. I got excited about the cyrstalens and the promise of better vision when I first read about them. But after reading the reviews and experiences of the crystalens on this site I'm thinking I should stay with the standard monofocal lenses and supplement my vision with progressive eyeglasses like I've worn for the last 20 years. If anyone has advice or suggestions I would appreciate it very much. Thanks in advance.  Joe

[joe49424]

I am 65 and scheduled for surgery on both eyes next month. My doctor didn't recommend any multifocal lens or the crystalens. I got excited about the cyrstalens and the promise of better vision when I first read about them. But after reading the reviews and experiences of the crystalens on this site I'm thinking I should stay with the standard monofocal lenses and supplement my vision with progressive eyeglasses like I've worn for the last 20 years. If anyone has advice or suggestions I would appreciate it very much. Thanks in advance.  Joe

[JoeSchmuck]

I had a Crystalens implanted on 2 Jan 2014 and it's been just over 1 week now.  I was directed by my doctor to use reading glasses (+1.5 power) for the first week and after that to start reading without them.  I am working on the little card I was given and it was discouraging right off the bat because I could hardly read anything on the card.  I'm 51 and had a cataract just starting to impair my vision in my dominate eye so I went to a reputable Dr. and he said I was well qualified for any lens I chose.  I asked about the Crystalens and he said absolutely.  There were no warnings given except a disclaimer that any lens I got existed the possibility that I might need glasses.  Of course that was downplayed.

So I took the plunge and paid for it with high hopes that this lens would be the one.

Currently it's still a bit odd looking through this lens (hard to describe) but it is much better than when I had the cataract.  I do feel my outcome will be favorable as well.  My only concern right now is distance viewing.  Distances from 18" to about 40' are in very good focus.  Put something beyond 40' and it starts to be out of focus.  I am very particular about my focus.  I probably spend an extra 10 minutes with the eye doctor getting my prescription for glasses than the average individual.

So I guess I'm writing here to ask if there is something besides reading this card that I can do to ensure the best possible outcome.