Questions about Crystalens Eye Surgery

    SILICON VALLEY, CA, June 26, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Crystalens is an intraocular lens (IOL) that can be implanted by an ophthalmologist to treat cataracts. By replacing the eye's natural lens with a Crystalens, you have an increased chance of seeing well at all distances compared to those who have standard intraocular lens implants. In fact, most patients are able to see 20/40 or better after surgery, making it possible to view a television across the room, as well as a computer screen.

Most amazing to patients is that the Crystalens can treat both cataracts and presbyopia (loss of near sightedness) with the same lens. The unique Crystalens makes it possible to enjoy activities that use all three distances - reading a book, working on a computer and driving a car.

Who is a good candidate for a Crystalens?

Knowing if you are a good candidate for Crystalens is your first step in deciding between an IOL and the Crystalens that offers focusing ability in varying distances. Here is a list of those who might be good candidates:

- Patients who are good candidates for monofocal IOLs are also good candidates for Crystalens
- Individuals who have healthy eyes
- Those patients who have not previously had cataract surgery
- Patients who do not suffer from major health problems

How does a Crystalens function?

When the ophthalmologist replaces your eye's natural lens with a Crystalens, he removes the old lens that has become rigid with age. In its place, he implants the Crystalens to simulate the eye's natural focusing ability. Just like the eye's lens, the Crystalens moves and flexes in response to the eye's muscle contractions. In many cases, the Crystalens can reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses.

How is the Crystalens different from standard cataract surgery?

Prior cataract surgery could only treat your cataracts, but not the presbyopia that occurs with aging, so patients were still dependent upon glasses for close and mid-range computer distances. The Crystalens offers a broader range of vision to reduce that need for optical assistance throughout your day.

After Crystalens will my distance return to 20/20?

No eye surgeon can promise everybody treated with Crystalens will obtain 20/20 vision, because everybody's eyes are different. However, most Crystalens patients do obtain superior vision, report excellent results, and enjoy most of their daily activities without the need of glasses.

Will the Crystalens affect my driving?

All IOLs, including the Crystalens can create some glare and halos while driving at night. However, because the Crystalens works like the eye's natural lens and delivers available light rays at all distances, the Crystalens typically produces fewer halos and less glare to those driving at night.

To learn more about the Crystalens and what it can do to correct your vision at distance and up close, please visit the website of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley at www.lasikdocs.com/gary-kawesch, Bay area ophthalmologist, Dr. Gary Kawesch, has been the owner and medical director since the facility opened its doors in 1992.

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