WHAT IS THE CRYSTALENS? The first and only FDA approved accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). The only lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye with a single focal point throughout a continuous range of vision from far to near. The Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens is engineered with a hinge designed to allow the optic, or part of the lens that you see through, to move back and forth as you constantly change focus on images around you. HOW DOES THE CRYSTALENS ACCOMMODATING IOL WORK? Most people%26apos;s vision remains stable until their late 40%26apos;s. At that time, the eye%26apos;s natural crystalline lens begins to gradually enlarge and harden. This is followed by the eventual formation of a cataract. Overtime, it becomes difficult for the muscle in the eye to automatically focus your lens on the people and things in your life that matter most. This is known as loss of accommodation, or presbyopia, and its earliest symptom is difficulty seeing things close-up. The Crystalens is the first intraocular lens, or IOL, for cataracts that also provides accommodation. How? All other IOLs are fixed and stationary within the eye. The Crystalens is unique because it actually moves and flexes within the eye allowing it to change power or accommodate. This lens allows clear vision at distance and intermediate, but for some patients, small objects up close may still be slightly out of focus. Some patients will need reading glasses for very small print or tiny objects up close. WILL I DEFINITELY SEE 20/20 NEAR AND FAR AFTER SURGERY? The Crystalens has been designed to focus your eyes at all distances after cataract surgery. While virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery, some people will not see 20/20 at all distances. The two-year clinical trial performed by Dr. Dell that supported the FDA approval of the Crystalens indicated that 92%25 of the people enrolled in the study (implanted in both eyes) could see 20/25 or better at distance, 96%25 could see 20/20 at arm%26apos;s length and 73%25 could see 20/25 at near without glasses or contact lenses. What is more exciting is that 98%25 of these people could pass the Texas drivers test, 100%25 could see their computer and dashboard, read the prices in the supermarket or put on their makeup, and 98%25 could read the telephone book or newspaper, all without glasses or contact lenses. Some patients implanted with the Crystalens still require glasses for certain activities. WHAT ABOUT MID-RANGE AND COMPUTER VISION? Your ability to see at approximately arm%26apos;s length (mid-range) will be greatly enhanced with the Crystalens. Over 96%25 of people enrolled in the clinical study were able to see 20/20 at arm%26apos;s length without correction. WILL I SEE WELL IN VARIOUS LIGHTING CONDITIONS? The Crystalens functions very much like the normal human lens. It is important to remember that reading vision in low light is also influenced by the overall health of your eye and by the condition of the light sensors in the retina. As we get older our ability to see in low light conditions may start to decrease. It is always best to read in good light conditions. HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF I AM A CANDIDATE FOR THE CRYSTALENS? A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Dell is the first step to determine the best technology for your eyes. Virtually everyone with good general health is a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to having surgery. People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eye is in good health. If you have already had cataract surgery in both eyes, you are not a candidate for the Crystalens procedure. SHOULD I HAVE THE CRYSTALENS IMPLANTED IN BOTH EYES? Typically cataracts will develop in both eyes. If only one eye has a cataract, only one implant is necessary. Dr. Dell%26apos;s research has determined that The Crystalens works very well when implanted in both eyes; however, there are many situations in which it is best to combine The Crystalens in one eye with a different type of implant in the other eye. The best strategy for your individual needs will be discussed at length at the time of your consultation with Dr. Dell. HOW LONG WILL THE SURGERY TAKE? WILL I FEEL ANYTHING? The Crystalens procedure is performed in Dr. Dell%26apos;s outpatient surgical facility, Texan Surgery Center. You will arrive at Texan Surgery Center about an hour before the procedure. A number of eye drops will be placed in your eye and you will be administered medications to help you relax. The eye drops anesthetize your eye and dilate your pupil. Once in the surgery suite, you will lie down on a comfortable bed, a microscope will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to look up into the light of the microscope. The actual surgery usually takes less than 10 minutes. Dr. Dell will talk you through the procedure. You should feel no pain, only slight pressure on your eye. All you have to do is relax and hold still. Once the surgery is complete, additional drops will be placed in your eye to prevent infection and decrease inflammation. Someone will need to drive you home. Once at home, you should rest for the remainder of the day. You should avoid any strenuous activities. A doctor will see you the day after surgery to examine your eye. Do not rub your eye. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT SOMETHING COULD GO WRONG? The contemporary treatment for cataracts is to remove the crystalline lens and replace it with an implantable lens. The Crystalens represents the state-of-the-art in implantable lens design and is the result of over 50 years of evolution in the treatment of cataracts. The medical procedure to implant the Crystalens is the same safe, proven cataract surgery performed annually on over 7 million eyes globally. Over 40 million procedures have been done in the last 25 years. But because it is surgery, it is not completely risk-free. Complications of cataract surgery range from minor, usually temporary side effects, to sight-threatening complications. Fortunately, significant sight-threatening complications are extremely rare, and include, but are not limited to bleeding, infection, retinal detachment, need for more surgery, need for glasses or contact lenses, complications requiring removal of the implanted lens, partial or total loss of vision. In addition, people with existing medical conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic inflammatory conditions, and chronic infections are at a higher risk of developing complications. Current data indicates that 98%25 of people have no complications after cataract surgery and more than 95%25 have improved vision. WHAT WILL MY VISION BE LIKE AFTER SURGERY? Your distance will usually be very good within a day or two after surgery. The mid-range and near vision may take a bit longer. It is sometimes difficult to judge the results until the second eye has undergone surgery. Everyone%26apos;s focusing ability is different. Most people will be able to see clearly in the distance, have excellent middle vision, and will be able to read a newspaper without glasses, but some people may be more comfortable with additional glasses correction, particularly at night or in dim light. It is important to remember that implant surgery cannot resolve pre-existing visual conditions such as floaters, flashes, or visual field loss that are a result of conditions of the eye and not related to the lens. It may be necessary for some people to wear glasses for distance and/or near vision to obtain optimal visual acuity. Our goal is to reduce any need for spectacles down to a bare minimum. WHAT IF MY RESULTS ARE CLOSE TO PERFECT, BUY NOT QUITE PERFECT? All eyes behave differently, and despite careful measurement, some eyes do not wind up with perfect 20/20 vision for distance, mid-range and near. This is especially true in eyes that have undergone prior refractive surgery such LASIK, PRK or RK. In these cases, Dr. Dell will decide the best course of treatment, which may include additional surgeries such as LASIK to fine-tune the results of the original surgery. WHEN CAN I RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES AFTER CRYSTALENS SURGERY? Typically, you will be able to return to normal activities within a day or two after implantation with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light, but you should be able to drive and return to work in two to three days. Your doctor will provide you with medications to prevent infection and decrease inflammation, and will provide a protective shield to cover your eye while sleeping for the night after surgery. A pair of sunglasses will decrease your sensitivity to light as well as providing protection during the day. You also must avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye. You should refrain from activities that could increase your chances of getting hit in the eye. Wear your protective sunglasses when outdoors. You can shower and wash your hair as long as you avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eye. Refrain from using eye makeup, lid liner, and mascara for one week after implantation. You should avoid public swimming pools, hot tubs, or other sources of bacterial contamination for two weeks. CAN I GO TO MY LOCAL EYE DOCTOR FOR FOLLOW-UP CARE AFTER SURGERY WITH DR. DELL? After our staff has determined that you are medically stable, it may be possible to have additional follow-up visits with your local eye doctor. For patients traveling from out of town, please consult our office in advance for a listing of doctors from your city who may have trained with Dr. Dell, and would be qualified to provide continued care. You should immediately contact our office if you have problems or any doubts about your eyes after surgery. WILL I HAVE TO HAVE CATARACT SURGERY AGAIN? Once your cataracts are removed and replaced with an implantable lens, you will never have to have cataract surgery again. Sometimes however, after the lens has been placed in the eye, the vision may start to become cloudy once again. This is sometimes called a %26quot;secondary cataract%26quot; but actually refers to the clouding of the membrane that surrounds the implant. This membrane originally surrounded the human lens. When the cataract was removed, all that remained was this membrane into which the artificial lens was implanted. The membrane healed around the artificial lens, securely holding it in place in the eye. Unfortunately, sometimes the same conditions that caused the original cataract will cause the build up of cells on the membrane behind the implant. These cells will block the vision and have to be treated with a laser. A laser is used to make an opening in the membrane behind the implant, immediately improving vision. This is done painlessly without an anesthetic and takes just a few minutes. Once this is done, no further surgery related to your cataracts should be required. I HAVE DRY EYES. WILL LENS IMPLANTATION HELP THIS OR WILL I STILL NEED ARTIFICIAL TEARS? Implant surgery typically will have very little influence on chronic dry eyes. This condition is related to a variety of internal and external medical conditions and is sometime associated with aging or medications. You should consult your doctor on a therapy that is most suited to the cause and severity of your condition as well as your lifestyle. WHAT WILL THE CRYSTALENS SURGERY COST? IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE? Since each patient%26apos;s vision is different and unique, the cost for the Crystalens procedure will vary. Insurance coverage varies greatly from policy to policy. Generally speaking, if you have a cataract that requires removal for medical reasons, a large portion of the Crystalens procedure will be covered by insurance. If you do not have a cataract that requires removal, and are seeking the Crystalens simply to eliminate glasses, no insurance coverage will apply. Dr. Dell%26apos;s staff will review your insurance coverage alternatives prior to your surgery. I DONT LIVE IN AUSTIN. CAN YOU RECOMMEND A GOOD SURGEON IN MY AREA FOR THE CRYSTALENS? All surgeons who are implanting the Crystalens have gone through a comprehensive training and evaluation course. Dr. Dell has trained several hundred such surgeons around the US. Typically, these surgeons have been performing cataract surgery for years and apply many of the same techniques to implanting the Crystalens. Call our office at 512-327-7000 for a local recommendation. Many surgeons have websites where you can learn about the doctor and the practice. There is no substitute for a face-to-face consultation with the surgeon prior to undergoing implant surgery. HOW LONG HAS THE CRYSTALENS BEEN IN USE? The Crystalens has been implanted in over 100,000 patients with great success. Dr. Dell%26apos;s original research from 2001 led to FDA approval in 2003, and data continues to be collected that shows excellent visual outcomes with few reports of complications. WHAT ABOUT RESTOR, TECNIS, REZOOM AND OTHER LENSES? Dr. Dell uses all the various IOLs in surgery and makes a decision with each patient regarding the technology that is best for their individual needs. There are cases in which other lenses are a better choice than the Crystalens. Some patients even receive different lenses in their right and left eyes. The decision regarding which technology is best for you should be made in consultation with your surgeon. Dr. Dell is considered an expert by the eye surgery community in this decision process. His popular %26quot;Dell Questionnaire%26quot; is used by hundreds of surgeons worldwide as a means of lens selection. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Dell, call 512-327-7000.
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