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Non-correcting IOLs vs. Crystalens, ReZoom or ReSTOR lenses
I'm 51, in fairly good health, have cataract surgery scheduled for 5/15 & have already had 2 laser surgeries to repair retinal detachments in that eye. (I posted on the post-op floater thread earlier today.)
I'm very nearsighted, astigmatic & now presbyopic. That eye's vision is very poor & I'm worried spending $2500 on a Crystalens (plus $$$ more for subsequent Lasik to fine tune) makes no sense for me. My cataract/Lasik doctor is highly regarded, but after 5 minutes with a support staffer, I was handed a Crystalens brochure. I knew I was being "upsold" & tried to resist the sales pitch. After spending a total of 15 minutes with me the Doc recommended the Crystalens as my best option (surprise!). I caved in & shuffled out of her office feeling dazed & soon-to-be-broke. And hopeful it would all work out OK.
After reading this & other patient forums, I'm considering delaying surgery or having a lens implanted that either doesn't correct my vision or is at least covered by Blue Cross PPO insurance. My questions are, are potential complications the same for all IOL's? Even the non-correcting type? Am I being paranoid and/or cheap? Are my $400 progressive/transitions lens glasses going to be totally useless on the 16th? Thanks Very Much for any advice you can offer, Doctor.
I'm very nearsighted, astigmatic & now presbyopic. That eye's vision is very poor & I'm worried spending $2500 on a Crystalens (plus $$$ more for subsequent Lasik to fine tune) makes no sense for me. My cataract/Lasik doctor is highly regarded, but after 5 minutes with a support staffer, I was handed a Crystalens brochure. I knew I was being "upsold" & tried to resist the sales pitch. After spending a total of 15 minutes with me the Doc recommended the Crystalens as my best option (surprise!). I caved in & shuffled out of her office feeling dazed & soon-to-be-broke. And hopeful it would all work out OK.
After reading this & other patient forums, I'm considering delaying surgery or having a lens implanted that either doesn't correct my vision or is at least covered by Blue Cross PPO insurance. My questions are, are potential complications the same for all IOL's? Even the non-correcting type? Am I being paranoid and/or cheap? Are my $400 progressive/transitions lens glasses going to be totally useless on the 16th? Thanks Very Much for any advice you can offer, Doctor.
your glasses will be worthless no matter what you do.
there is no "non-correcting" iol. even if you go with a traditional/cheap iol, the goal will still be to have little or no distance vision rx. you will definitely need reading glasses and glasses for computer use, but there is a distinct possiility that you could not need glasses to drive with...or at least reduced Rx from what you have now.
traditional iols are amazing, and very affordable. you will likely notice distinctly better vision. IMO the only thing the crystallens offers besides increased expense is a probability that you may not need glasses AT ALL. so it depends on what you're willing to put up with. if you dont mind wearing glasses and want to save a few thousand dollars, go with a traditional iol. if your goal is to be GLASSES FREE...the only way you will achieve that is with a multifocal iol like crystallens.
there is no "non-correcting" iol. even if you go with a traditional/cheap iol, the goal will still be to have little or no distance vision rx. you will definitely need reading glasses and glasses for computer use, but there is a distinct possiility that you could not need glasses to drive with...or at least reduced Rx from what you have now.
traditional iols are amazing, and very affordable. you will likely notice distinctly better vision. IMO the only thing the crystallens offers besides increased expense is a probability that you may not need glasses AT ALL. so it depends on what you're willing to put up with. if you dont mind wearing glasses and want to save a few thousand dollars, go with a traditional iol. if your goal is to be GLASSES FREE...the only way you will achieve that is with a multifocal iol like crystallens.
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