Before my surgery, I promised myself I would post my results to this forum, whether they were terrible or perfect. When I was trying to choose a lens, I appreciated every first-hand report, so I'll share my story in the hopes of helping others.
Short version: Male, 40's, Florida, myopia (-4) with astigmatism (-4) in each eye, no cataracts or other problems. Got Crystalens HD with LRI's in both eyes. Both were targeted at -0.25, and were done one week apart. After six weeks, distance vision is 20/25 and improving, intermediate vision is outstanding, and I can read J1 (or better).
Long version:
The procedures: First/right eye was uneventful. Left eye had an issue with the pressure during closing, so required stitches. No pain during either procedure, and during the first I never even saw a hand, blade, or anything else. My corneal astigmatism was about -2, with-the-rule.
Initial vision: In the post-op recovery room, I was able to see the clock on the wall about 20 feet away. So I knew right away that I wasn't blind. Within a day, each eye was able to see my computer screen (a laptop at about 24"). Intermediate vision to about 8 feet came in over the next several days, and distance vision became good enough for me to feel safe driving after about a week.
Six weeks later:
My near vision is outstanding, even though I haven't done any exercises. In good light, I can easily read all the tiny print on the back of a credit card. With no real effort, I can focus to about 16". At times, I can focus as close as about 12". At computer distances (2-3'), my vision is nearly perfect. I switched to a smaller font on my computer. At TV distance (8') things are not yet perfectly clear, but I think that is partly due to the stitches that have not yet been removed from my left eye. I have no trouble watching TV.
My distance vision has been slow to come in, which was a surprised based on my research. In a relaxed state, everything is a bit blurry...probably something like 20/40. But I can pull my eye muscles a certain way, and draw it into focus. So far, I can do it pretty easily for one eye at a time. I'm still practicing doing it for both eyes at the same time. I suspect my right eye would be 20/15 or at worst 20/20 by itself. My left eye is probably more like 20/30 or 20/40 now, but should improve. For now, it still has the stitches, may still have a little astigmatism (not sure yet), and has a week less of recovery time behind it.
My vision is better sometimes than at other times. Not hugely, but sometimes I can't read distant text that I was able to read the previous day. I assume it is a combination of dryness (I am still using over-the-counter moisturizing drops at times), tiredness, subtle lighting changes, and just the fact that my brain is still learning how to use these new dynamic lenses.
I have noticed a few issues with glare, but they have been minor. Light shining in from above or the side can make it harder to see clearly. At certain angles, I see little golden sparkles. but moving my eye a bit makes them go away. Night driving is probably a bit better than it was with my eyeglasses, with slightly smaller halos and starbursts.
My (unplanned) stitches were the least pleasant part of the whole experience. They were slightly painful at times a couple days post-op, and a few times a day they still just feel uncomfortable. As if I have a contact lens in my eye (which I never liked). The LRI's were a bit uncomfortable at times for a couple days, but healed more quickly than I expected.
I have used reading glasses once or twice in the last week, mostly due to poor lighting. I'm not sure I would say I "needed" them, but I'll probably keep a pair around the house. Plus a magnifying glass, for when I want to get really close to something. Other than that, I hope to be glasses-free for the rest of my life. Yay!
Overall, so far, I am extremely happy with the outcome. I am definitely happy that I went with the HD's instead of any other IOL's that are available today. I know not everyone has a great outcome with these lenses, but when you do, it is unbeatable.
Final thoughts: Don't settle for the older Crystalens Five-0 (non-HD) model. Choose a doctor that you have a lot of confidence in. Unexpected things may come up, so you want someone you trust. Don't expect the Crystalens to work perfectly right away...allow at least 3-4 weeks, and realize that your vision may continue to improve for weeks or months after that. Understand that things can go wrong; this is not yet a perfect science. Even with a "good" outcome, your vision might not be as good as you had hoped, you might need reading glasses, or distance glasses. Do your research, get all your questions answered, make your choice, and hope for the best.