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New Crystalens AO Experience?

I am 61 years old and have worn contacts for 47 years.  I now require cataract surgery.  My surgeon is highly respected in the local area and the second I have consulted.  His office is "pushing" the Crystalens.  I had surgery for retinal detachment last year and I also consulted with that surgeon who recommended going with basic monofocal implants.  

I am used to having "cheaters" everywhere and will be pleased to simply be able to see anything without contacts (I am -8.5 and -12).  While I would love to be able to dump them I am very intimidated by all the problems I've read concerning premium implants.  I tried monovision contacts several years ago and could not adjust to them.

Are the new "AO" lenses an improvement?  Does anyone have experience with them?   Thanks for any input.
Best Answer
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The decision is your to make. The Pros and Cons have been discussed here at length and can be accessed with the search feature and archives.

If I were you (which I'm not) i would choose a high quality aspheric monofocal IOL and opt for either distance mini-monofocal (0.00 at distance and -1.25 for mid/near) or a near mini-monofocal -1.00 and -2.25).

There are no studies but you might ask your retina surgeon that if you ever had another RD would it be easier for him to repair looking through a monofocal IOL or a accommodating IOL.

JCH MD
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Avatar universal
Since I did not adjust well to monofocal contacts isn't this indicative of a probability that I would have the same experience with monofocal IOLs?  Or could it be that the differential with the contacts was too great?

Thank you for your dedication and assistance to everyone here.
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Avatar universal
The Crystalens is made of silicone.  Some (but certainly not all) retinal surgeons prefer that their patients get acrylic IOLs.  The reason is that silicone oil (should you ever need it) can adhere to a silicone IOL, blocking the surgeon's view of the retina.  It's probably worth asking your retinal surgeon about this.
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Monofocal contacts are not monofocal IOLs. Contact lens strength is not the same as IOL strength.

JCH MD
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your prompt response.  I cannot determine what the focal numbers were when I tried monovision contact lenses as that Dr. has retired and moved but I did experience halos, glare and other problems discussed with multifocal lenses.
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Avatar universal
I forgot to mention a second concern.  I am unable to wear glasses because of the extreme degree of correction required and number of years with only contacts so I am wearing an eye patch over one eye while allowing it to return to it's natural shape.  My surgeon did the first measurement at my initial appointment and a second two weeks later.  Now my surgery is tentatively scheduled for 11/2, with one more measurement on 10/26.  Although the patch is aggravating, I am also concerned with whether this is sufficient time for my eye to return to it's natural shape.  I was under the impression that measurements would continue until there was a confirmation measurement but my Dr. does not believe this is a problem.
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