Requesting Update on Crystalens AO

[Rudy1012]

To: Dr Oyakawa
Could you provide an update on your personal experience with the Crystlens AO lens implanted in your eye.  

I am 67 years old;, I have been nearsighted  and have worn contacts most of my life;
My correction was usually in the -4.00 area, but since developing cataracts I now need contact lens correction in the -8.00 area.  My doctor has recommended the Ctystalens AO for both eyes.
I want very good night vision (distance and intermediate) and if I could get reasonable close vision also that would be great.  Will I be able to get better vision with the Crystalens AO than if I just did mini mono-vision with a standard Alcon monofocal aspheric lens?

Whtt is your experience with the Crystalens AO and level of satisfaction

Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Cataract surgery is generally done when the person cannot do things they need to do or enjoy doing and cataracts are the main (or only cause). Only you can answer that. Most eye MD grade cataracts one to four plus with 4 plus being a very big hard cataracts.  Usually stage 2 or 3 is whe most people opt to have surgery.  How well you see after surgery depends on two things: 1. the health of the rest of your eye. Other problems like macular degeneration or glaucoma will still be there after surgery and 2. How well the surgery goes and 95% of people have no problems or complications.

JCH MD

[crystalversusold]

My doctor says I have stage 3 cataracts and recommends surgery. However I can be corrected to 20/20 with lenses. Would you recommend surgery at this stage?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

WHOAH!!  If you can still drive at night and are "ok" with your vision you do not have to have cataract surgery.  Cataract surgery is elective and in most instances the person that says "let's do surgery" is the patient. Exceptions are for cataracts are getting too hard or people that do not see well enough to drive that either have to have surgery or stop driving.

SECOND: If you decide to have surgery because YOU want you do not need to spend $5000 extra for a "Premium" IOL.  The regular monofocal IOL that Medicare covers are very good.

You can step back and get a  second opinion about the surgery. You can say "NO" my vision is not bad enough to have surgery now. OR "I don't want the expensive IOLs I'll take the regular monofocal IOL

JCH MD

[loumer217]

I'm a 70 yrs old woman and my Opthalmogist recommended a Restore surgery for my cataract, for both eyes. I still drive at night and except difficulty reading the freeway signs,
and glare from the opposite vehicles (I try to stay at the right most lane to avoid glare).
I'm still comfortable with my progressive glasses. How long do you think i can  forego the surgery, my doctor said the cataract is not that bad yet. He's planning a surgery
on my left eye on April 26, 2011 and then on my right eye after a month. I have to decide
whether to have the surgery which will cost  a lot of money soon. Please help me. Thank you.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Post again tomorrow on even date
JCH MD