To Dr. MKJ

I had Crystalens placed in both eyes in April at the recommendation of my surgeon after I had specifically asked if there were any lens available that would make it possible for me not to have to wear reading glasses?  I paid an extra $4000 for the lens.  While my distance and middle vision is really good, except for using computer, I still need glasses to read newspaper or a book.  When I complained about this situation, my surgeon had a Crystalens tech come into her office to talk to me.  His explanation, along with my surgeons, for my needing reading glasses was because I had dry eye.  I had this condition before I had my surgery but no one informed me this condition might prevent me from being able to read close-up without glasses.  Crystalens tech suggested the surgeon do a Yag procedure, which she did on my right eye two weeks ago.  No improvement at all.  Do you have any suggestions or advise that I can take to the surgeon?  I have every intention of fighting this because because I certainly did not get what I paid for.  I must add that my surgeon just began using Crystalens in March because she did not like the old generation of Crystalens.  I need help.

Thank you

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You have a pretty good crystalens result.  This lens really doesn't give very strong reading vision and I advise patients that they will likely still need at least weak reading glasses for reading.  The main beef that you may have is that the surgeon may have overpromised and underdelivered.  It's better the other way around.  You have every right to complain to him and it is best to put it in writing.  At present if you have lasik to make the eye more myopic and see better, you will have less distance vision.  Don't expect much from the yag - wish it was that easy to improve things.  I think the main problem is that you may have been overpromised what to expect.

MJK MD

[Rita732]

Thank you for your response.   In your opinion, if I had the aspheric monofocal IOL lens installed, would I have had as good a result as I have now with the Crystalens?  I have an appointment with my surgeon and this info would be very helpful when I speak to her.

Rita

[JodieJ]

If your aspheric monofocal IOLs were set for modified monovision (dominant eye for distance, nondominant for intermediate) and all went as planned, you would not need glasses to use the computer.  This is better than what you have now.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The answer is yes, perhaps.  But you're going into the past.  You need to look forward.

MJK MD

[Rita732]

Sorry, Doctor, but not sure what you mean.  I need to look forward in what way?  Are you suggesting I stay with the Crystalens and try to get my money back?  Or try the Crystalens HD if offered?  Or are you suggesting I accept the Crystalens as is and just get a script for reading glasses?  Or are you suggesting something else?  Sorry for being so dense. ;-)

[Rita732]

Thanks again, Jodie.  I know two friends who have the monofocal lens and they can read their computers and only need reading glasses for small print.  My husband is going with me tomorrow.  He has the monofocal lens and my surgeon insists he can not see as well as I can.  He seems to see as well as I do.  With both of us there, she can test us both and we'll see what happens.  She's very good at taking all the time needed if a problem comes up.  I was told today by one of her office workers that other patients who got the Crystalens after me are "having trouble adjusting".  I didn't ask but that tells me there are others who are having the same problem I am with reading.    

I found the Crystalens pamphlet she gave me to read before I had the lens implanted.  I re-read it very carefully last night.  No where does it mention dry eye or anything else as a hinderance to receiving the lens. It also states the Crystalens is determined to be 100% for distance, intermediate, and near - one can read a newspaper and telephone book without glasses.  I knew I was told that but it's good to have their own words in my hand.  

Rita  

Rita

[JodieJ]

I can certainly understand your anger.  Those promises in the Crystalens advertisements are a far cry from what the IOL can actually deliver.  But at least you've gotten a reasonably good outcome--crisp distance vision (and pretty good intermediate).  If you look through the archives of this forum, you'll see that some people have had terrible problems with the Crystalens, and some have paid out-of-pocket fees of $10,000 or more.  And there are MANY more posts describing debilitating problems with Rezoom and ReStor, which also involve large out-of-pocket fees.

I really can't understand how the manufacturers of these multifocal/accommodating IOLs can get away with making such false and misleading claims.  I'll be very interested in finding out how your appointment goes tomorrow.  

[Rita732]

Actually I have very clear, crisp distance and intermediate vision.  But when it comes to reading fine print, I do need glasses.  Maybe I have had a good response with the lens.  It's just I wasn't given all the options before I spent the $4000.  That's what has me really p***ed.

I will let you know how I make out ASAP tomorrow.  It's very hard for me to take a stand when someone just poo-poo's what I have to say.  I don't think she is used to people my age questioning her.  This time I will take a firm stand until I get all my questions fully answered to my satisfaction.  

Keeping my fingers crossed...
Rita

[Rita732]

I know you have done some research regarding problems with Crystalens.  Is there a link where I could access what you found?

I am curious...can Crystalens be explanted after 4 months and then have other lens, such as aspheric monofocal IOL's, implanted?  I'm just curious if it can be done and if it would eliminate the problems I'm having with the Crystalens.

I am suddenly experiencing a bad halo effect with shooting spears at night while driving.  

Thank you.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I would stick with what you have.  At worst you aren't getting the accommodative near effect you expected.  That's where you would be with a monofocal lens, basically.  With a new monofocal implant, there is still no guarantee to be free of halos.  Do you see where I am going.  I would make the best of it.

MJK MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'm basically going to have to refer your questions back to your ophthalmologist or another second opinion ophthalmologist in your area.  This issue is between you and her/him.  Sorry.

MJK MD

[Rita732]

I have come to the same conclusion, to just make the best of it.  If I can get a script for close-up reading glasses that also have a coating to prevent the halos and flares at night, I'll be happy.  

It's the unnecessary money spent and the betrayal of my trust that bothers me the most, but it is what it is.  I do have an appointment today regarding the halo's.  I'm sure the money matter will come up. I took your advise and sent my surgeon a document
detailing the false promises from both her and the Crystalens rep.  

I do not want anyone to touch my eyes again.  I can see from all the posts that adding on or changing lens really don't seem to change things much.

Thanks for your support and answers...
Rita