crystal lense implant

[Jeanne31]

I selected to have cataracts removed with the Crystal Lense implant in spite of higher cost because reading without glasses is important to me.  I had the right eye implant done June 24 and the doctor said it did not turn out well because of the "shallow" quality of my eyeball.  I assume the lense was the wrong magnification.  The doctor was advised to "piggyback" the Crystal Lense rather than remove it, but after the piggyback I still cannot read without glasses and I have difficulty reading with glasses.  After my last examination, the doctor wants to do a "TAG" on the right eye because of cloudyness.  I am waiting for my appointment September 23 and wondering if I will be able to see without glasses after the TAG and what should I do about the left eye.  It has been a very stressful summer for me.  Any comments?

[JodieJ]

Your surgeon has already done two procedures on your eye, with poor results.  In your place, I don't think I'd want him to try for the third time to get things right.  I'd get a second (and maybe third) opinion from a different surgeon (preferably someone board-certified and very experienced with the Crystalens).  If you live in the US, you can find board-certified cataract/refractive surgeons in your area by using the directory at www.aao.org.  You might have to call around to find out who is experienced with the Crystalens.  Best of luck.  

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

I agree with JodieJ   the procedure you're talking about is a YAG laser capsulotomy. Get your 2nd and 3rd opinion before the Yag as if your IOL needs removed and a differenty type of IOL put in its easier and safer before the YAG.

JCH MD

[BUTTERCUP109]

I had Crystalens 18 months ago strictly for presbyopia and I got absolutley nothing out of it in the way of near and intermediate vision. In fact my near and intermediate is worse, I've had all the lasik enhancements.. but still wear readers all day long in my work at the computer. However, I have had two bouts with a retinal disease and a really bad floater as a result of the procedure, so I am not an advocate or fan of Crystalens for presbyopia. I am trying to network with as many unhappy patients as possible. I'm researching a method right now of an ultrasound test that can help diagnose why the Crystalens failed and would be happy to tell you more. I think that without answers as to why it does not work, there is certainly no hope to solve the problem.

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

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