Feedback wanted on Crystalens

[dakamala]

I am considering Crystalens and would like to hear from anyone who has had it for the purpose of vision correction not cataracts.  I am 43 and have been told that I am a good candidate since I am not a candidate for Lasik but have also been told noboby my age should have it done.  I'm confused.

[hud]

at first there was some glaring headlights with halos. I had halos before the surgery so I was kind of used to that. but after a couple of weeks, either they went away or my brain got used to it. I have no nighttime issues now, not that I ever liked driving at night.
On my last dr visit I was talking to another Restor patient who had just got the latest restor which filters blue light. Most implants filter UV only, but now I wished it was available when I had my surgery. I asked my dr about it, and he said there are some studies that show removing the human lens also removes some of the retinal protection from light damage. My mother has macular degeneration and I want to take any precautions I can.
as for Jesse's comments, he's right that I am using the internet to pass rumors, but I know a lot of docs, and unfortunately, some do have serious conflicts of interest. crystalens works for a small set of people and the company would probably love to sell to as many surgeons that would buy. You're doing what you have to do-research.

[steph7]

Thanks for your input.  Tell me, do you have any night-time distortions?  Halos?  or, is all near perfect?

[Jesse Optics]

HUD, For someone who doesn't like anecdotes you just accused a doctor in Austin of conflict of interest and then accused the company of selling only to people who invest in them, exactly is what wrong with the internet, If you own a keyboard you have a forum than can be abused.

I thoroughly investigated the crystalens and restor for my dads surgery, both are excellent choices. I'm glad your surgery went well and you have received the benefits you desired. My dad is extremely happy with his crystalens surgery also.

For those reading this thread that want to compare facts please see the links below.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p030002.html
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/MDA/DOCS/p040020.html

JO

[hud]

I'm in Austin and it sounds like you saw a well known MD who recommends the crystalens. What is not well known that he has a sizable equity investment in the company that makes it. I have researched all the implant options, and anecdotes don't impress me. Every person is different, and there are good auto mechanics and bad auto mechanics. One doctor told me that the other crystalens surgeons here have stopped because their results were not consistent.
My goal was to avoid having a pair of glasses in every room, car, etc. The FDA data that swayed me was the percent of patients never using glasses after surgery. The crystalens was something like 20%, the Array/rezoom was 41%, but the Alcon Restor was 80%.
It has been 2 months since my surgery and I have been reading the stock charts as well as driving at night without problems (or glasses). I'm sure that the other lenses could have given me some improvement, but to eliminate glasses altogether is huge for me. you should check out the restor website.

[Eye Guy]

That sounds like a good plan.  I commend your research on the subject. Good luck!

[steph7]

Thanks again.  I do think that the exam was very thorough.  The doc appears to have the latest in equipment.  I felt more confident for some reason with this doc. than with the first; I think, because the initial exam was so thorough.  But.. yes, he pretty much recommends surgery.  At the same time, he was clear in that it would not provide 20 20 in all areas.  He wanted to be sure that my expectations were not exaggerated.  He told me that the crystalens would improve my reading, but I may still need a light powered enhancement sometimes... but generally should be able to be reading glass free.  He told me distance would be noticeably improved, as would closer range.  He also told me that with crystalens, I'd have less chance of halos, etc. while driving at night. You're description of of what one should look for fits what he said.  None the less, I think that I am most comfortable waiting a bit.  I agree.. I have a lot of time and lens are ever changing.  It is not the surgery I question.  It's the lens.  I am feeling there are too many kinks.  I really didn't notice any change with the temp plugs.  I guess then, I'll go ahead with the permanent ones.    

I appreciate your input.  I don't think you come off negative; rather, you are simply stating facts, and givng good food for thought. I'm thinking while I wait a bit, I might try contact lenses.. for mono vision.  See how that works. out.