Crystalens Indications?

[mmedicineman]

Is the Crystalens (and others like it) used only in the case of cateracts? I had RK done on both eyes about 15 years ago. That worked fine for  about 5 years, then my vision worsened. I then had Lasik on both eyes. It has been about 10 years now and the vision is again worsening (especially the right eye). Wanted to know if a lens implant would be possable or is it limited to cateract patients?  Thanks, Jim

[lesli356]

I had RK done and now need cataract surgery.  What is best? Restor or Cyrstalene.  My nearsightness was extensive and after RK I have an astigmatism and map dot dystrophy.  My eyes are dry.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear mmedicineman,
A crystalens can be utilized; however, it is likely that your cornea may continue to change over time.  I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD who does both LASIK and implants to determine the best option for you.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

An RK eye already has multifocality.  It is best to have a Cryslalens if you want better accommodation.  The main difficulty of any post RK, PRK, LASIK, or scleral buckle eye is to hit target.  Also,  RK eyes tend to have variable vision through the day.

I has successfully implanted Crystalens IOL in post RK eyes.

Dr. O.

[JodieJ]

I'm not an eye care professional, but I've read that IOL power calculations are much less reliable post-RK.  The wrong power of the Crystalens might defeat the purpose of an accommodating IOL.  I've also gotten the impression from reading this forum that younger patients (who tend to have larger pupils) have more problems with glare and halos with the Crystalens.  In addition, there's the issue of advances in technology.  Every year or two, there seems to be a new Crystalens model introduced which is better than anything coming before it.  If you delay cataract surgery until you really need it, there are bound to be superior products available.  

[BUTTERCUP109]

Lens implants are only "FDA-approved" for cataract patients; however doctors are not legally restricted to using them only for cataract patients. It is the doctor's perogative to use them strictly for refractive purposes as they see fit, so it would be totally between you and the doctor. Be aware of all the risks, however. They are significantly greater than cornea-based refractive surgery.