Cataract surgery Crystalens

[Kasudo]

I had a Crystalens implant 2 weeks ago for a cataract in my left eye and am not happy at all because I don't have distance vision past about 5 feet, and can't read small letters.  My surgeon tells me that it will take time for my distance vision to come in and also my reading vision could take up to 12 months.  I don't want to have surgery in my right eye unless I know that this is true.  It cost me $2950.00 out of pocket for the Crystalens and don't want to pay for the other eye until I know that this lens will work within some time.  Can someone please give me some information as to when I will be able to see at long ranges and close?  Will this never happen?  What lens would be best?  My surgeon also corrected me for astigmatism as well.  

[Kasudo]

Thanks Caren...I am going to talk to them, or consult with another Clinic in my area.  I have heard so many differing opinions and don't know what to believe.  I'm confused about this whole situation..it's been 3 weeks now since my surgery and my distance vision hasn't improved at all.  

[caren123]

Dr. Oyakawa may be right - that you have a refractive error.  Mine was -1.50, in other words their measurements were off and the lens left me nearsighted.  You could seek a second opinion.  As far as reading is concerned, I believe that with Crystalens, unlike other lenses,  one needs to have very bright light (sunlight or neon light).  For reading small print on packages, I use abright light along with a  magnifying glass.  Hope this helps.

[jaysta36]

Thats funny Ray my vision is 20/15 eagle eye,no problems no edema corneal problems, sometimes the proof is in the pudding,not sceptics,the eye needs to recover,big difference is when you come off the drops,about 2 weeks after,when the eye is not as inflamed and dry

[Kasudo]

I hope you are right, I'm having eye surgery again on the 3rd of November, but think I should hold off to see what happens with my left eye.  I didn't want to have to wear glasses for distance and up close considering the cost of this IOL!  My distance vision is really lousy!

[Kasudo]

I did have an appointment last week with my eye surgeon and he told me I was doing fine that he has my vision as 20/30.  I wasn't really told how long it would take after surgery how long it would take for my distance vision, I just assumed I would be able to see soon after surgery.  I called and spoke with a tech and she told me for distance it could take 3 months and reading newspapers (Close vision) up to a year.  But, I have heard differing stories...don't know what to believe.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Jaysta36,

Your situation is not usual.  Unless there is another problem distance vision should recover much sooner.  A longer recover means there were problems with macular edema, corneal problems, etc.

It is best to make sure there is not a problem earlier than late.

Dr. O.

[jaysta36]

Ray you are wrong with that it took me 3.5months to get distance vision,then 6-9 months to get sharp vision,12months to sort out my glare and halos,Kasudo,dont worry!it will get alot better,just ride it out..

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You need to get a second opinion.  Distance vision is good within a few days and near vision should be close to newspaper reading and improve with time.  However, some doctors (I do this) use a long acting dilating drop that prevents near vision for about a week and have the patient use readers for two week before beginning exercises for near vision.

You most likely have residual astigmatism and refractive error.

Dr. O.