IOL without UV protection? Must decide ASAP

[mortar94]

Please help -- I'm in the bad position of needing to make an important decision without much time -- thanks in advance to any who respond!

I am 49 and developed an anterior cataract after having a Visian phakic IOL implanted in May.  My surgeon feels sure it is directly related to the surgery.  I am scheduled on Monday (3 days away - this is Thursday night) for removal of the Visian lens and my natural lens, and insertion of a Crystalens AO.

This became an issue today when I saw my OD about irritation in the other eye (unrelated).  He shared his concerns about the lack of UV blocking in the Crystalens and the potential for vision disturbances if the lens shifts, due to the small optic size.

I did my best to find more information (my surgeon is out of the office for the rest of the week.)  What I read suggests that lens shift would cause less problem with the AO than with the HD.  But what really concerns me is the abundance of studies on retinal damage to aphakic eyes by UV rays.  I don't see how wearing top-quality sunglasses as instructed in the Crystalens literature could fully make up for having zero UV blocking in the lens.  It seems the odds for retinal damage would shoot up, especially since I am under 50.

Is there information I've missed that shows it isn't a significant issue?  Could any MDs address this?  And does anyone have experience with the AO having fewer optic problems?  Again, thank you in advance for your time.

  

[mortar94]

Thanks for responding, you helped clarify why I asked the question.  Studies of animal eyes with lenses removed show accelerated retinal damage on exposure to UV light.  I haven't found anything to show it wouldn't be a problem in human eyes.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

A natural lens does block UV.

Dr. O.

[allmymarbles]

A couple of weeks ago I read (somewhere) that the natural lens protects against UV.

[taurus1203]

Dr Oyakawa,
Does the natural lens have any UV protection ?
If no, then it mean crystalens will be the same as the natural lens regarding UV protection.

Thanks

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

There is no good evidence that uv blocking IOLs prevent macular degeneration.  


Dr. O.

[mortar94]

Yes, I've searched this site and others extensively and found great information (including your post about your Crystalens).  But I haven't found anything that mentions if the occurrence of macular degeneration is any different in Crystalens wearers because of the lack of UV protection  That's my major concern -- otherwise, I think Crystalens is my best option.      

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I have a Crystalens in my eye.  Use the search function.  There is NO perfect IOL.  You are probably very myopic and you have a higher chance of an retinal detachment after cataract surgery.  The AO has less problems with most doctors compared to the HD.

Dr. O.