The right IOL for me

[baggyrinkle]

I'm 72 and have developed a cataract in my right eye and my left eye shows some minor cataract symptoms. My left eye is dominant and everything is blurry in my right eye. My left eye as corrected requires +1.5d and has a -.50 cylinder astigmatism. My right eye a -1.50 astigmatism. I recently had a cataract evaluation and eye exam. They recommended Crystalens for both eyes. However, after reading the discussions about multifocal IOL's I am very confused as to what I should do. I don't mind wearing reading glasses since I have a dozen of so dime store glasses for that. I prefer to achieve excellent distance vision and watch my big screen TV from about 12 feet. I am reluctant to have my left eye fixed before I can evaluate the success of my right eye. What would be the best solution for me?  I'm scheduled for cataract surgery in mid Jan. One question I have, is what is the typical depth of field for a mono IOL, ie, can I see the dash board of my car and still have 20 20 distant vision without glasses?

[Rudy1012]

Could you provide an update on your personal experience with the Crystlens AO lens implanted in your eye.  

I am 67 years ol;, I have been nearsighted  and have worn contacts most of my life;
My correction was usually in the -4.00 area, but since developing cataracts I now need contact lens correction in the -8.00 area.  My doctor has recommended the Ctystalens AO for both eyes.
I want very good night vision (distance and intermediate) and if I could get reasonable close vision also that would be great.  Will I be able to get better vision with the Crystalens AO than if I just did mini mono-vision with a standard Alcon monofocal aspheric lens?

Thanks

[Fleetfoot197]

Would you be kind enough to give us an update on your Crystalens AO?

Any feed back from others who have had the Crystalens AO implanted?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Hyperopic (farsighted) your left eye with less of a cataract is +1.50, + is hyperopic.  Your right eye is myopic -1.50 most likely due to the cataract.

The first Crystalens was the AT45, then At45SE, followed by AT50SE, then the Crystalens HD.  The next is aspheric.  Aspheric optic give better vision when the pupils dilate at night.

Crystalens works better in both eyes compared to one.  However,  my unoperated eye's near vision has improved to 20/20 at near (also 20/20 at distance) after the Crystalens AO in the other eye.  That eye is about 20/30 at near but don't forget it had multiple retinal detachment surgeries  and is only a little more than 2 wks post op.

Dr. O.

[baggyrinkle]

Thanks for the info. Can the crystalens be placed in only one eye since my left eye cataract has not advanced enough IMO. Also, what is the improvement in the new aspheric lens you refer to? Also, what do you mean by hyperopic? And what's this talk about Crystalens HD? Hype or substance? Thanks for your patience with my concerns.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You are hyperopic and a good candidate for the Crystalens.  I would use the search function to decide on what type of IOL you would desire.  My hyperopic patients do very well with the Crystalens.   The new aspheric Crystalens AO is scheduled for general release on Jan 1, 2010.

I had a Crystalens AO implanted in my non dominant eye on 11/24 and I am very happy.  My case was very complicated with 5 retinal detachment surgeries (including a epiretinal membrane peel before the cataract surgery.  I am very happy with the quality of vision.  It is very close to my normal eye.  

Dr. O.