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crystalens accomodating lens

I am a M57 active and in good general health.  I recently went to a local optometrist for an eye exam.  I was told since my last exam (12 mos ago) my right eye has gone from a +1.25 to beyond -300.  Exam reults indicated the formation of a cataract in the right eye and an early cataract in the left.  There were no other negative medical findings  I was referred to an opthamologist who confirmed the findings and was adised corrective surgery was the only remedy.  Two lens options were discussed "standard lenses" and "Crystalens accomodating lenses" with a leaning toward Crystalens, which have an uncovered cost of $1800 each.  I knew my vision had changed dramatically in my right eye but this news was quite a surprise.  I would appreciate any feedback on this and/or direction to a reliable source of patient/professional information.  I am concerned and want to make sure whatever direction I take is an informed one.  Thank You Jakob40
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Avatar universal
Dr. Hagan has already answered this question.  Please read thru the past couple of months of responses.  I believe that he said that his top choice for his own eyes at the present time would be an aspheric monofocal lens.  This is the type of implant I got last year, and I've found it to be problem-free.  There are currently three aspheric monofocal lenses available from different manufacturers, but the Tecnis lens has the best website (www.tecnisiol.com).  I think you'll find the patient information video interesting and informative.

If you get monofocal implants, you will almost certainly need glasses for some activities (unless the lenses are set for monovision.)  The Crystalens is reputed to provide excellent distance and intermediate vision, although many recipients need readers for near vision.  However, there is supposed to be a new version of the Crystalens introduced next year, which is supposed to provide improved near vision.  If you are interested in this lens and can postpone your surgery, improved IOLs will certainly be available in the future.  (The exact date of FDA approval is always uncertain.)  
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Avatar universal
I didn't receive an answer to my last question (9/6).
Please advise
Thanks
jakob40
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Avatar universal
Thank You for your helpful response.  In your 9/6 response, am I understanding correctly that somehow the cataract/vision in my left eye may improve after the corrective surgery in my right eye?  
Also, if the additional cost for the premium lens were not an issue, might I ask what you personally, if in my situation, would choose, the standard or premium lens?  If this is an inappropriate question for this forum forgive me.  Alternatively, what would your recommendation be to me as a patient.  Frankly, your knowledge, experience, and impartial objectivity make your opinion quite valuable.
I cannot thank you enough for all the help and time you have given me.  You must be a very special person, and Dr to provide this service to the community at large.
God Bless You
Jakob40
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186890 tn?1192426299
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Never any hurry to do the second eye which may actually imporve as the cataract reduces your farsightedness. the vision with a standard implant often give surprisingly good near vision.  if you look through the distance part of your glasses (top of your bifocal) in your left eye and hold some print in front of you it will give you and idea about how your near vision might be with a standard implant
JS
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Avatar universal
One other question please.  If the normal implant is used just how bad might my near and intermediate vision be?
Thanks
jakob40
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Avatar universal
Thank You, your comments were quite clear, and helpful.  If I could trouble you I'd like your thoughts on a couple other issues.  The opthamologist indicated the presence of a cataract in my left eye  describing it with a value of 1.25 to 1.50.  At present not as bad as the right, but with some liklihood that it may progress quickly since the right did.  Is it a good idea to address both eyes now rather than waiting until the left eye deteriorates further?  Also, can you recommend a website that will tell me of negative actions if any, ainst my Dr. i.e. the complaint department ?
P.S. A three week pause between surgeries has been recommended if both eyes are to be done, do you agree?
Thank You
Jakob40
Helpful - 0
186890 tn?1192426299
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I, although you are a little young for a cataract, it is not that unusual and the cataract often changes your prescription toward nearsightedness. thats why you can now see quite well up close out of the right eye without glasses.  If you have standard cataract surgery with a normal implant, you should get excellen distance vision but will need glasses to read. most likely that will be completely covered by your insurance with minimal out of pocket costs.  If you are attracted to the idea of not needing glasses to read, than a "premium lens" like Crystalens, Restore or Rezoom can be used but you have to pay for the lens itself and an additional surgery charge. Although all of these lenses can work quite well, there are no guarantees they will provide crisp vision for both far and near at all disttances so you may still need glasses. There is also an increased risk of night halos and glare, especially with Rezoom and Restor and less so with Crystalens. So, you have to decide it its worth the extra money just  to eliminate reading glasses. It also never hurts to get another opinnion about your options as these new lenses require more time to explain the  pros and cons. For sure, you don't have to do it this way. It is always optional but it sounds like you do need to do the catarct surgery in the next few months to restore your  vision
JS
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