Crystalens HD, prior RK

[starman6600]

Thank you Dr, Kutryb and Dr. Hagen for your ongoing help.  

As a prior RK patient, I understand that a monofocal lens would likely be my most appropriate implant.  I am considering this implant only  OS, my dominant eye for distance.  I plan to leave my right eye alone for now and will used reading glasses.  Questions:

1.  Having kept all of my visual exam records, can I tell from the data on my recent Wavefront charts whether I have a negative or positive spherical aberration?  (Given the advantage of the Tecnis lens with it's low-light vision feature, it would be seem to be super if I might be a candidate for this lens).

2. I have been reading about the merits of the Crystalens HD, which Dr. Hagen has thoughtfully provided.   Are prior RK patients candidates for this lens?

3. Although my RK was in 1992, my vision may have become slightly more farsighted in the past year  (-1.25 to -1.50) .   In a recent post, "Malog" thoughtfully posted an informative citation  on "collagen cross linking."  After researching CCL somewhat,  it seems that this could be a safe solution to stabilize my cornea flattening. Do you believe this Tx is safe and  would it be something I should consider before I have a lens implant ? If you are positive about this linking Tx, do you know if I can get it done here in the US via a clinical trial as it has not been approved in the US as yet?  Thank you.

Frank

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You actually became more nearsighted (which is more minus) most likely due to the cataract.  At this stage there would only be a very minor shifts in the cornea since RK was over 15 years ago.  Collagen cross linking most likely not needed here but you can discuss with your surgeon.  Regarding the crystalens HD, it will be a challenge with any lens to get you near 20/20 distance without glasses and it might be a little tougher with the crystalens since a small percentage of patients get a myopic or hyperopic surprise.  It's just one more variable to account for.  If you are accepting of possible needing a second surgery like lasik or piggyback IOL, then you could consider crystalens but understand that the near vision might still be a little weak (though statistically better than monofocal lens.)  By the way, you will ask your surgeon about your spherical aberration reading.

MJK MD

[starman6600]

I goofed.  In the above post, I wrote that I went from -1.25 to -1.50 and I meant to write that I went from +1.25 to +1.50 in the past year.  My intention was to show that I had become more farsighted.  Sorry for the miscommunication.  Frank

[starman6600]

Thank you Dr. , this answer was very helpful.  Frank