Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Crystalens?
The Crystalens is an intraocular lens replacement that, unlike a standard lens, doesn’t just treat your cataracts but is designed to give you a fuller, more natural range of vision. The Crystalens can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. In fact, many patients hardly if ever need their glasses after surgery. You probably noticed in your forties that you started to lose some of your up-close vision and had to start wearing reading glasses. The unique Crystalens is designed to reduce or eliminate glasses for most activities including: reading a book, working on the computer, and driving a car.
↑ top
2) How is this different from regular cataract surgery?
In the past, cataract surgery was only able to correct for cataracts and patients would still be dependent on glasses for most of their daily activities, especially for up close and intermediate. You are fortunate that there are options now for people undergoing cataract surgery. The Crystalens can correct for more than just your cataracts. The Crystalens is designed to offer you a fuller, more natural range of vision and reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.
↑ top
3) Will I experience halos or glare? Will this lens effect how I drive at night?
All lenses including traditional standard lenses may have some degree of halos and glare. Glare and halos have been observed with the Crystalens. However, unlike a multifocal lens, the Crystalens works similarly to your natural lens in the way it delivers all available light rays at all distances-near, far, and intermediate. So the Crystalens generally has less halos and glare than a multifocal lens. On the day of your consultation, the doctor will discuss with you all of the risks and benefits associated with a Crystalens procedure.
↑ top
4) Will Crystalens stop working over time?
The Crystalens surgery is permanent and there is no reason to believe that the lens will stop working over time. Patients have had lenses implanted in their eyes for nearly 7 years with no change in its ability to flex. It is an extremely well tested and durable design. At your consultation the surgeon will be able to assess what your vision will be like after the procedure.
↑ top
5) Will insurance/Medicare cover any of the procedure?
Insurance coverage varies greatly from policy to policy. Generally speaking private insurance and Medicare will cover the cataract surgical procedure and may also allow a certain additional amount for the artificial lens implants. Please bring your insurance information to your appointment.
↑ top
