What is Crystalens?

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Intraocular lenses like CrystaLens, called IOLs, are artificial lenses used to replace your eye2019s natural lens, usually removed during cataract surgery. IOLs have been used since the 1960s and were FDA-approved in 1981. Prior to the development of IOLs, patients undergoing cataract surgery had to wear very thick glasses or specially made contact lenses to substitute for their missing natural lenses.

IOLS were traditionally monofocal, meaning your vision would be improved for only one type of distance- either near, far, or intermediate. Although offering an improvement over the cloudy vision caused by cataracts, glasses or contact lenses were still required for reading, closeup vision and other tasks.

Advances in ophthalmology and laser vision correction surgeries have developed multifocal IOLS and accommodating IOLS that offer the opportunity to see well at all distances without contacts or glasses.

Crystalens is a multifocal IOL and the only 201Caccommodating201D IOL that is FDA approved. Designed for individuals with presbyopia, CrystaLens restores your eye2019s accommodation ability, or the ability to change focus at will regardless of the distance. CrystaLens has hinges on both sides, so that the ciliary muscle of your eye, the muscle responsible for focus, can work more effectively than traditional IOLS to help you see at greater distances.

Monovision

Monovision is a consideration for individuals with cataracts in both eyes. The CustomVue monovision procedure implants an IOL in one eye for near vision and an IOL in the other eye for far vision. For some, this is a good solution. For others, adjusting to monovision is difficult. For those for whom monovision is not a satisfactory solution, an accommodating IOL like CrystaLens may be a solution.

Since multifocal, accommodating IOLs are relatively new, some cataract surgeons are not fully trained to implant them. Dr. Murad Sunalp, serving Tulare, CA and surrounding areas through the Laser Vision Center, is a board certified ophthalmologist highly trained and experienced in IOL procedures. Dr. Sunalp will meet with you to discuss your medical and vision history, complete a comprehensive eye examination, and help you consider all of your options.

Cataract removal/IOL implantation has a high success rate, but every surgery carries risks. Some IOLs may be responsible for a higher rate of posterior capsule opacification. This is a condition in which a membrane purposely left in the eye at the time of the cataract removal requires opening at a later date with a YAG laser. Methods of insertion and incision sizes are additional concerns you will want to ask about during your consultation.

While no eye surgeon can guarantee you won2019t need glasses or contact lenses following your eye surgery, CrystaLens does help to decrease the potential need for corrective lenses, and you may find you don2019t need them at all.

About the Author:

To learn more about CrystaLens and other IOL procedures, contact Dr. Sunalp at Laser Vision Centers in Tulare, CA to schedule a private consultation.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What is Crystalens?

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