The Crystalens implant (made by Bausch + Lomb) can give semi-near reading vision, arm’s length, and distance vision without glasses. This implant actually adjusts its position within the eye as the eye looks from far to near subjects, much like an ‘auto focus’ mechanism on a camera.
The Crystalens is powered by the same ciliary body muscles that move and focus the eye’s own natural lens. Its unique, hinged shape allows for this lens movement and gives a seamless transition from far to arm’s length to near vision.
Most people with the Crystalens have clear far vision (driving, television) and intermediate vision (arm’s length, desktop computer screen) without any glasses. Most people can also read newsprint without glasses when the two eyes are targeted for post operative asymmetry. One eye is targeted for distance while the other eye is targeted slightly more for near vision.
Some people do need glasses for fine print, especially in dim light. Of the three lenses, the Crystalens is most likely to provide the best vision for driving at night.
Crystalens FAQs
How quickly will my vision become clear with Crystalens?
- Far Away- Immediately
- Mid Range (2-3 feet)- Slowly improves over time one week to several weeks
- Up-Close (1-2 feet)- Slowly improves over time one week to several months.
What are the Crystalens Advantages?
- Truly accommodating lens. Theoretically best clarity vision
What are the Crystalens Disadvantages?
- Some patients may require reading glasses for small print more often than not
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Crystalens?
- Active, younger people who may not mind glasses for very fine print, but need clear vision for driving at night, and seeing their desktop computer, glasses free
Comparison Chart of Crystalens, Tecnis MF and ReSTOR
Lens Implants
Crystalens® |
Tecnis Multifocal Lens™ |
ReSTOR® |
|
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
| Focusing
Mechanism |
Implant moves back and forth (autofocus), powered by your eye muscles. | Light focuses through zones simultaneously for far, mid-range, and near vision in all light conditions. | Light focuses through a unique innovative optical technology referred to as ‘apodized’ allowing far mid range and near focusing. |
| Distance Vision
(Road signs, TV captions) |
Best ? ? ? | Good ? ? ? ? ? ? | Good ? ? ? ? ? ? |
| Arm’s length vision at 2-3 feet
(Computer Desktop) |
Best ? ? ? | Fair ? | Lens 1: Good ? ?
Lens 3: Poor N/A |
| Near vision at 1-2 feet
(Newspapers, Laptop Computer) |
Fair to Good ? ?
(Improved when combined with blended vision) *(1) |
Best ? ? ? | Lens 1: Best ? ? ?
Lens 3: Best ? ? ? ? |
| Clarity for driving at night | Best ? ? ?
|
Good ? ? *(2) | Good ? ? *(2) |
Blended Vision:
* (1) One eye is targeted more for distance (i.e., street signs) and intermediate, while the other eye is targeted more for intermediate and near. Patient will typically adapt rapidly to this type of correction.
* (2) In about 5 – 10% of patients, persistent halos around lights at night may occur, symptoms typically improve over time.
November 9, 2010
Read More About
The different technologies:
Learn more about Crystalens for Cataracts
See Who Develops an Eye Cataract
