It is now possible to restore the vision of your youth with the Crystalens® Vision Enhancement System at LaserVue Eye Centers. Crystalens is the first and only replacement lens that allows you to focus automatically and seamlessly from distance to near and everywhere in between.
Unlike most current lens implants, which generally have fixed focal lengths, Crystalens has the ability to move naturally with the eye’s focusing muscle. As the muscle contracts it bulges backwards and increases pressure behind the lens, thus forcing the optic forward, while relaxation of the muscle increases the pressure in front of the optic lens to move the optic backwards. Crystalens has “hinges” that attach to this muscle and allow the lens to move; thus, achieving a range of vision not previously possible with the old-style lenses—and for most without the hassles of glasses or contacts.
In clinical trials, more than 98% of patients who received Crystalens implants in both eyes had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better at distance without glasses, and could read 6 point type on a medicine bottle; and 92% had distance visual acuity of 20/25 or better. All enjoyed good intermediate vision one year after implantation, and 93.8% of patients surveyed said they could perform most daily activities without glasses.
The actual Crystalens procedure is similar to traditional small-incision cataract surgery. Dr. Jay Bansal uses the “no needles, no stitch, no patch” surgery technique, so you are relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. It takes only a few minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Dr. Bansal, because of his excellent surgical skills and outcomes, was chosen to be among the first surgeons in the Bay area to implant Crystalens. So, put your vision in the expert hands of Dr. Bansal, and discover what others already know—you’ll like what you see.
The Crystalens is the first and only intraocular lens replacement for cataracts that focuses like the eye’s natural lens, allowing for continuous vision up close, far away and all distances in between. Unlike standard IOLs, the Crystalens can restore full functional vision and in most cases eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks, allowing patients to see well and to look their best. With Crystalens, for the first time, cataract patients will have the opportunity to potentially experience the freedom of seeing well at all distances without glasses.
By using the eye’s muscle to move the lens backwards and forwards naturally in response to the brain’s desire to see at different distances, the Crystalens enables patients to focus through a full range of vision including near, intermediate and far distances. Patients experience the same vision they had when they were younger, for most without the inconvenience of corrective lenses or eyeglasses.
Crystalens is an accommodating lens, which means that it focuses like the eye’s natural lens allowing for continuous vision up close, far away and all distances in between. The Crystalens is intended to restore near, intermediate, and distance vision and in most cases eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks, allowing patients to see well and to look their best. With Crystalens for the first time, cataract patients will potentially have the opportunity to experience the freedom of seeing well at all distances without glasses.
What is the difference between the Crystalens accommodating lens and a standard lens?
The Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens allows for continuous vision up close, far away and at all distances in between, in most cases with patients experiencing the same vision they had when they were younger, without the inconvenience of corrective lenses. In contrast, standard (single vision) lens implants provide vision at a fixed distance and do not have the ability to provide a full range of near, intermediate and far vision. Most people with single vision implants must wear glasses for near vision and may need to wear glasses for intermediate/arm’s length vision as well.
Implanting the Crystalens IOL is a high-precision procedure requiring the skill of a highly trained ophthalmic surgeon like Dr. Jay Bansal. Patients under 65 and not yet covered by Medicare should review their private health insurance policies to determine coverage and surgical alternatives prior to having cataract surgery as polices and coverage vary greatly from state to state. Generally speaking, private insurance will cover the cataract surgical procedure and anesthesia and will also allow a certain additional amount for the artificial lens implant. The insured is required to pay a deductible as well as any additional amount above the primary coverage. However, some patients may be responsible for the complete cost of the procedure and lens, so you will want to check with your individual insurance companies.
If I’ve had LASIK can I still be a candidate for Crystalens?
Yes. People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eye is in good health. Our Vision Correction Team will discuss this with you at your evaluation.
