Ophthalmology - Lens Replacement - Crystalens or ReStor?

Question

I'm 59 and don't have cataracts. However, I do have a lazy eye that needs more correction than I can get from glasses or Lasik.

I'm looking at lens replacement, similar to cataract procedures.

Two brands are Crystalens and ReStor. Which is better? Which is cheaper?

http://www.crystalens.com/UC/CESK.htm
http://www.laserforeyes.com/restor.html

I also found info on ICL, implantable contact lens. Apparently this is not recommended for anyone over 60 and is only available in Britain.

Answer 1

I'm close to your position, but a few years younger, and with Rx's averaging -8.50 and -12.50 DS.

Why Crystlens or Restor...?
There's a comparative chart below, but currently I'm planning to avoid multifocal implants competely, and getting single vision implants in each eye, set for distance.

My personal choice, but I consider the risk of increased night glare and loss of contrast sensitivity not worth it, balanced against needing to use reading/computer glasses, which might still occasionally be required with the multifocals anyway.
But I am a fussy myope and a model-maker.

"...careful patient selection is vital. Patients must have multifocal implants to both eyes, they need to accept some minor halo / glare at night, and about 20 percent of patients may require light reading spectacles for fine visual tasks, such as reading telephone-directory print in poor light or removing splinters.

The patient’s expectation levels should match what the technology can deliver. "

If you have one lazy eye with poor best acuity, check carefully whether you are a good candidate for a multifocal lens replacement.

Answer 2

I would strongly suggest you ask your Ophthalmologist that would do the surgery, about which type he prefers.

I went through two cataract surgeries with my Husband.
One Perfect and one (same Doctor ) problematic. The lens fell into the back of the eye, blocking the retina and causing temporary blindness. The pressure was ghastly for the week until he did the Vitrectomy to correct the problem. They drill 3 holes in your eye ball. The pressure is supposed to be under 20 and his hit 49.

When they tell you they are 93% successful and 6% no change and 1% blindness. Just be aware that one of the frightening percentages can happen. I must say we never thought it would.

He is fine now, but the week and high pressure, like glaocoma, was frightening as it can cause blindness. They had to reopen the incision in his eye ball with no anesthesia, it became so high. To drain the excessive fluid out.

So think long and hard about this. The problems can be greater than you think. The other scary thing is that you are wide awake for this surgery, the eye is deadened but the lid is propped open with a gadget and you see everything. Very taumatic.

Then you need someone to insert drops about every two hours for 7 to 10 days.

Good Luck with your decision.

Answer 3

I have never heard of the lens being replaced during vision correction surgery. The lens is, however, replaced during cataract surgery. LASIK and PPK is used to reshape the eye so I'm not quite sure what you're referring to. When you went to your consult the doc should have told you what your acuities will be post-surgery. Although some people may not get 20/20 after the first surgery most vision correction centers tell you that you can achieve perfect vision, unless of course you have other ocular pathologies which may cause blurry vison (i.e., retina related problems).

Answer 4

If your lazy eye is not correctable by glasses, then it will not be correctable by implants either.

Lazy eye is due to a cortical (brain) processing problem; even if the refractive error is fully corrected you will not have good acuity.