Crystalens Laser Cataract Surgery
During the laser cataract surgery procedure, the natural lens of the eye, which has been damaged due to to the formation of cataract is removed. The lens fibers are kept intact in most cases, and an intraocular lens implant or an IOL is fixed in place of the natural lens of the eye. IOL implantation is a very big step in the cataract removal procedure. The IOL is responsible for focussing light, and the IOL power has to be accurately calculated to enable the patient to see clearly
IOL implantation is also a rather tricky process since the surgeon has to insert the IOL through a small incision without causing any issues. There are different types of IOLs available today, and each of them is designed to suit patients with different conditions. One of the latest IOLs is the Crystalens.
What is the Crystalens procedure?
Crystalens is an FDA approved procedure in which the IOL can function as close to the natural eye as possible. Crystalens can help a patient focus on nearby objects, far off objects, and objects in the middle without any dependence on external-assistance devices such as glasses or contact lenses.
How is Crystalens different from other IOLs?
The Crystalens is a crystalline lens that is designed in such a way that it coordinates with the curvature of the eye and the cornea and flexes in a way that is very similar to the natural lens of the eye. The process by which the lens coordinates with the muscles and nerves of the eye is called accommodation. The accommodation process helps the Crystalens to focus all images on the retina of the eye.
The accommodation is made possible because of the hinges on each side of the Crystalens that allow the lens to flex and move. It is the only FDA approved accommodating IOL, and it is the only IOL that mimics the abilities of the natural lens.
How complicated is laser cataract surgery and how is recovery?
The Crystalens procedure is an outpatient procedure and barely takes 20 minutes in total. The surgery itself is painless although patients will need to take good care of their eyes for about a week or two after the procedure. You will notice a change in vision almost immediately. Most patients experience enhanced distance vision within 2 to 3 days of the surgery. Your eye may be sensitive to light immediately after the surgery. The discomfort will last until the incision site has completely healed. Complete and enhanced vision can be experienced three weeks after the surgery, and continues to improve as the patient strengthens their muscles. This increases speed and depth of near focus.
