Crystalens Cost With Cataract Surgery
Having Too Many Choices Can Be a Bad Thing
It seems like life was much simpler when I was a child. Ice cream was offered in just three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. That was all I needed to make me happy.
Today, there are just too many choices available. I sometimes wish for someone to just take control and tell me which options to select. This has never been truer than when I was confronted with worsening vision.
I had a cataract removed from my left eye in 2010 and wasn't too worried. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. Each year, approximately 3 million Americans undergo this procedure, mostly with satisfactory results.
Development of Better Contact Lenses
Decades ago, patients undergoing cataract surgery had no choice but to wear thick glasses for the rest of their lives since there was nothing to replace the natural lens that had been extracted. Eventually, however, researchers developed the monofocal, intraocular lens implant followed by multifocal implants, and finally, in 2003, the Crystalens accommodating intraocular (IOL) lens implant.
The Crystalens IOL, unlike its counterparts, actually works like the eye’s natural lens. There is no fixed focal point where the eye focuses best. The lens actually mimics the adjustments that the eye muscles make when they shift from focusing on something near, like reading material, to something far, like the horizon. After weeks or months, the brain adjusts to the lens so that the transition from near to intermediate to far is seamless.
Some people who have the Crystalens implanted will enjoy freedom from glasses in most situations, with perhaps low light and very tiny print giving them difficulty. A significant proportion, however, will continue to need reading glasses.

Things to Consider as a Patient
The Crystalens has enjoyed consumer success. Globally, approximately 7 million people are walking around with this lens implanted in their cataract-free eyes.
There are so many choices now and so many more difficult decisions. You, the patient, are a very important part of the cataract surgery process, and as a consumer, you also want to find the best value for your money.
The Crystalens is an expensive, premium IOL. In fact, it is very lucrative for the ophthalmologist who sells it to you. But don’t expect to find up-to-date prices by visiting various ophthalmologists’ websites. Their websites usually give you the same marketing information that the manufacturer Bausch + Lomb's website does. Also, don't expect to get much information by calling your ophthalmologist's office. You will likely be asked to make an appointment to examine your cataracts first.
How Much Do Crystalens Typically Cost?
In addition to having the price spelled out for me at two different ophthalmologists' offices, I have investigated reports online and have spoken with individuals to get an approximate range of prices for this lens. You can expect to pay from $2500 to upwards of $3000, per eye, for your Crystalens. The cost may vary by area of the country, the length of time the doctor has been practicing, the doctor’s reputation and expertise with the Crystalens, and the amount of overhead costs in their practice.
How Are Costs Distributed?
I paid $3300, slightly more than average, to implant the Crystalens in my left eye. Here is how the cost was broken down:
- $2800 for the lens
- $500 for a co-management fee to my optometrist
Co-management with your referring optometrist is quite common with LASIK surgery, and apparently, with cataract surgery as well. However, since most people don’t need to wear glasses after they get a Crystalens, I cannot help but feel that the $500 was just my surgeon's kickback fee to my optometrist and not much more. It would be an excellent idea to inquire about these co-management possibilities when you go to your first surgical evaluation. It might save you some confusion if you are doing price comparisons between surgeons.
It is also important to be aware that different surgeons may price things differently, usually adding on costs. Some offices will charge more for the lens and collect a $1000 co-management fee. If the cataract surgeon also does a lot of Lasik surgeries, they may charge more for the Crystalens and throw in free Lasik or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) touch-ups if you are not satisfied with your visual outcome. Essentially, you'll be paying more up-front, regardless of the need for post-operative Lasik or PRK enhancement. This could push the total cost to $4500-$5000 for one eye.

What If You Have Astigmatism?
At your first surgical evaluation, you should determine whether your ophthalmologist can include an LRI (limbal relaxing incision) in the cost for your Crystalens. If you to improve your astigmatism without any additional refractive surgery, you may want to talk to your doctor about LRI. It is a method of helping your cornea focus light by making small incisions in the cornea.
When I chose the Crystalens, my surgeon included the LRI in the purchase price. If a patient chooses any other lense, the LRI will be billed to the patient separately (it won't be covered by insurance because its purpose is refractive).
If you opt for an LRI, be certain about your insurance policy's coverage terms for this procedure. Somewhere in your consent forms, you should find a signed statement acknowledging your understanding of the costs.
If you don't have astigmatism, and you have nothing to gain from getting the premium lens implanted, I would suggest getting a monofocal lens or a diffractive lens. Talk to your surgeon about the visual outcome you are looking for and the visual outcome you can expect from each type of IOL. With a monofocal lens, the lens is either set for far vision or near vision. This means you can either see well far away or close up, not both. The Crystalens is meant to be transitional, meaning it can help with near, intermediate, and far vision. However, in some cases—and certainly in my case—this may not be 100% true.
Will Insurance Cover the Costs?
Since I wasn't old enough for Medicare, and I didn't use Medicaid, I can't be too explicit about how their reimbursements work. I do know that Medicare covers cataract surgery but will only pay up to the cost of a standard, no-frills monofocal IOL; they expect you to pay the difference for a premium lens.
I have private insurance. I can’t imagine that any standard health insurance policy would pay for a premium IOL, and in fact, mine does not. They might if it could be proven medically necessary, but that is not going to happen. 99.9% of the population will function well enough with a monofocal implant, so that’s what they will cover. I had to pay for my Crystalens out of pocket. However, your doctor's office may offer some financial assistance. My doctor’s office offered a zero-interest installment plan until the lens was paid off.
Your Eyes, Your Choice
Do your research, ask around, and weigh all of the factors; it is ultimately your choice. If you choose to get an IOL, you’re going to want an excellent surgeon to operate on your eyes. I have had two cataract evaluations from separate surgeons. If you have extra time and money, you may also wish to undergo an examination with a different doctor. Be aware, though, that a cataract evaluation is an endurance test—mine took about three hours.
If you have a co-existing abnormality, as I do with my left eye, or you have a chronic disease, you might have to go for an evaluation with a retina specialist. From your two evaluations, you should get a good sense of how well they will cooperatively manage your condition. If you feel confident about undergoing the procedure, look no further!

Is Your Doctor Pushing the Crystalens?
You will likely be talking with office staff about IOL pricing. The doctor is usually too busy to go into detail with you about this. Don't be surprised if they seem to be pushing one type of lens over another. The only person you can really trust to help you make a decision is someone who has already had cataract surgery and an IOL implant and can talk about how they have adjusted to their new lens. Whoever you talk to, take what they say with a grain of salt. Check out what they say with another surgeon or do some research on the web.
If they're pushing the Crystalens, again, listen to what they have to say, but also do your own research. However, you don't have to be overly skeptical of the Crystalens (besides the price). It's true: surgeons are generally motivated by money, but on the other hand, it may be the lens they are most comfortable implanting. Many surgeons may have specialized in implanting a certain kind of IOL. With a quick Google search, you can find Crystalens specialists in your area.
My Experience With Crystalens Implants
I researched and deliberated to the point of agonizing over whether I should have cataract surgery or put it off for another year. Sometimes, I do wish someone would just make decisions for me, or at least narrow down my options. Eventually, my retina specialist did just that. He said, “I believe your only choices are the Crystalens or a standard monofocal IOL.”
My First Cataract Surgery
Toward the end of 2009, I decided to get a Crystalens IOL implanted in my left eye after cataract surgery. The same year I also had a vitrectomy and ERM peel in the same eye that gave me back several lines of vision. The first 90 days after your procedure is spent monitoring your healing progress with your optometrist. It is important to note that you may not see improvements right away. In fact, it may take up to a year to notice improvements. My optometrist also told me that Bausch + Lomb let you know what to expect in terms of needing glasses after the procedure. In some cases, this may differ from your own expectations.
Several months after the procedure, as my retina was healing, I experienced some improvement in my vision. The Crystalens was doing what it was supposed to do! I would remove my glasses when working at the computer. However, I still had to wear glasses while driving due to the development of myopia and a cataract in my right eye. The good news is, I have had no problems with my one Crystalens so far.
A year and a half after the procedure, during a follow-up visit to my cataract surgeon, he noted that I needed a Yag laser capsulotomy because the implanted lens had thickened and had become cloudy. This is a common procedure that is done after cataract surgeries. A few months after the capsulotomy, my lens and vision in my left eye were holding up. There were some occasional floaters in my eye, but I got used to them, and they went away after a while.
My Second Cataract Surgery
I decided to have cataract surgery and another Crystalens implant in my right eye two years after my first cataract surgery. People usually have cataract surgeries weeks apart. I decided to wait longer to see how my first lens would work out. My surgeon also made LRIs—this was included in the price of the lens implant—to treat my astigmatism.
A year after my second cataract surgery, I finally had improved vision—at least for my far and intermediate vision. I still needed glasses for close vision (e.g. for reading or knitting). I couldn't read department store labels or nutrition facts on canned foods, even in fluorescent supermarket lighting.
Was the Crystalens IOL the Right Choice?
The reason I have perfect far vision is because my astigmatism was corrected through the LRIs on both corneas. These incisions were also included in the cost for my Crystalens IOLs, so although I still have to wear reading glasses to see things close up, I think that I made the right choice. The LRIs, by themselves, can total around $2500 for each eye.
Disclaimer
This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or condition and should be used for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional to discuss the best course of action for your specific situation.
Questions & Answers
© 2009 gracenotes
Comments
Hi Grace,
It's been 4 weeks since my cataract surgery. My surgeon went with the newly FDA-approved lens by Bausch and Lomb: Trulign Toric. It's a Crystalens but it's specifically for correcting astigmatism from within the eye to minimize the need for further vision-correcting surgery or procedures.
My surgeon was the first to implant this and I was the first patient to receive it in my area. A representative from Bausch and Lomb was there to observe my surgery.
My vision was 20/25 the day after surgery with hopes it would improve after the dilation period was over. Two weeks after surgery though, it started to get worse and unfortunately the toric lens didn’t work 100% for me in correcting the astigmatism. It “almost” did, but things are slightly out of focus so I’ll be getting the corrective procedure in about 6 weeks. My doctor is confident that patients with a lesser degree of astigmatism will do very well with this new lens. If he'd used the regular Crystalens, I'd still be looking at getting the corrective procedure anyway with the amount of astigmatism I had, but now it'll be an easier fix since my vision is “almost” there. I was a good candidate for this new technology and I'm glad I was chosen to be the first.
I'm pleased with how it's gone so far and am hopeful that the halos and shimmering go away and that in time I can learn to ignore seeing the edges of the lens. All in all it beats trying to see through a waxed paper-like film and being blinded by bright light.
Denice
THANK You! I'm having my left eye cataract surgery tomorrow and despite advice from well-intended people to NOT look on the internet for Crystalens reviews, I did. Sadly, there are hundreds of horror stories and very few realistic, positive reviews. It sucks that my near-perfect vision was clouded by early cataracts. I just turned 46 last week and was disgnosed three years ago.
I'm nervous, excited and cautiously optimistic that I'm making the right decision to obtain the very best outcome for me.
please PLEASE can't someone give me a rough idea what lenses cost. I took a survey and it seems like Crystalens is not my best option, instead I should get the other lens, I do a lot of close work and medium range work, not hunting sheep 1 mile away or playing baseball in the outfield. so.. ANY PRICE INFORMATION????? Any??? Mahbe the name of a doctor that won't tell me "well we cant' say until its too late, ha ha ha".
Thank you for answering so quickly! I suppose my biggest fear as far as my eyes are concerned is getting a macular hole in my other eye, which my surgeon said could happen, but he saw no signs of a pucker. The face-down post opt was tolerable--only due to my determination--but I don't want to go through that again!
My doctor did explain the thinness of the lens, and went into a lot of detail (which is so important)
After reading your posts, I realize people are confused when given options re: cataracts and the decisions to make about the lens they choose (plus the cost!).
I've talked to seniors who believe at my age (72), why worry about not wearing glasses and pay all that money, and I did give this a lot of thought. I also got remarks about "oh- the doctor will try to sell you anything!!", "go to a surgical center and all you see are patches from doctors who pushed unnecessary procedures", "stay with the standard cataract lens and wear the glasses!", etc.
After having the Re-Stor lens in late May, I have no regrets - and put my former trifocals that I would reach for every morning away! (I would have had the Crystalens, but he believed the Re-Stor was what was best for me).
It also suddenly came to me this morning that I used to get headaches when I read, and I read a lot, and don't have this since I had the Re-Stor and use only cheap readers for small print. I'm back now when shopping to pulling out the glasses to see a price tag or ingredients!
A 65 year old woman at the pool told me last week she recently had the Crystalens in both eyes one week apart!!, and she loves them. Had little restrictions and adjusted beautifully, and her only concern was not telling people that she had this done due to their questions about the cost, which she wanted kept private (though she did tell ME she paid $10,000 for both eyes). This was more than my doctor would have charged for both eyes--but then everything seems to be more expensive in Connecticut!
From my experience (and I'm on a fixed income) I would tell people if they want freedom from glasses and the need to change the prescriptions often (which also can be costly), find a way to have one eye done at a time--it's worth it so far to me! But more important--research and find a doctor you trust!
ps: you're so right about teeth as well! Which leaves us with researching the best dentist, eye doctor and at my age--what next?
Off to the pool - want to hear who had the latest procedure and on what !!! (not exactly what I want to hear, but it comes with the age territory!!)
Wish I had your email address to continue to correspond with you about you and your Mom! We have a lot in common! (I am on Facebook but do check out any new Friend requests and have my info restricted)
Hi Grace!
I was surprised to read this and since I had a macular hole in the past (prior to any cataract surgery), was wondering if a retinal hole was similar? I'm learning constantly about eye treatments and how they're treated! I previously wrote that my neighbor had the "regular" cataract surgery on May 29 (same day that I had the Re-Stor lens). She is is still being treated due to irritation and redness and told me it was probably because she also has been treated for glaucoma. This I didn't have, thank goodness! I'm doing well with the Re-Stor lens (only one eye) and only use cheap readers for small print.
Thanks for the update! You gave a lot of information about the lens that we would never know about, and you must have a great surgeon. Keep us posted!!
ps: I hope your Mom is doing ok? Mine still in lots of pain after back surgery at 94, though surgery went well per x-rays.
Learning every day from others that have had the Crystalens implants and all have reported great results. For those questioning getting these, I hope this is of some help (as your information has been). I was surprised to learn that two women did not have as much adjusting or limitations that they thought they would have! Prices also vary here in Conn. and one woman paid $10,000 for both eyes!
I also am adjusting from the Re-Stor lens (which I could only have in one eye on May 29, 2012) and at first asked my doctor for a prescription to see better. He told me to just hang on to it and fill it only if necessary, and he was right...I don't think I will be needing it--my right eye is now 20/20 and taking over the vision of my left eye. I only use cheap readers for small print. Haven't tried night driving yet and will have to test myself. I see glares on the day lights on cars, so am unsure just how annoying this might be at night?
Never had to wear just sunglasses and after wearing them, I put them on the top of my head while inside a store--only to learn that since it's been years since I wore them, I tried on clothes and forgot they were there and lost them temporarily! I also found that the brown tinted glasses with clearer shades on the bottom work better than very dark glasses.
I hope you have adjusted fully with your Crystalens and from what I have been hearing, if your doctor recommends them--go for it! It's so wonderful not having to reach for glasses the first thing in the morning!
People have said - "Well, you're older, why bother at your age!" I'm in my early 70's and on a limited income, but this was money well spent !! By the time I pay this off, it would equal the cost of constantly changing my eyeglass trifocal prescriptions that were always changing and expensive!
Just thought I would add this for those that are nervous about having a lens implant, and I sure was!, they did give me a sedative at the surgical center that lasted only 15 minutes (the total time of the surgery). Usually I can brave it out, but I was very nervous, and I'm assuming because I'm older now??
When the doctor was working on my eye, it was an amazing sight. Very pretty colors in pink and blue - almost like the lava lamps! - and that kept me focused more on the pretty colors than having the surgery itself.
Before I realized it - it was done quickly and I was having a coffee and muffin and ready to leave. No eye patch, few restrictions and the only inconvenience is having to use eye drops for about a month!
Only thing to be nervous about is paying for this expensive lens!!
Thank you for writing back! We do seem to have a lot in common! Yesterday I covered 5 stores and drove in the sunshine and found that I was seeing better without the sunglasses. I kept trying them on and off and for the first time in years had purchased 3 pair! Then it started to cloud up, and I noticed cars that have the automatic lights on their cars were casting a brighter light (almost as though it is when I would drive at night since the cataract surgery on my other eye. I still have that "heady" feeling when walking off and on, but it's not as bad as it was right after the Re-Stor surgery. Was a bit nervous going into Kohl's and having to cover more than one floor, but I was determined!
Just decided to do my nails and due to an overcast day, decided to put my old trifocals on. Found out I cannot use these glasses, as everything was a blur! I also tried to thread a needle yesterday and realized I'm seeing a lot better but have a way to go.
I hope your Mom will not have any problems with her heart. My mother had a stent put in 10 years ago and that is fine, though they did detect a congestive heart condition and still are proceeding with her back surgery on June 13. We're all going to celebrate her 94th birthday tomorrow. She asked for FUNNY cards--not MUSHY! Wants to put them in a scrapbook. Imagine that--a scrapbook at 94 for the future!! Bless these mothers of ours!!
Thank you again for writing. There were so many questions and no place and no one to communicate with who had made a decision about these lenses. Your experience has helped me get through this.
Since it's been a while since your surgery, do you have to wear glasses for anything now? I'm assuming i will still need them due to my left eye vision not perfect--though the Yag laser did make things seem clearer. I suppose I'll know more when I return to my doctor in three weeks.
My neighbor had the regular cataract surgery the same day as I had the Re-Stor and last night said her vision is still blurry, so suppose this "comes with the territory"??
Time - just have to keep remembering that!!
Forgot to write that I asked my surgeon about possible future retinal surgery since I got the Re-Stor vs.the Cyrstalens, after reading about your decision and the advice you were given. . He said that with today's modern technology, skill and methods they can get into the eye area with any lens you choose. That had been one of my concerns about the Re-Stor, which was recommended for me. I suppose every surgeon and patient is different or have their preferences per patient?
Thanks you so much for responding. I had my one-week post opt. exam yesterday and what you wrote seems to be true. The doctor said there is some swelling around the sutures, and that could cause one to be unsteady. (it's hard to describe the weird feeling of imbalance!). Of course, my nervous system is also out of whack due to my Mom needing surgery next week, so your answer was very helpful.
I also have 20/30 vision now in my Re-Stor eye and was wearing trifocals before and haven't had to use them since surgery. To think I used to grab my glasses as soon as I woke in the morning!! I return in three weeks for a follow-up, and I'm sure there is more adjusting in the future. The doctor did say that bright light is better when reading, and his personal attention and time explaining is great! He mentioned taking a small flashlight along with me and using it, should I be in a dark restaurant and can't read the menu and showed me exactly the difference when doing this in his office. (no glasses--now a flashlight--at least it's less expensive!!)
Also was concerned about using the Prednisolone eye drops, as I cannot take steroids, but he said he has never heard of reactions from eye drops, but if I take my finger and block the tear duct when using the drops, it won't get into my system--in fact, he said it would be better for the eye (always learning something!).
I think it's great that you're keeping a journal. I do also and even log every medication and doctors' visits on Word on my computer. Then I can just print it out when going to a new doctor (hopefully not many needed??!!) I do this also for my 94-year old Mom, as different doctors prescribe different medications and at her age it's important that they know this!
It was so great to be able to drive to the doctor's without glasses and kept playing with "do I need the sunglasses or not" due to our weather. Pollen also is very bad here in Conn. I'm finding my other eye (left) that had the Yag Laser two weeks ago more annoying with being scratchy off and on, though doctor just said to use artificial tears and didn't detect any problems.
Using the computer too much can also affect eyes getting too dry-- due to not blinking enough (learned this when I had Bells Palsy) and I have been on the computer a lot lately.
I'm just amazed that I'm typing this without my glasses, but did tell the doctor I see more wrinkles now when I look in the mirror!! Guess I can't hide behind the glasses anymore??
Just touching base with you. My surgeon believed the ReStor was better for me than the Crystalens. I had this done 4 days ago and can read and see the computer and distance well with the ReStor lens, however, my other eye had previous surgery for a macular hole, then cataract surgery and two weeks ago a Yag laser, so that eye giving me more problems than the ReStor right eye. I'm also experiencing an almost dizzy sensation and am assuming it's due to one eye seeing better close up and the other seeing distance--or they're just not coordinated? At times I'm reaching for my glasses, only to learn at times I don't need them for one eye but need them for the other (they are trifocals). My exam the day after the ReStor showed everything in both eyes is fine--no pressure, some blurred vision due to the eye being very dilated, and my surgeon said the surgery was successful. I suppose I'm just impatient?
I considered the Crystalens, but have family issues that I worried about a quicker recovery - 94-year old mother going for surgery in two weeks, son moving to a new home and new baby expected, so I wanted less limitations.
Did you find you had to make adjustments as I am doing with one eye being different than the other?
My neighbor also had the regular cataract surgery the same day and she's going thru the same thing I am right now. We both can't drive yet and we didn't have this problem when we had cataract surgery years ago...very confusing!!
Perhaps I expected a miracle immediately and I'm hoping my doctor made the right choice. (he saw no sign of macular pucker in the eye he implanted the ReStor, so that might be why he recommended this instead of the Crystalens?
Again- confusing or else I'm impatient??
Thank you for your comments and quick response to my question Gracenotes. They lead me to explore a discussion of the difference between macular pucker and macular hole -similar but distinct conditions. I also discovered that one can have a cataract develop on the lens implant as a result of subsequent surgery and perhaps that is what I am currently experiencing. I will update you and your readers after my next post surgery visit. Thank you for your wonderful information and blog. It's a godsend.
Wrote to you before when I was contemplating the Crystalens, which is scheduled for May 29 in my right eye. Just had the Yag Laser in my left eye 5 days ago, and this eye I had vitrectomy surgery in 2005 and then the regular cataract. This sight will never be perfect, but I do notice sight is sharper since I had the Yag Laser. Only problem was a very scratchy feeling for several days (which seems to be lessening) after the Yag and floaters are now down to one or two. No over-the-counter tear drops worked except Systane Ultra. Of course, it's also pollen time here in New England!
I'm questioning what limitations you had after the Crystalens. I'm to start 3 types of eye drops prior to surgery and continue for a month, reducing each week. I'm a very active person and a senior, so I'm hoping the recovery won't take too long??
Also, how often were your follow-ups with your eye doctor after the Crystalens? I'm sure everyone is different, and I have to admit I'm quite scared about this decision.
So glad you have this site for those of us who question the option of getting the Crystalens!
Hi Gracenotes. Sorry, I'm a little late replying. My new lens is indeed a crystalens. At a month old, I still can't read, but it seems to be improving, particularly if I don't overdo it and tire the eye.
I've found your hub here so useful, I wrote one myself. Before the surgery I badly wanted to read something by someone that had had a crystalens implanted but this was the only one I found (and it helped me make the decision). Different people can and often do have different results and it can be so valuable to read a variety of experiences that I wrote of mine as well.
Hello Gracenotes
I read your update of 3 months wherein you had the Crystalens implanted in the left eye a few months before your vitrectomy and macular pucker removal in the same eye. I had restor implanted in both eyes 8 years ago. I am now 4 months post op from having a macular hole repaired in the left eye and am experiencing vision distortion on the right side of the left eye (odd). I suspect it is a cataract developed near the implanted lens post surgery. Will know more in June when I see the surgeon again (he is a macular specialist, not the vision specialist who implanted the lenses). In any event the hole is completely closed so that surgery was a success. I wonder, has your distortion improved in your affected eye?
mycrystalens is not worth the $3000 I paid. My sight is blurry and I have been zapped once. Dr, said it has to be zapped again and maybe lazered. My other lens (implanted)
medicare lens is perfect!!!!
Thought I'd drop by and give an update - I had the surgery done 2 weeks ago and am very, very pleased. The only time I use glasses is for reading or very close work - computer usage is glasses free.
The world is bright and sharp again, with beautiful colors. I'll probably have the other eye done this summer some time.
Thanks for the reply, Gracenotes. I was hoping to hear that your eyes had compensated just as you say they did. In my case it would be the other way around (if it happens) - the left eye with the new lens would have to carry the duty of close up vision and the right eye, that needs glasses to read, the long distance. Of course that means glasses for the right eye and it is assuming that the second cataract doesn't grow too quickly.
Mostly I was concerned that the eye with the crystalens would never develop normally without the second eye doing the same task, and you have helped alleviate at least some of my concern there.
Clarification - my left eye is very poor, and just a blur by now. I can't read a large freeway sign from right under it with that eye. This is the eye that would get the new lens immediately. The right eye, I'm told, has a developing and growing cataract but it has not grown into the section of the lens used for vision yet. That could change tomorrow, but for now it just has presbyopia and is the only way I can function at all. Without it I'm sure I would be legally blind and of course I have very little depth perception even with it.
Lighting - yes, I need more and more light all the time. My living room (1970's house) had no ceiling light and I put in a fan/light combo, making sure to find one with lots of light. It has (2) 50 watt halogen bulbs (very bright) and 4 40 watt candelabra bulbs that don't do much. Needing ever more light I recently replaced the small bulbs with the "spiral" CFL lights (florescent) in a small size. I had to re-do the physical attachment of the sockets because there wasn't clearance for the larger CFL bulb but I got it to work. Lots more light, some energy savings (about 50 watts now instead of 160) but the dimmer that came with the fan won't dim the CFL bulbs. That's OK - I knew it wouldn't going into the project and never dimmed those bulbs anyway.
As far as I know, no astigmatism, and a recent optometrist visit and eye exam should have turned it up if there was.
Also no insurance, and that's a killer. I understood the price you quoted, and was pleased to find it is only around $5500 here for the total job, including lens (discounts for cash helps). A second quote came in today at $5700, but they don't do many crystalens (pushing the tecnis) so I doubt I will use them if I choose the crystalens.
Not that I am totally against other multifocals but question if I could adapt to them. I had bifocals (with lines) for years and refused to wear them - I just never learned to tolerate that line across the bottom of my vision. Only when I finally purchased progressive lenses (bifocal with no lines) can I wear them. I am quite concerned, due to the way multifocal lenses are built, that it would be the same for a multifocal IOL. Bad enough to buy prescription glasses and leave them on the dresser each day, but implanted IOL's? Unthinkable.
Gracenotes, I really appreciate the information from your hub; it is one of the few places I've found from someone getting a crystalens.
Can I get your reactions to having surgeries so far apart? I have only one cataract that is bothering me at all, but that eye is nearly useless now. If possible, I intend to wait for the second eye for 3 years, until medicare kicks in. Might I expect vision improvement to be very limited with just one eye being done? Improvement, yes, but not nearly so much as having both eyes? I wear glasses for reading (pretty normal at 62) and the past year even for distance vision. I didn't see anything in your hub about you having that problem, and wonder just how much it might affect the results of a crystalens.
I would love to have both eyes done, even though the cataract in my right isn't impacting my vision (yet - it will in the future), but financing it would be very difficult. Prices in my area don't seem as high as yours (I was quoted $5200 for the total job, including lens) but that still means around $11,000 for two eyes and that would really hurt. I could swing it, I think, but it would hurt.
Your thoughts?
Will be having cataract surgery on my left eye with Crystalens on 11 April, 2012. Have advanced Fuch's Dystrophy (corneal edema), so I will probably have to have a corneal transplant in that eye afterwards and let that heal for at least 6 months before repeating both procedures on the right eye. Glad to see the info out here on Crystalens from someone who also couldn't get the procedures done two weeks apart. Since I have Medicare now and military Tricare for Life, I could get the standard IOLs with virtually no cost. Crystalens is $3400 per eye, $1000 for the lens and $2400 for the Dr. Does this sound about right?
Thanks for your input. No astigmatism issue and my opthamologist has the Crystallens Award of Excellence. He is very skilled and has a terrific reputation in the local medical community. I appreciated his honesty in the assessment that the use of the Crystalens in my post vitrectomy cataract surgery may be disapponting. I am going to opt for the Standard lends.
I had macular hole surgery almost a year ago and have now developed the predicted cataract in that eye. I am scheduled for cataract surgery next Wednesday and have to let the surgeon know by Monday whether I want to use the Crystalens or the standard IOL monofocal. My surgeon has been very frank about not wanting me to be disappointed if I opt for the Crystalens. He said the outcome is unpredictable and doesn't want me spending the additional money unnecessarily. Found your website while doing my research.
Thank you gracenotes. I have been uncertain about calling my eye doctor as to which cataract to get, as it is a financial decision for me. But I believe you wrote that you also had a vitrectomy or macular surgery in your left eye. Does this mean you had the Crystalens in your right eye? This would be my situation. Eyes are so important that I was very nervous about returning to the eye doctor for MORE! He will have to do a YAG laser in my left eye that was operated on and had the regular cataract surgery due to slight blurriness, but my vision seems to be ok, considering that I did have a macular hole. I can't expect miracles! I saw the pictures they took of both my eyes and I do have some scarring where I had the macular hole surgery. Unsure if that is normal after several years, but the doctor didn't mention anything about that except that the blurred vision is due to my needing the laser. I appreciate your writing...it's good to know there are others who have also had to make decisions as I do. Thank you!
Just at my doctor's today and I currently wear trifocals due to having a macular hole repair 5 years ago. Will never have great eyesight in that eye, but if I get the Crystalens AO in my other eye, my doctor said I will have 20/20 vision and this eye will compensate for the other eye and I can forget the constant need for glasses. If you figure this may cost a little over $3,000 for me, the trifocals needing changing to the tune or $300 each time will in the end pay for the Crystalens AO surgery, I hope? Pondering this, as I just came back from the doctor's today.
Good narrative on the B&L lens and your experience with it, so far. I too am a candidate and will bring up some of the points you mentioned with my OP...Only one eye needs the procedure...Keep us posted with your exam follow-up's...which look good as of this date.
Thank you for the information - this is something I had no idea existed, and with one eye nearly blind from a cataract it is of extreme interest.
Great information. Do you mind providing the name of your surgeon? I was told last week that I need Crystalens implants by a well-known surgeon in Irving. Cost is an issue for me at the moment. Thankfully the surgery is not necessary at this time. It would, however, greatly improve my quality of life.
betty i had my eye cataract operation just one week back. will there be any problem i have get cystalens for my eyes now???? is there any harms or effects ????
Despite my doctor's recommendation for a premium IOL such as Crystalens, I chose the standard monofocal IOL tweaked for mini-monovision. I have excellent distance and even intermediate vision. I can even read my grocery list and restaurant menu. I haven't had to have additional surgery such as YAG. The best value IOL is the standard IOL. Why pay $6,000 more for an IOL just to avoid reading glasses? Vivian Mower
I have scheduled for Crystalens implants in my left eye first in April. Your information has been helpful and reassuring. I do enjoy sewing, crafts and scraebooking on the computer. Having my eyesight to deminish rapdily within the last six months, one has to ask the question, "what price are you willing to pay to be able to enjoy doing those things that give you enjoyment after working all your life?" I am looking forward to less eye strain, headaches, threading needles and making jewelry. Thanks again. Will keep you posted on the progress of my surgeries. Say a little prayer for me and my speciaist. Betty
Thank you for the update on Bausch & Lomb's Crystalens technology, i'm surprised that they have not yet trialed the 5th generation technology and only used the trusted 4th generation Crystalens HD.
Thanks so much for good info on something I am considering. This is helpful.
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