Crystalens® Surgery
Austin, Texas

THINK YOU NEED READING GLASSES…
THINK AGAIN

Offers SEAMLESS vision that will give you the vision you had when you were younger!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is crystalens®?

A: crystalens® is a new technology that is designed to mimic the eye's natural ability to focus on distant, middle and near objects. Used in conjunction with standard cataract extraction methods, crystalens® can restore a full range of functional vision, from distance to reading vision without total dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate for crystalens® implantation?

A: Dr. Howerton will perform a thorough examination and advise you of a customized treatment plan for effectively correcting your vision.

Q: Can my vision be corrected to 20/20, for both reading & distance?

A: The crystalens® FDA two-year clinical study results indicate that 92% of the people enrolled in the study (implanted in both eyes) could see 20/25 or better at distance, 96% could see 20/20 at arm's length and 73% could see 20/25 at near without glasses or contact lenses. What is more exciting is that 98% of these people could pass their driving test, 100% could see their computer and dashboard, read the prices in the supermarket or put on their makeup, and 98% could read the telephone book or newspaper, all without glasses or contact lenses.

Q: What about my computer vision?

A: Over 96% of people enrolled in the clinical study were able to see 20/20 at arms length without correction.

Q: How long with the surgery take? Will I feel anything?

A: The actual surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes. All you have to do is to relax and hold still. A patch may be placed over your eye and someone will need to drive you home. Once at home, you should rest for the remainder of the day and avoid any strenuous activities. Dr. Howerton will see you the day after surgery and examine your eye. Do not rub your eye. The doctor will give you additional medications that you will need to put in your eye for the next week or two.

Q: How safe is the surgery?

A: The medical procedure to implant crystalens® is the same safe, proven cataract surgery performed annually on over 7 million eyes globally. Over 40 million procedures have been done in the last 25 years. But because it is surgery, it is not completely risk-free. Current data indicate that 98% of people have no complications after cataract surgery and more than 95% have improved vision. Dr. Howerton will perform a thorough examination and fully inform you of any increased risk of a complication.

Q: What will my vision be like after surgery?

A: Your distance vision will usually be very good within a day or two after surgery. However, your middle and near vision may be somewhat blurred at first. Drops will be applied to your eye after surgery, preventing the eye from changing focus from far to near. These drops dilate your pupil making you sensitive to light until the drops wear off. You may need to wear reading glasses to help you read during this time. After about 2 weeks, you will notice that your middle (arm's length) vision is improving and your near vision is also starting to get better. It may take several months for your eyes to reach their full focusing potential. The more you try to read without reading glasses, the quicker you will be able to read without them.

Q: When will I be able to return to normal activities after crystalens® refractive implantation?

A: Typically you will be able to return to normal activities within several days after implantation with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light, but you should be able to drive and return to work in two to three days.

Q: Will I have to have cataract surgery again?

A: Once your cataracts are removed and replaced with an artificial lens, you will never have to have cataract surgery again.

Q: What happens if my eye is injured sometime in the future?

A: The presence of an artificial lens does not make the eye any more vulnerable to trauma. Indeed, once the human lens has been replaced by the crystalens® , eye trauma would not cause a cataract.

Q: What will the crystalens® procedure cost? Will insurance cover any of it?

A: Since each patient's vision is different and unique, the cost for the crystalens® procedure will vary. Generally speaking, private insurance may cover the cataract surgical procedure and may also allow a certain additional amount for the artificial lens implant. The insured is then required to pay a deductible as well as any additional amount above the primary coverage. (Some patients are completely responsible for payment – not all insurance companies will cover the same).

For information please visit
www.crystalens.com

To learn more about Crystalens® surgery at the Howerton Eye Clinic, please call or e-mail us today. Your better vision is our commitment.