Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Crystalens?
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.

How Does It Work?
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.

What is an accommodating intraocular lens?
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.

Who are the best candidates for the Crystalens IOL?
The Crystalens is ideally suited for men and women aged 50 years of age and older with cataracts who want to restore their near, intermediate and distance vision.

Is the Crystalens covered by Medicare?
Medicare and most private insurances cover cataract surgery.  Medicare beneficiaries may choose to receive a deluxe presbyopia-correcting lens, such as the Crystalens, that allows the eye to focus on near, intermediate, and far vision, minimizing the need for corrective lens.  However, you are responsible for payment of that portion of the charge for the lens and associated services that exceed the charge for a conventional lens.  Our insurance department is available to help with any inquiries.

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. Patients should consult their doctor.

Can I have the Crystalens even if I do not have cataracts?
If you do not have cataracts but are presbyopic, you may choose to have the Crystalens; however, it would be considered an elective refractive procedure, and you would be responsible for paying the full cost of the procedure.  Use of this lens for patients without cataracts is considered off-label use.