Posted , 6 users are following.
I see lots of discussion about the Symfony lenses, but no mention of Crystalens. My surgeries are scheduled in a month+ but I have to choose between these two options. After reading these discussions, I am not feeling good at all about the Symfony. Does anyone have experience with the Crystalens option? Thanks for your inputs!
0 likes, 46 replies
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Ladyleader
Posted
So I have an update on what I've learned from my surgeon's office. Between the two lens choices, he does pretty much the same number of each and has had great success with both. In all his years of practice (over 25 years) he has never had a patient with Crystalens get one "stuck" in one position. All cataract surgery patients can require YAG laser correction, but that is not related to the type of multifocal lens chosen; it can happen with either Symfony or Crystalens and is corrected in a pretty straight forward way.
There is no doubt that Symfony patients almost all experience halos, glare, etc. Depending on the patient, it can take weeks or months for the brain to adapt but when it does the problem disappears. Sight is usually glasses-free at all but the closest distance (inches.)
My surgeries are scheduled two weeks apart. He does this because it is enough time for the first eye to stabilize and the disequilibrium and perhaps balance problems that will be experienced when one eye is corrected and the other is not is minimized.
I am currently leaning toward the Symfony lenses but I have not made a final decision. This is proving to be much more difficult than I had anticipated! Thanks to all for the incredibly helpful input. I appreciate your ongoing help.
phyllis31515 Ladyleader
Posted
Hello Ladyleader,
I think you will be very happy if you decide to go with the Symfony lens. I just wanted to share with you that I have never experienced the concentric circles, halos, or glare. The only think I see at night are the starbursts. Also, I have never experienced the starburts during the daytime or inside the house in the evening under any of the circumstances you described (watching television, looking at the fireplace, etc). I know it is a big decision to make, and when I was trying to decide it was all I could think about. I am totally happy with my decision to go with the Symfony lens. It sounds like your surgeon is very experienced and I'm sure your surgery will go well, too. I remember the day after my first surgery as we were leaving my doctor's office (the eye covering had just been removed) how amazed I was to be seeing so clearly. I actually noticed the metallic paint color of my husband's SUV for the first time. I could hardly wait for my second surgery. It was life changing.
Phyllis
Sue.An2 phyllis31515
Posted
Phyllis so you never see concentric circles around red traffic lights? Most of is with Symfony lenses do. I am pleased with the outcome and everything has been good since 24 hours after each surgery but it would be nice if the circles weren't there.
What target did your surgeon a for? There is speculation that if targeted for -.50 or -75 then one wouldn't see the circles especially if implanted with symfony in one eye and monofocal in dominant wye for best distance in the other. Monofocal would counter balance the symfony.
mike90861 Sue.An2
Posted
That's interesting
So it may be a good idea not to rush into changing both to multifocals and maybe go with a monofocal in the dominant eye if that could eliminate the rings
I wonder if anyone has tried this or is this just speculation at this point
phyllis31515 Sue.An2
Posted
Hello Sue,
I don't recall seeing anything around the red traffic lights. I'm going out tomorrow evening after dark, so I'll double check. The only thing I know I see for sure are the starbursts on the approaching headlights.
I don't recall having a discussion with my doctor about setting a target. Before my first surgery, I did tell him that great distance vision was important to me. After my first surgery, since my vision was great at all distances, he said we would use the same strength for my left eye. However, my left lens is a Symfony TORIC to address my astigmatism. (In case you are not aware, I HAD LASIK surgery 12 years ago.) I was given a lens identification card after each surgery with a sticker with my lens prescription information. I don't know if this will help with your question about a target. MY Left LENS READS - Model ZXT225
Diopter + 22.5D SE 2,25 2.25D CYL...... My Right LENS READS - Model ZXR00 Diopter + 22.0D
As I have said many times, I am totally happy with my results.
mike90861 Ladyleader
Posted
So I was at the pre op today and they said that my left eye is 20/100 and the right one is 20/60
Than after some waiting the surgeon comes in looks at all the measurements and he said something like "you are all set" and got up from the chair and was ready to leave
So I had to stop him with a question about which type of cataract I have and he said it was the posterior type but perhaps I misunderstood what that meant I thought that it meant that the capsule that holds the lens but he said it was the back side of the lens
So after that I asked him what kind of lens am I going to get and he said the monofocal
So than I asked him about the Symphony and he said he is not recommending it because of the rings and said that a lot of patients complain about it and he had to remove 6 of them because the patients found it unbearable
I also asked him about the mixing of monofocal and multifocal and about the monovision and he shot those down too So the only choice left was the RESTOR 2.5 with Activefocus I mentioned the claim about the Simphony having a smoother transition between focal points but he said that the manufacturer lied about that
So after not being able to decide what is right or wrong I decided to go with the RESTOR 2.5 which supposedly has much smaller glare and no spider webs
I guess I will find out in a couple of weeks
The bottom line is you have to ask the surgeon these questions You can't go by what you read on the internet .
Each person is different so the surgeon cannot guarantee a certain outcome
I am at a point that I don't even care anymore what lens I am getting as long as the cataract is removed
Sue.An2 mike90861
Posted
Hi Mike - doesn't sound like your surgeon was willing to dialog much which is unfortunate. Doesn't they aren't good at their jobs bit doesn't give you much of a comfort level going into this.
Often surgeons have their go to lenses and even if we want to discuss other options it's likely best if you are set on this surgeon to go with what he is most comfortable with. Other option is to get a second opinion.
I came across an interesting article / blog discussing Symfony Restor etc
Will message you the link as I think posting link is what cost me my original profile. You will of particular interest the comments on Restor 2.5 being paired with Restor 3.0 which this doctor says gives better vision than two Restor 2.5 lenses or 2 Restor 3.0 lenses and why that was his findings. Sending article soon.
phyllis31515 Sue.An2
Posted
Hi Sue,
In response to your question about the red stop lights - I see starbursts around the red stop lights similar to what I see with the oncoming headlights.
Phyllis
mike90861 Sue.An2
Posted
Hi Sue I got your link Thanks
You are right about my surgeon he is pretty inflexible on other options Maybe he is right maybe he is wrong I have no way to verify what he is saying but I don't want to force him to do something that he is mot comfortable with and than I have myself to be blamed if the outcome is mot as good as some have said here
I read about the mixing of the 2.5 and the 3.0 lenses but I am not sure how much difference it would make depending on which one is in the dominant eye
If the 3.0 can go in the dominant eye than there is still a chance since the 2.5 is going in the non dominant eye
At least I got him away from the mono focal but I think that was just a price issue for him
Sue.An2 mike90861
Posted
Glad you hot the link Mike. I know not an easy decision. Inclined like you to defer with doctor's advice on lens selection. If there is time and it helps with the decision go get another opinion from another surgeon who uses Symfony or another lens.
Just found that article interesting regarding pairing the Restor 2.50 with 3.0. Derek's experience here on forum with the Restor 2.5 matches up with what article indicated about there being a dip in vision that the 3.0 doesn't have but 2.50 has fewer halos so there would be overall better vision. If you haven't reached out to him yet he would be a good person to give you feedback on the Restor 2.50
He doesn't have to have 2nd surgery for awhile.
mike90861 Sue.An2
Posted
Thanks Sue I found some of his posts and I will read them over the weekend
Ladyleader
Posted
I have an update, in case anyone else is struggling as I was with the decision of which multifocal lens to choose. After doing research, and very much appreciating the input shared with me on this site, I have opted for the Symphony lenses. Part of my decision is based on my understanding of the design of this lens vs. the Crystalens. The idea of concentric rings, each with a different focus point, just seems logically to me to be a more elegant solution and more likely to provide a positive result. Plus, I hated the idea of totally losing my up close near vision (take glasses off to see small print( which is a given for the Crystalens.
While the specter of halos, glare, etc. at night is a worry (and my surgeon was very clear that this is probable and I should expect it) I have balanced my current self-limiting of night driving with my strong desire to have excellent mid vision and far. That suits my lifestyle of computer work, reading, and with any luck will also produce near vision good enough to manage for most things.
First surgery scheduled for April 9; second for April 23. Fingers crossed!
Sue.An2 Ladyleader
Posted
wishing a good outcome for you Mary. will pray for you those dates. let us know how things turn out.
Sue.An2 Ladyleader
Posted
ladyleader did your surgeon indicate or discuss target of first surgery? most even if aiming for plano target .25 near to allow for iol shifting before it settles. Better to be .25 near than .25 farsighted.
Ladyleader
Posted
My surgeon's office did indicate that he "offsets" placement to maximize result which may be what you are referencing in more detail. I have another round of questions to posit and I will add yours to the mix. Arghhh! This is so not straight forward!