Lasik Eye Surgery

Q. Dr. Christenbury, I'm 52 and have recently been advised that I have PSC (?) cataract in L eye and one also starting to appear in R eye. Am scheduled to have conventional cataract surgery on 1/18 but have heard about the new Crystal Lens procedure and am curious. I have amblyopia and have been told Lasik would not help me. R eye is the "lazy" one. The ReZoom/ReSTOR procedures are new to me. Crystal Lens procedure is offered locally. Not sure about ReZoom/ReSTOR. Cost differences? Are these procedures considered elective by most insurance carriers? Thanks!
Ernie Cash, Victoria TX 1/07/06

A. First of all, you would probably be better off having standard cataract surgery with conventional lens implant due to the history of amblyopia. Second, I prefer the ReSTOR lens implant over the Rezoon or Crystalens.
Dr. Jonathan Christenbury 1/09/06

Q. I'm 57 & had crystal lens in R eye on 12/13. Scheduled for L eye 12/29, on 05 insurance. Distance vision fair, mid-range (computer) seems better than with glasses (clear lens in R; normal prescription in L). Can't read w/R eye yet. Am a bit near sighted in both eyes. Have some astigmatism; my surgeon said not bad enough to eliminate crystal, he did a slit to help correct (Lasik may be needed later). I have a big halo around lights from R eye. Went into surgery for mono lens, but changed mind to crystal on the operating table, hoping to be able to ice fish w/o glasses steaming up, do computer work w/o, and read in a pinch. Don't mind wearing glasses to my office job. Willing to exercise eyes muscles. What do you recommend: 1) Get the 2nd crystal and hope for the best 2) Get mono lens in L eye 3) Postpone surgery and pay extra $4000 next year 4) Other? Need response by 12/28.
Mike, Milwaukee, WI 12/22/05

A. I recommend the ReSTOR lens implant over the Crystalens for the reasons you give.
Dr. Jonathan Christenbury 12/22/05


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