The Crystalens HD (Bausch + Lomb, Rochester, New York; Figure 1) works with only one focal point, unlike multifocal zonal or diffractive IOL models that function with several foci using various rings or optical zones. Due to Crystalens HD's novel design, the patient perceives objects at different distances (near, intermediate, and distance) as continuous vision. In January 2009, we began implanting the Crystalens HD in a prospective, open, uncontrolled observational study now including 74 eyes. This article reviews 9-month postoperative results in 20 eyes.
Patients with cataract, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism up to 0.75 D were enrolled in the study. Eyes with very wide pupil, with a ciliary body or a capsular bag that was not intact, and patients who had undergone previous surgery were excluded. Follow-up examinations were performed immediately postoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. We examined visual acuity with Jaeger charts for near vision and Sloan charts for intermediate vision. Both UCVA and BCVA were determined for distance vision. We also recorded patient satisfaction by means of a questionnaire (Table 1).
IOL PARAMETERS
With the Crystalens HD, we can perform cataract surgery
and simultaneously correct myopia, hyperopia, and
mild astigmatism (ie, up to 0.75 D). The central thickness
of the IOL is 3 µm greater than that of the previous
model, the Crystalens 5.0, shortening the spherical
radius and adding negative spherical aberration to the
mid-peripheral zone of the lens. The negative spherical
aberration influences the correction of presbyopia.
The 5-mm optic of the Crystalens HD is made of the silicone material Biosil (refractive index 1.427; Bausch + Lomb). The rigid polyimide haptics are designed so that the IOL grows together with the capsular bag. The Crystalens HD is available in a range from 10.00 to 35.00 D, with 0.25 D increments between 18.00 and 22.00 D.
IMPLANTATION
Only an experienced surgeon should implant the
Crystalens HD, because the surgical procedure is different
from standard cataract surgery. Following are some
pearls for the operative technique:
- When placing the Crystalens HD into the injector, attention must be paid to the correct direction of implantation of the IOL. This can be verified by noting the different ends of the haptics;
- The IOL must be implanted in the capsular bag, whereby the natural movement of the ciliary muscle can be used later for focusing;
- The capsulorrhexis must be larger than the optic of the IOL, (ie, a 6-mm capsulorrhexis must be created for an IOL optic of 5 mm. The anterior capsular bag must be clearly outside the optic;
- Because the silicone optic is soft and the polyimide haptics are rigid and inflexible, the Crystalens HD is difficult to position in the capsular bag, especially in patients with narrow pupils. The surgeon should position the injector in the middle of the pupil, place it in the capsular bag, and then inject the IOL slowly;
- The IOL must be rotated until it fits perfectly. Afterward, the cortex and the ophthalmic viscosurgical device must be thoroughly removed from behind the optic; and
- The IOL must be pushed backward until there is complete contact with the posterior capsular bag and should not move forward from that position; and
- Immediately after surgery, the pupil is dilated with a single dose of atropine to create an accommodation block lasting 10 to 14 days. Patients will experience severe glare and will not be able to read. It is the surgeon's duty to inform patients of these side effects prior to surgery.
PRINCIPLE OF ACTION
The forward movement of the
Crystalens HD enables pseudophakic
accommodation, which has now been
confirmed in numerous studies using
objective and subjective methods (Figure
2).1-4 The polyimide material of the haptics
causes the IOL to grow quickly and firmly
together with the capsular bag. For undisturbed
and complete growth, it is important
that the patient does not accommodate
during the first 10 days after implantation.
This allows enough time for fibrosis
to occur, securing the haptic ends onto
the capsular bag. If the patient does not avoid accommodation during this time, the refocus capacity of the IOL upon accommodation will not be guaranteed.
All patient data in our study are reported to SurgiVision Consultants, Inc., an independent organization that performs statistical data assessment. Our experience has shown that optimal postoperative results are achieved after 4 to 6 weeks. We perform Nd:YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification as early as 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively to improve the mobility of the Crystalens HD and to prevent induced astigmatism. If astigmatism is present postoperatively, 90° ellipsoid gaps should be created behind the optic-haptic junction, in the direction of the haptics, to reduce tension on the capsular bag and on the IOL.
POSTOPERATIVE RESULTS
At 9 months, binocularly operated patients have better
results than monocularly operated patients (Table
2). Intermediate and near vision were 1.0 in 100% and
0.5 in 100% of eyes, respectively. All patients were spectacle spectacle
independent for distance vision. Likewise, all
patients achieved optimal intermediate vision, with
71% no longer requiring reading glasses and 29% needing
reading glasses only occasionally.
No patient experienced glare sensitivity or halos, and all reported unchanged night vision. The subjective patient satisfaction with near vision (95%) was higher than average compared with multifocal and diffractive IOLs.
CONCLUSION
After implantation of the Crystalens HD, patients
achieved convincing postoperative clinical results for
both distance and near vision. The values for intermediate
vision were particularly impressive. The principle
of action of this accommodating IOL, which works
with only one focus, results in higher-than-average subjective
patient satisfaction.,/p>
Mark Tomalla, MD, practices at the Clinic Niederrhein, Clinic for Refractive and Ophthalmic Surgery, Duisburg, Germany. Dr. Tomalla states that he has no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned. He may be reached at tel: +49 203 5081711; fax: +49 203 5081713; e-mail: mark.tomalla@ejk.de.
