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Risks of Crystalens

Crystalens® is an intraocular lens implant to replace the clouded natural lens of the eye. A doctor inserts it during cataract surgery to enable the patient to regain clear vision. All surgery involves some risk of infection and hemorrhaging. However, the procedure also entails some serious sight-threatening risks, as well as specific risks related to the implantation of this particular intraocular lens.

  1. Infection and Hemorrhaging

    • Complications from Crystalens® implantation are rare, but potential risks inclujde as infection, inflammation and irritation after surgery. Many of these infections are temporary and easily treated. Rare cases of serious infection and hemorrhaging can be sight-threatening, however. Patients who are diabetic or who have high blood pressure are more likely to suffer this complication. Individuals prone to chronic inflammations and infections also run a higher risk with this procedure.

    Retinal Detachment

    • The most serious risk to Crystalens® implantation entails retinal detachment which can lead to permanent vision loss in some cases. A tear or hole may develop in the retina, or the retina itself may become detached. If doctors treat retinal detachment before the central part of the macula detaches, it can save much of the patient's vision. The Mayo Clinic reports that not all attempts to reattach the retina succeed. Even if reattached, there is no guarantee of restoring normal vision.

    Functional Deficiencies

    • Crystalens® implantation replaces the old, hard natural lens of the eye clouded by cataracts which blurs vision. After implantation, the cornea itself may suffer clouding. At the time of cataract removal, some of the membrane purposely left in the eye to complete the procedure may cloud or become opaque and require laser treatment later.

      Another risk according to the manufacturer Bausch & Lomb is that Crystalens® can get stuck in a forward position, only permitting good near vision and obliging the patient to wear glasses or contact lenses for far vision. Likewise, it can get stuck in the backward position requiring glasses or contact lenses for near vision. In addition, Crystalens® does not absorb a great amount of ultraviolet light, which can increase the risk of retinal disorders. Patients should wear protective sunglasses when outdoors after implantation.

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