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Crystalens review: Can't see as promised 81

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3:34 pm EST
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Had cataract surgery. Paid extra $4, 000 for crystalens above and beyond what insurance paid for standard cataract lenses so that i could see far, intermediate and near. They didn't work. Looks like the doctor picked out the wrong lenses and now i can see ok far somewhat intermediate and not at all close. Why did i waste another $4, 000 for nothing. I tried my best to fight the doctor, res hospital, crystalens company and like all us peeons i lost. Don't waste your money on these lenses. P. S. Don't buy the iheater either

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yoyoyvonne
Hollywood, US
Jan 20, 2018 8:25 am EST
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Has anyone checked about the removal of the frigging substandard Crystalens implant ! These lens had recalls as well, check FDA website..and yes Dr that was positioning them manually if put in wrong, they will never admit it...mine tilted permanently..left eye has been in distrest for over 5 yrs now...supposedly I went to the best...yes the best Dr in South Fla to rip you off, cost me 12, 000! There should be a law against these optometrists...my dr. practice got a legal warning and fined for making promises and statements referring the Crystalens implant that are just not true...it's all about the money isnt it.

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Priscila22
, US
Jul 11, 2017 2:14 pm EDT

Crystalens!
DO NOT I repeat DO NOT buy this lenses. They are so expensive and is no difference then the regulars one that your Insurance will cover, Had my surgery done in February 20017 and the longer I have them the more difficult it is. Can't read only an arm length and always have to have reading glasses with me! Very annoying! Now the distance in my right eye is getting worst, is so fussy! I do see halos and feel like I have I contact lenses on. I did use contact lenses for about 35 years and was able to see better until I have cataract. I hope they stop selling this crystalens they are not good.

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iamisay
Phoenix, US
Mar 10, 2022 3:24 am EST
Replying to comment of Priscila22

Want to start a class action against Bausch Lomb for the crystalens? I had my left eye done in 2018 and it ruined my vision, told eye dr. I just wanted to get rid of the Halos around lights and asked him which lens to have and he said this was the best ones, and now I have shadows behind letters on tv screen and no halos but all lights on cars Schmeer to the left also ruined my distance vision cannot even read street signs when in car. I feel so stupid to have paid $4000 out of pocket to have my vision ruined…..I say we need a class action now! Anybody with me?

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DRColorado
Denver, US
Mar 15, 2022 3:32 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of iamisay

Hi,

I have been dealing with the exact same issues - I had them implanted six years ago, and am pretty much blind in my left eye now - have Z syndrome - wrote the FDA, Bausch and Lomb for YEARS - then the FDA stated "statute of limitations" had run out - only interested in protecting the drug company, not the consumers. I have had six surgeries to try and correct my left eye - the lens is no longer in, but the problems remain. I supposedly had the best surgeon for this in the U.S. - Steve Slade (in Houston), but found out later he was working with the drug company, most ethical doctors do not recommend this type of relationship. I would be happy to help with the class action lawsuit. I am pretty amazed this inferior and dangerous product is still on the market.

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DRColorado
Denver, US
Aug 02, 2022 2:40 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of iamisay

This reply is for any consumer who is interested in a class action lawsuit. I am still in disbelief that this product is allowed to remain as an option with so many negative outcomes.

Basically blind now in my left eye, and complications in both. Seriously ruined my life.

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bousie
Fallbrook, US
Dec 17, 2022 8:05 pm EST
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Replying to comment of DRColorado

wish my eyes weren't so blurry so I could read all the comments. Had Crystalens implanted about 10 years ago. Paid double the price of regular cataract surgery lenses.

I wish I had taken action that first year against the doctor and lense manufacturer. Went to an Ophthalmologist who told me he would never recommend thesse lenses for one of the reasons the goop in our eyes build up on those wings thus preventing the promised movement. Also, they tore my gel sacks so it is like I have dirty glasses on at all times.

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CaBeller
Rochester Hills, US
Nov 14, 2023 2:24 pm EST
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Replying to comment of iamisay

I am definitely all for a class action lawsuit against Bausch&Lomb. Crystalens has made me legally blind (20/600) in my right eye. I have had 60-70 subsequent eye doc appointments with so many complications, too many to list. Is or was there a lawsuit? If there has been a lawsuit, what was the outcome? I wrote Bausch&Lomb about the problems I had but never received a response.

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blindbat
, US
Feb 22, 2017 10:53 am EST
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Other than the recalled Crystalenses, how many of the problems reported here would be caused by bad practitioners? I'm not accusing, but would like to know if the lack of experience of the surgeons has led to these complications. I just heard Dr. Santamaria of New Jersey speak positively of the Crystalens. This doctor, however, is highly regarded in the ophthalmology field. Has anyone here been his patient? I'm considering getting this procedure done--even though my problem is only with near vision. You may hear Dr. Santamaria on this radio interview: https://youtu.be/YElRT6h7Kwc. His comments on Crystalens come at the end.

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BeckyC1957
, US
Dec 21, 2016 4:52 am EST

I had both eyes done 3yrs ago with crystal lens spent 11, 000. I had good reading vision for about 6 months did all the eye exercises. Went back after 14months (I was afraid I to go sooner I thought had done something so I kept the issue secret, longer than I should have. I mean $11, 000. I didn't want my husband to be mad if I had ruined my investment towards perfect vision by tanning in a tanning bed) . I went in and had yag done on both eyes another $2000.00. Reading vision improved yay no reading classes woohoo lasted about 10 months back to using reading classes. My night vision and distance vision is fine but I'm back to using and losing reading classes. Very very very disappointed. No waist your money or chance of complications on this procedure.

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JannyK
, US
Sep 12, 2016 10:50 am EDT
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I am getting worried - had the Crystalens for cataract surgery in both eyes. First eye surgery was very painful - I could see to read immediately but anything 3 ft or more out is horrible. Had the second surgery 2 weeks later and have excellent far vision but cannot read a book or the computer monitor. Doctor has told me the Lasik procedure I am scheduled for in 6 more weeks will correct my problems but I have my doubts. There are halos everywhere & my left eye is still painful on occasion. I paid $3450/eye extra. I questioned the doctor quite extensively as to the lens as had a sister who's doctor strongly discouraged her on getting them. I am so sad I believed in my doctor - I have had him for RK in 1995 and touchup Lasik in 2005 and trusted him. When I went back to him for the YAG (I came early as my local optometrist recommended it and stated in my report so the clinic had called with an earlier date) and he was very condescending to me with the question "why are you are here". I am crossing my fingers for the October appointment but have my doubts. It has made my life so miserable.

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LynnVet
, US
Aug 11, 2016 5:15 pm EDT
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I had Crystalens implanted in my right eye in 2013. It is now three years later and my eye sight has never been worse. My intermediate vision now requires me to wear glasses for computer work...before I did not need glasses to see a monitor. My reading vision prescription is much stronger than before surgery. Bausch and Lomb tells you that you are a candidate even if you have an astigmatism. I have had two doctors tell me since surgery that I never should have been told that I was a candidate. It cost me $2500 out of pocket for the lense that insurance did not cover...$5500 total I had to pay and now have worse vision that I have ever had. Sadly, I did not look up Complaints on Crystalens before making my decision. I hope this post saves someone else the misery that I deal with every day and got to pay for the priviledge.

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Sheila Aiken
, US
Jul 23, 2016 2:58 am EDT

I had a Crystalens implanted in 2010. My doctor asked if I needed glasses post-surgery, would I rather wear glasses to see distances or for close work. When I answered "distance" he sneered at me. everyone who reads comments on this board is familiar with what the doctor tells you to expect after the surgery. Your eyes will be dilated, you'll have good distance vision, get reading glasses of several strengths and step down for two weeks. My experience was exactly the opposite. He put drops in my eyes so they weren't dilated and I vomited for at least 30 minutes. I could not see intermediate or distance objects and still can't. However I was able to read a novel three days after the surgery. Post-op follow up was turned over to an optometrist. On the fourth day I had an excrutiating pain in my eye and insisted on seeing the surgeon. He gave me a sample of eye drops and told me I should return to the optometrist I was seeing before. In other words, his work was done. I believe he ordered the side pieces slightly longer to ensure that I could read, and the lens puts pressure on my eye when I read too much.

My advice is to choose some other than a Crystalens for the simple reason that if the doctor measures wrong or something else goes wrong, they are risky to explant.

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Rgemi
, US
Jul 07, 2016 4:50 am EDT

I was promised by my ophthalmologist that the Crystal lens would self adjust so I can see both near and far on my right eye. That did not happen. I also had the YAG procedure after several months but did not improve my vision. I cannot see near and my distance vision is blurry on my right eye. Totally disappointed with the misrepresentation.

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Chris Holfeuer
, US
Feb 24, 2016 12:55 am EST

I am 27 now I had the surgery when I was 24 due to family a family history of cataracts. My doctor recommend the crystal lens to me and I was very intrigued. I have two other sibling who had cataract surgery but had the regular soft lens put it. So I figured I would try something new that would give me good close up vision.

After getting the first eye done I had 20x20 distance vision but very poor accommodation for close up reading. I needed reading glasses for just about everything close up. This was a huge change since I went from having no distance vision and almost perfect close up vision prior to the surgery. When I finally got in for the the second eye I noticed it had average distance and just enough vision to read this webpage but a bit blurry. Now I am wondering what do these special lenses actually do?... They made one eye close up and one eye for distance. Why would they need to do this if they were accommodation lenses? To add to frustration I compare my vision to my sibling vision and they can read text even smaller then I can and see just as far, and they only have the soft lenses. One thing they don't warn you about it getting used to the vision difference in both the eyes. It can be challenging a come with a lot of head aches.

If you are planning on buying crystal lens or any sort of accommodation lense save yourself the 4000$, Stick to the soft lense.

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paul6161
, US
Feb 18, 2016 10:38 am EST
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So glad I finally found a sounding board for this problem. After talking to my doctor I felt as though I was the only one having a problem with Crystalens.. I'm 54 and never wore glasses until I bought a pair of reading glasses at 48. Luckily I only had this surgery on my right eye two years ago. I regret it to this day! Told that I would be able to see near far and in between (brochure claims the same thing). The only plus is that colors are brighter. Long distance is worse, moderate distance is worse (I can't read the street sign until I'm twenty feet away), near vision... I still need the same reading glasses! When I drive at night the halos are worse then when I had cataracts! The Dr's response: He gave eye drops. Hell I could have saved $3000 and gone with the drops.

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PVroom
, US
Feb 07, 2016 11:29 am EST

I had Crystalens placed in my right eye in August. For me, it did not work. Save your money.

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Sheila Aiken
, US
Oct 16, 2015 3:21 pm EDT

I had Crystalens implant in my right eye in 2009. The receptionist asked me to fill out a questionaire asking me to rate my personality from easy-going to perfectionist and some other strange questions. One question was "If you had to wear glasses would you rather have to wear glasses for distance or for close-up?" I answered distance. When I finally saw the doctor he almost ridiculed my answer about the glasses. A month later he implanted the Crystalens and three days later I could read a book but my mid and distance vision were much worse than before (and still are). Within a week I experienced a horrible stabbing pain in my eye. The doctor danced around it and finally a sample of Nevanac gave me relief. He dismissed me and told me to return to my optometrist.
Since then I have had the pain re-occur many times and realized that it happened after I read and used my computer for many hours. A new doctor gives me prescriptions for Nevanac. I'm told it is extremely risky to explant a Crystalens but I'm frustrated. Is it possible that after I told the doctor it was important to have close vision that he experimented and added a minute measurement to the length of part of the hinge?
Sheila

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yoyoyvonne
Hollywood, US
Dec 12, 2016 6:18 am EST
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Go on FDA recalls with Crystal lens Bausch and Lomb. you need the actual medical serial number of lens put in your eye, it should be in your charts. Letters were supposed to be sent to patients that the lot may or were defective. may be worth checking it out.

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Jim Cannon
, US
Sep 24, 2015 8:08 am EDT

I had Crystalens implanted in 2006, possibly the first patient in Texas. From the beginning my eyesight has been bad, plus after 9 years I still see starbursts and experience a kaleidoscope effect. It's like being inside a Christmas tree. I have had severe persistent dry eyes since the surgery. I have been unable to get a working prescription since the surgery because the lens will not hold position so my vision varies multiple times during an exam. The doctor told me I was seeing well even after I complained during every visit. I finally gave up with him and pursued help from other ophthalmologists but to no avail . Now I can't drive at night and it is difficult to work because of my vision. This is a bad product.

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DRColorado
Denver, US
Mar 15, 2022 3:40 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of Jim Cannon

Hi Jim - Did you go to Dr. Steve Slade by chance (out of Houston) - I had the same procedure six years ago, with the same results. One of the worst decisions in my life.

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Dave Harbst
, US
Sep 09, 2015 8:51 pm EDT

My experience with Crystalens is as bad as any of the above complaints. I had both eyes done as an optional remedy for cataracts. I had one eye done in December 2012 and one done in January 2013. By the way, I am 72 years of age presently and had glasses for the first time at age 42, at first for near-sightedness and about 10 years later for reading up close. Anyway, back to my Crystalens complaint. For the next two years after I had the Crystalens lenses installed, all was well and my vision, both near and far. Beginning in early 2015, I started experiencing a condition like "dry eye"(something I had never experienced before). At the same time, my distance vision became worse. I have not had any problem with up-close vision, but my distance vision has become very bad, especially at night or in any area where there isn't good lighting.
Needless to say, I am very sorry that I paid $4700 for the Crystalens lenses. I would love to be part of class action suit against the manufacturer.

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shortskis
, US
Aug 26, 2015 11:36 am EDT
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Wish I had read all these before I chose these lenses. Like everyone else I was told I was a good candidate and that I would love them. My life hasn't been the same since. I complained immediately after the first lens was put in and was told you have to have two to be able to tell the difference. No change. I didn't have what most of you talk about vision wise, but I've felt sick, dizzy, and tired from day one. Some days worse than others and am not able to function normally. Since the vision is not all that bad I can't seem to get anyone to understand the issue. Has anyone else had this? Also, I want these replaced ASAP so I would love to know if anyone has done this and who they were able to get to preform the surgery..

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LKWhit-Shep
Denver, US
Jul 22, 2015 5:50 pm EDT
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My 81 y.o. mother had Crystalenses PUSHED off on her in cataract removal procedure. She was healthy and active before the surgery, a voracious reader and worked every crossword puzzle she could find. Since getting these lenses, she has had various problems, feels lousy all the time, and has had close to a $1, 000, 000 (yes, a million bucks) in tests, appointments with various specialists, only to be told that they can find nothing wrong with her. She has been losing a great deal of weight, complains that everything she eats burns, her eyes are always pinkish, is weak, feels light-headed and is afraid to drive for fear of fainting. She has been unable to sleep since the implants were put in. She states that bright colors and patterns overwhelm her visually, and other senses like smell and taste are also affected. She cares for my father who has had three strokes, and all of this has complicated things. I flew to Oklahoma City from Denver to spend a month helping her and talking with specialists. I am a health professional and felt I could advocate for her. She has never been depressed or a hypochondriac in her life! When I arrived, I was SHOCKED at how frail she looked as it had only been a year since I had seen her. (We talk on the phone daily). Her sister had called me, concerned that she was dying. After all of the tests (including cancer scans), our suspicions keep returning to the Crystalenses or the excessive use of steroid eye drops the surgeon prescribed. Our feeling all along has been that either the lenses or the eye drops caused neurological problems. The eye surgeon denies everything, of course. Mom is scared and depressed and she can no longer read because the words on the pages cause problems. Has anyone else had any of these problems? Email me at livefreeordie90@yahoo.com

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Francisco Silveira
Weston, US
Apr 30, 2015 3:48 pm EDT
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Me too. My wife and myself had both eyes done by the same Dr.. She had the regular lens, covered by the insurance, and the results were very good.
I paid $5, 000 for a set of crystal lenses and the results I got are a mixed bag. I can see well, but when I enter a place with florescent lights like: an airport, stores, or when I drive at night; the glare causes me grate discomfort and confusion. Last year, when we visited the eye surgeon, he did a procedure to both of us, which according to him would clean and improve greatly our visions. My wife came out of there seeing much better. On the other and, I arrived home feeling excruciating pain in the eye he worked on. I called his office several times that afternoon asking permeation to return there. Finally, he saw me there that evening, applied some drops on my eye and send me home without any improvement of my pain.

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minnesota unhappy with Crystalens
Sauk Centre, US
Feb 26, 2015 9:42 pm EST

So many complaints about Crystalens and nothing is being done by the FDA. I never heard the Crystalens until my eye doctor insisted how wonderful it is and I would be a wonderful candidate. I had the procedure done two years ago and have been miserable ever since. I need cheaters to do everything close up especially at work. I have severe floaters that are distracting due to a separation shortly after the surgery. The cost of Crystalens was $7, 000 and yet I needed a yag procedure--one eye done at $700. Did need the other eye. Save your money and don't listen to the professionals who are probably getting paid to push the Crystalens. What is with the brochures and professional comments "if you are hard to please the Crystalens may not be for you". What the hell does that mean anyway? Save your money folks... don't do it.

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Weakvision
Camarillo, US
Feb 02, 2015 9:29 pm EST
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Need 20 plus people with crystal lens implant issues for class action law suit if interested email zadehabas@yahoo.com. If I receive 20 + email addresses I will contact the group for the next step. Suffering and just want justice together we can make a difference.

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Turn
, US
Jan 18, 2015 8:01 pm EST
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Anybody did a lawsuit on the Crystal lenses since I have my surgery on July 2014 I been the same problems like everybody else, never had a problem with my far vision and now is I cannot see the signs unless I am very close. I cannot drive see halos and blurry vision. Very worry about losing more vision I already have the laser done on both eyes and instead getting better it got worse, don't know what to do.

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Aileen123
Miami, US
Oct 31, 2014 1:40 pm EDT

I had my cataract surgery 3 years ago and had the crystal end HD implanted. What a mistake! my vision has been hazy and blurry ever since. I would rather cover my right eye and see out of my left eye because it is more comfortable. I fear having the cataract removal on my left eye because I am afraid I will end up with the same problem. My near sight is very good. This whole problem started after I had LASIK. I am 43 and I am afraid of my future. I am a nurse and I rely on good vision. Let me know about the lawsuit..I would love to join in!

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TxPhilosopher
Cedar Park, US
Aug 31, 2014 4:14 am EDT
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Crystalens 5.0. Now, being told due to 'muscle accommodating need' that this particular lens wasn't a good idea for someone 65. (1) Severe astimatism isn't a good candidate, but that was overlooked. Cross or cockeyed, which I had trouble with my eye pulling outward my whole life, isn't a good candidate... (since the muscle tends to weaken as you age, and the muscle is what your lens adheres to to make then lens work properly). For months, it felt as though my eyeball was in a barrel, and I could see a black rim around my eye. I couldn't focus, and my eye (dominant eye) felt as though it was pulling outward. Right off, due to Astigmatism and bad eye muscle tone in the past, I should have never been given an accommodating type IOL (Crystalens). Because they operate by being attached to the muscle, and if the muscle isn't working right, the lens isn't either, and my vision has been horrid. I'm 5 years out from my cataract-lens implant surgery, and still struggle every day to see well. They say I have 20/20 vision. Don't understand how the test concludes that because I feel like I'm looking through vaseline. I wear a patch quite often over my right eye, especially when trying to read, because it is so distorted. I wanted to have it out, but they said, no, that wasn't possible, as I'd had YAG laser, in fact several times. They didn't tell me that unless it was removed asap, and especially before YAG surgery, that it could never be removed, as it begins seating, becoming one with the muscle. The YAG helped in making the eye not feel like it was sunk in a deep hole, but I still see what looks like a rim, just like when I wore contacts. My decreased peripheal vision is quite noticeable, also. I've lost the ability to do so much. My vision wasn't all that bad. I had 20/40 and could still pass drivers license. This was all about removing cataracts, and the song and dance for the Crytalens was loud and reassuring. In fact, she said, my dad is getting his done next week. Well, I found out that he didn't, because she became worried from too many folks having problems with their Crystalens. My other eye (which they said needed replacing the week after I got the Crystalens), because it too has a catarct, is starting to distort a lot. I've lived with it for 5 years, as I'm horrified worrying about losing even more vision .

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Weakvision
Camarillo, US
Jul 23, 2014 10:01 pm EDT
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My vision was good not great... I got Crystal Lens and now I cannot see well enough to drive or work on my computer (my wife has to type this complaint).

First does anyone know a good doctor that can help me with my vision... I live in California

Second did you ever find a lawyer for a class action suit... because I will be glad to join in. I am studying for the Bar so that I can be a lawyer, however now with my sight so bad... I cannot see well enough to take the test.

Please respond as I want to at least be able to see well enough to Drive... Thank you!

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mtrem
, US
Mar 03, 2014 2:32 pm EST

I am almost 3 years into this mess with crystalen lenses... Does one know how to start a class action suit against them... I cant drive... I have touble reading and just even typing this... I only use one eye now... Ended up in Boston with a specialist who come to find out is a spokesperson for the lense... really... I am happy to know it is just not me with this issue but I cannt believe we are to be left like this. argh

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spiritsis
Mio, US
Jan 24, 2014 3:04 pm EST

I had the Crystal Lens put in during cataract removal about a year & a half ago. Left eye first, right second. I saw great, near & far for about 10 months. Doc said I had some debris or scar tissue floating about, so wanted to do laser. Had the laser, then a week later everything changed. Distance was a problem. My right eye is blurry & night driving is not good. I had 5 more laser treatments. Still, right lens will not accommodate for distance. My right eye is always irritated & mostly blurry. My doc had a B&L doc there for the laser treatments, and they both were nice. My distance has not really improved. Doc says the lens is stuck in a forward position. I can still read & see the pc fine, but all the clearness & sharpness I had for distance has not came back & now am noticing a flash of lights on the side, the right eye, of course. Like everyone else, the hype of not having to wear glasses for anything is what sold me. And I still don't wear them but I feel it is going to happen. I would rather it just start working again. I loved it when I could see good. Don't know really what will happen, but I do know, Crystal Lens does not work right. And I am sorry I spent the $6000 extra. I don't know about class action lawsuit, but do know I am an inch away to talking to a lawyer!

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olderbutnotwiser
Garland, US
Jan 16, 2014 5:25 pm EST

Three months after crystal lens in both eyes, $6000 later, I am worse off than ever in my life. I went with this eye surgeon because of extensive advertising. Maybe that is the way to go...false advertising!

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Chilly Willy
, US
Jan 16, 2014 12:37 pm EST

I'm in the same boat. Had a cataract surgery. Paid an additional $3000. for the crystal lens because I was promised it would accommodate both near and far vision. I never got my near vision back. Now, my far vision is blurry again too. The Dr keeps telling me to do eye exercises and maybe it will start working. It hasn't. How do we launch a class action lawsuit? I was better off prior to cataract surgery.

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Pissed! Gert
Oceanside, US
Nov 01, 2013 9:28 pm EDT
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I had Crystalens implanted 1 1/2 years ago. My vision is horrible--blurry, unable to see well at any distance...Terribly frustrated. Paid $6000 extra. What a waste! The last time I saw the doctor, he stated that, "I guess you are one of the fifteen percent for whom the Crystalens doesn't work." Thanks a lot! I did not hear those statistics before the surgery. All I saw were posters of Florence Henderson advertising Crystalens in every room of the office. I saw another doctor last week and he mentioned astigmatism in one eye and an overcorrected lens in the other eye and recommended that I wear glasses full time, something I have never had to do. I am still paying for the lens! I would be interested in a class action lawsuit against Bausch & Lomb...Pissed!

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yoyoyvonne
Hollywood, US
Dec 12, 2016 6:25 am EST
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You may want to checkout the FDa recall website, there is a list of Crystallens, Bausch and lomb, the list are actual serial numbers that were defective, letters should have been sent to patients. You would have to know from your chart what those numbers are. of actual lens put in your eye, both left and right.

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Crshouston
Houston, US
Oct 07, 2013 3:37 pm EDT
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So far my experience with Crystalens AO is not satisfactory. I had them put in both eyes three months ago. At first computer distance was perfect and near vision was acceptable but far was still myopic. But near and mid has gradually faded while far has only improved slightly. They will do LASIK or PRK as part of original price but mid and near will be even worse. It cost $1700 per eye extra for Crystallens AO versus Trulign Toric. I will wind up having wasted $3400 and still wearing glasses for all but distance.
I am 61 and in good health. I think the doctors are excellent surgeons but I don't believe that the diagnostic processes are sophisticated enough to identify patients who will benefit from an accommodating lens.

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Kit in Tampa
Tampa, US
Sep 14, 2013 11:05 pm EDT

I am a 45 year old male and got Crystalens in both eyes in May (separated 2 weeks apart). My right eye was done first and immediately had light flickering issues. I wanted to wait to do the 2nd eye but was SOLD to get it done as it would help my brain adjust. BAD MOVE! Now both eyes are flickering and I feel like I am wearing swim goggles all day. There is distortion on the edges at all angles. I have also lost my near vision, I went from being able to read my computer on the 1st week of surgery to having to wear cheaters at 1.0 and now 2.0. Only good news is I don't have floaters or halos. I am a competitive Table Tennis player and have lost my ability to see depth (so no accommodation here). I am able to play racquetball as the ball is bigger and slower; however, I have trouble telling the angle of the balls. Accommodation is a JOKE. I wish I got non accommodating lenses as these don't work anyway. My best friend is a retina specialist MD PHD at Johns Hopkins and he told me to stay away from Crystallens but I was too optimistic. I thought that 95% (as stated by Bausch and Lombs website) no longer needed any glasses. What a blatant lie. Now I am scheduled to do the YAG procedure to help with scarring. I asked what the side effects are and the doctor said none. Not sure what this will resolve. Anybody had good experience or heard of good experience w YAG procedure. Cost is $2500 for two eyes.

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Craig T
Malvern, US
Aug 29, 2013 8:52 pm EDT
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Implant works for distance, ok midrange, forget close, a mono lense I was told from a second doctor would have worked just as well.
$8000 lesson that I will pay to Care One for years. If I knew then what I know now.

At the time even the finance guy was in on the deception. When I told him I couldn't see closeup, he said the doctor could touch it up. The touch up as I later learned from another doctor only helps with distance.

My original surgeon that I paid $8000 to, over and above my insurance coverage, on my follow up basically slapped me on my butt and said see you in year? Is he kidding, I'm a friggin accountant, so what do I do? Back to Walgreens for readers and continue to pay my $8000 bill?

DON'T GET A CRYSTALENS, Don't believe the hype. Really research your doctor, go to more than one, feel comfortable, if you get a bad vibe, leave. Price and prominence is no assurance. Trust me, I went to a Prominent, decorated experienced surgeon. Unfortunately, it's just a business, an upsell, like leather seats on a car, if you have money to burn go for it since the results in most cases aren't worse, but not really better either, just the card in my wallet says I spent more money than you did, what a sad badge of honor. I'll take comfort in knowing I wasn't the only idiot that fell for the scam.

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millerc580
Medford, US
Jul 29, 2013 10:12 pm EDT

Had crystal lens implanted 2012, both eyes. I had yag and laser done on both eyes, which helped with the distance, but near is still a problem. I even tried a contact for near vision which helped somewhat. The laser was suppose to reflect the same as the contact, but now the near vision is even worse. The Doctor said everything was ok with my eye and can't figure out why my left eye (for near vision) wont focus. I too am at my wits end, I paid the extra out of pocket for this surgery and I'm very disappointed in the results.

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Jacqueline P DiCrasto
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May 30, 2013 4:57 pm EDT

Had crystalens surgery 3 years ago, 6 months later my distance vision was gone, a little over a year ago I contacted Bausch & Lomb, makers of the crystalens, with no avail, they said nothing wrong with crystalens, ever since then my eyes have been very sensitive to sunlight, this year it is difficult to be outdoors and even driving, I have to continuously close my eyes while I am driving and just out in sun for a short time, I am a very active person, driving everywhere, no sunglasses help, sometimes they make problem worse. I think everyone who has had a problem with the crystalen should band together, there is strength in numbers, and we have better results if there are a lot of people complaining. We should start a club and document everything and take the maker of the crystalens and some of these doctors who tell you this is the best thing yet and then double talk you when your are having a problem, How about it people, let's get together. Jackie

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Jacqueline P DiCrasto
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May 30, 2013 4:45 pm EDT

I had the crystalens done 3 years ago because I wanted something better for my eyes, 6 months after my distance vision was like it was before the crystalens, now 3 years later I cannot go out on a sunny day even with sunglasses, the sun bothers my eyes so bad I have to keep closing then, I am an active person, driving here and everywhere. I complained to Bausch & Lomb over a year ago, all they say is nothing wrong with the crystalens, I think there is strength in numbers, everyone who has had a problem with the crystalens should form a group and then we can get together and bring a suit against the maker and the Doctors make you believe this is the best thing out there. If we try to do alone it is hard to prove. I will back to this site to see if we have a number of people who agree with me.Jackie

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TPFMB1113
, US
May 30, 2013 6:56 am EDT
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I had Crystalens implanted in both eyes 15 months ago. Like all the others I was told I was a good candidate for them even though I was born with deficient vison and started wearing glasses at age 6. My eye muscles have never worked well on their own. Yet I "was a good candidate" I paid $6, 000 because my insurance would not pay anything on the lens if I chose anything other than the standard. My distance vision is fair, mid range ok, near vision requires reading glasses. I have gone back repeatedly and they keep trying to make this failure my fault. I have written to Bausch & Lomb to no avail. The doctor's office even tried to say I had a pre -existing condition of dry eyes. I do not have nor have I ever had dry eyes. Prior to getting the surgery I wore rigid gas permeable contacts. That would not have been possible if I had dry eyes. I am looking for a Class action lawsuit against Bausch & Lomb for Crystalens and if there isn't one I would like to start one. Any lawyers out there?

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JAFT
Paradise Valley, US
May 21, 2013 10:02 am EDT

I am beginning to agree with everyone else!. I thought things were going to be great. I never have had the halos, thank goodness. However, I cannot see Street signs until I am only about 30 feet in front of the sign. Even the Big street signs are difficult to see. I wake up almost every morning and my eyes are pink, and swollen. The Doc says it's caused by dry eye. I am starting to feel that the Crystalens is another way for the Eye Dr. to make big money since they get paid almost nothing from insurance and medicare. I have been back twice and he keeps saying my vision on the right side (distance) isn't perfect and that he gave me a prescription for glasses for now and we will reevaluate in the fall. Very disappointed. And the person who mentioned that sometimes the vision fluctuates from no vision to good vision if she moves her eyes around...I can relate to that. Dr. said it's dry eye!

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Judybroo
Oregon City, US
Apr 04, 2013 4:10 pm EDT
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I have just purchased a year and three months later to my replacement with the crystalens two new pairs of glasses. A new pair of reading glasses, and a pair that allows me to drive at night without glare interfering with my vision. I had previously bought reading glasses from the same location that I had the surgical procedure. They did not fit well, did not maintain their shape and were always falling off my nose. Of course they cost $600. I made the mistake of not getting bifocals. So I had to park them lower on my nose in order to see ahead. I am in three choirs. One of the things one must be able to do is to look up from your music to see the director. I couldn't with those reading glasses. They were rimless, I had another pair previously and had never had a problem with their fitting, but they couldn't put their lenses in my old frames. The flimsy piece of S__T broke when I was carrying them in my hand. They were fixable but I had had it so I returned them to the office that had provided them. Then I went to another opthalmologist who said he did not use the Bosch & Lomb lens. He was sorry for me and could not replace the implants. In essence he prescribed me glasses that would equalize the vision in both eyes so I could drive at night. I filled the prescription for about $130. I then went to a Costco optometrist and they made me reading glasses with a bifocal. This time I used frames that I already owned, so they only charged me for the exam and the lenses. So, I'm all fixed with glasses that counteract the effect of the crystalens. Great.

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CRYSTALENS SCUMBAGS
Chicago, US
Apr 04, 2013 6:19 am EDT

BOYCOTT Bosch & Lomb - -BEST ADVISE TO PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW - -
DON'T BUY THEIR PRODUCTS / NOT ANY OF THEM // NOT EVEN DROPS!

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CRYSTALENS SCUMBAGS
Chicago, US
Apr 04, 2013 5:38 am EDT

CRYSTALENS /// JUST SAY NO ! is a rip from the start. Bosch & Lomb knows it and so does the FDA. Bosch & Lomb will just ignore you and most states now protect doctors from lawsuits as they require an expert doctor in the same field to claim malpractice. This is our justice system allowing the buddy system doctors to now be "judges" and "judges" of their own industry.. Your suit will go nowhere because you now do not have the right to bring action in a court, because you will not make it past the expert doctor's statement you need to proceed in court. I was screwed by several, I have 20/400 vision R eye since 2009. Ever since the next morning after surgery. I always had 20/20 aside from a cataract.
TO ALL OUT THERE! JUST KEEP IT SIMPLE AND GET A BASIC LENS! USE GLASSES FOR CLOSE AND GET USED TO IT. AT LEAST YOU WILL HAVE SOME DECENT VISION. Soooo much can go wrong trying to fix this including LASIK which is much like the liar ### who do Crystalens!

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Judybroo
Oregon City, US
Feb 09, 2013 4:20 pm EST
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I totally agree. My two lenses (both eyes & crystalens) did not accomodate properly. When I complained that my far vision was gone and I wanted monocular lens put in as a replacement, (There was plenty of time) my doctor talked me in to waiting promising me correction and lasik surgery to make them focus properly. I agreed and am massively disatisfied. Imagine my surprise when I went to renew my driver's license and the eye test totally confounded. They ask you to look into a box and read the letters to them. I did what they said and then they asked what about the letters on the right? I could only see the left side of the screen with both eyes. I did not even know there were more letters on the right. I closed my left eye and saw faint images. I could not see them well enough to identify them So made some guesses and they said good enough. If they had not been accomodating and did not care that I couldn't complete the test, I may have not gotten the license. I have an appointment (it is a year later) with another eye surgeon next month but I don't expect any good results. The lawyers say I can not sue the doctor unless he made a mistake. It was my mistake that I trusted him. The people to sue are the ones who made these lens, BAUSCH & LOMB, I did jnot expect perfection, (that's what the doctor said) but I did not expect my vision to be worse after surgery for cataracts.