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OptiVision Laser Centers

Most people's vision remains stable until their 40s. At that time, the eye's natural crystalline lens begins to gradually thicken and harden. Over time, it becomes difficult for the muscle in the eye to automatically focus the lens. This is known as loss of accommodation, or presbyopia, and its earliest symptom is difficulty seeing things up close. Today, loss of accommodation is most commonly treated with reading glasses or bifocal lenses. But, as the crystalline lens continues to age, cataracts will develop, eventually requiring removal of the natural lens and the implantation of an intraocular
lens (IOL).

Until recently many people who wished to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses chose to have Laser Vision Correction (PRK or LASIK). However, PRK and LASIK do not address the fundamental issue of presbyopia.

An increasingly popular alternative to Laser Vision Correction is PanaSEE. For nearsighted and farsighted patients who are presbyopic or show signs of cataract development, removing the crystalline lens and replacing it with a new lens can be considered. This alternative has become an even more viable option with FDA approval of a lens that may restore accomodation and provide most patients with a continous range of vision for distance, intermediate, and near.

	The Crystalens is uniquely engineered with a hinge - designed to allow the optic, or part of the lens that you see through, to move back and forth. When the muscle within the eye relaxes or constricts, it causes the opt ic to move backward to focus in the distance and forward to focus on intermediate and near images. The remaining part of the lens remains safely in place.

The Restor lens utilizes different fixed visual zones built into the optic of the lens. Using a technique known as apodization. This technique provides quality of vision without causing increased glare and halos mostly associated with night driving.

The Procedure

Replacing the natural lens with the Crystalens or the Restor lens is performed similar to cataract surgery. Cataract surgery with lens implantation is one of the most common and successful operations performed today. You will remain comfortable throughout the procedure, which usually takes less than fifteen minutes.

After the eye is completely numbed, a tiny incision is made on the side of the eye. Using an ultrasonic device, the natural lens is broken into tiny pieces and gently removed from the eye. This process is called hacoemulsification. The lens is then placed inside the capsule that held the natural lens. You will be allowed to go home shortly after the procedure is completed.