WHAT'S NEW AT

ATLANTIC EYE CENTER?

• A 'Closer' Look at Cataract Surgery with Crystalens®

Some people think difficulties when reading and driving at night are life changes that simply must be accepted as part of growing older.

"Although it is perfectly normal for such vision changes to affect people over 50, you don't need to live with these symptoms,” says Dr. Alexandra Kostick, an ophthalmologist and surgeon at Atlantic Eye Center In Palm Coast.

Such changes in crispness and clarity of vision often result from a cataract, or clouding of the eye's lens. Other symptoms may include loss of color vibrancy and uncomfortable glare from lights.

Physicians typically are able to restore normal distance vision for those with cataracts through lens removal and replacement. Traditionally, such procedures have not been able to address problems affecting middle (arm's length) and near vision as easily, however, and patients would continue to require glasses to correct these issues.

Fortunately, a new type of cataract replacement lens is changing this outcome. Crystalens is a cataract replacement lens that works naturally with the eyes’ muscles to provide a full range of vision, Kostick says.

"More than 98 percent of patients who receive a Crystalens implant in both eyes will eventually see well enough to read a phone book without glasses," Kostick says.

Cataract replacement surgery with Crystalens typically takes less than 20 minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure. Eye drops are used that anesthetize the eye so patients feel no pain, only slight pressure on the eye. Distance vision is typically very good within a day or two after surgery. After about two weeks, patients generally notice improvement in middle vision and near vision. “Continued improvement can then be expected for up to 12 months,” Kostick says.

With a Crystalens implant, most people are able to see dearly in the distance, have excellent middle vision, and will be able to read a newspaper without glasses.

Cataract replacement surgery using Crystalens in just one of the latest vision correction options offered at the Atlantic Eye Center. The center provides a wide range of services, from routine eye examinations to highly sophisticated surgical procedures. For information, visit the center's Web site at www.atlanticeyecenter.com.