[February 15, 2006 – Huntington, N.Y.] – Dr. Paul Krawitz, of Huntington Eye Care, 755 Park Avenue in Huntington, this month became the only ophthalmic surgeon in Suffolk County, and one of only eleven in New York State to attain certification in the implantation of a unique intraocular lens used in cataract surgery. This lens, called Crystalens®, is the only lens approved by the FDA that changes shape naturally as a person focuses from far to near. Until now, lens implants have been rigid, limiting a patient’s sight to distance vision after surgery, necessitating glasses for both near and intermediate distances.
Approximately half of all Crystalens® patients do not require eyeglasses after surgery.
Eyeonics, the Aliso Viejo, California, company that manufactures Crystalens, is only allowing those surgeons with superb outcomes to become part of their surgical panel. Certification requirements are rigorous. Representatives from Eyeonics personally monitored Dr. Krawitz’s surgical technique and his staff's clinical measurements during his evaluation for certification.
"Accommodative lens implants represent the first major technological advance in cataract surgery in 25 years," says Dr. Krawitz. "Patients that have undergone cataract surgery with the Crystalens® implant have commented that this is the way they used to see when they were 35 or 40 years old. I am very enthusiastic about this technology and being able to offer this advanced treatment to patients."
Unlike Lasik, Dr. Krawitz states, implantation of the Crystalens® is dependent upon the ophthalmic surgeon's technical skill.
"It is not an automated procedure. It is similar to standard cataract surgery, but more demanding of the ophthalmic surgeon to perform each and every step flawlessly so that the Crystalens® will fit in the eye properly. Because there are additional steps involved, the surgery takes me twenty minutes rather than my typical seven minutes for standard cataract surgery. Additionally, multiple additional measurements and calculations are performed before the surgery to assure that vision after surgery is maximized."
But the extra effort is worth it, Dr. Krawitz states.
"Patients arrive for their follow-ups with big smiles," he said. "That sends a strong affirmation to the eye surgeon."
Dr. Paul Krawitz, M.D. may be reached at:
Huntington Eye Care Associates
755 Park Avenue, Suite 100
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 223-0400
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