Crystalens technology available through local ophthalmic surgeon Crystalens "deluxe"cataract implant gives patients seemless vision. The Crystalens is the result of more than 14 years of research and development by J. Stuart Cumming, M.D., F.A.C.S., and was approved by the FDA in November 2003.More than 50,000 lenses have been implanted worldwide. During clinical trials, all of the patients who received the Crystalens greatly reduced their need for corrective lenses or eyeglasses.The patented Crystalens technology is designed to allow the lens to move in the eye in a manner similar to the natural lens.By using the eye's muscle to move the lens back and forward naturally,patients can focus through a continuous range of vision including near, far and everywhere in between.All other intraocular lenses are designed to remain fixed in the eye. Omar F.Almallah, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.B.E.S., is a premier ophthalmic surgeon and is the area's market leader, having performed hundreds of Crystalens procedures here at the Jersey Shore. Dr. Almallah recently attended the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery) meeting in San Diego, an international educational and scientific organization with 9,000 member ophthalmologists,where he was an invited speaker on the techniques he uses to make Crystalens so successful in his own practice.At the Crystalens users symposium, his lecture focused on the mechanics of this lens and the subtle nuances in surgical technique needed to achieve optimum results. Dr.Almallah shared the podium with a select group of internationally renowned ophthalmologists, including Dr.Richard Lindstrom from Minneapolis and Dr. Stephen Slade from Houston. After the symposium,many surgeons already using this lens, as well as those just getting started, asked Dr.Almallah to further share his techniques so that they, too, could achieve the kind of successful results Dr.Almallah has achieved in his practice in New Jersey. One of the many conveniences offered to Dr.Almallah's patients is that the surgery center where he performs this procedure is located next door to his main office inToms River, giving his patients the comfort of familiar surroundings and less travel time. In a clinical study performed in the United States, the Crystalens was implanted in 497 eyes in 324 adult patients over 50 years of age.The results showed that most of the patients who underwent Crystalens implantation in both eyes had vision that was good enough to pass a driver's licensure exam. All patients had good"intermediate" vision, simply meaning they could see their computer screen or items at an arm's length without their glasses. Amazingly, 98.4 percent of patients in this study could read print the size of stock quotes in the newspaper or phone numbers in the telephone book without glasses. In addition,patient questionnaires have shown that 93 percent of patients involved in this study, and having the Crystalens implanted in both eyes, state that they can perform most daily activities such as shopping or applying makeup without the use of their glasses.When patients' cataracts are adequately advanced so that they require surgery, their insurance covers the cataract portion of the procedure, but the "deluxe"portion of the surgery is an out-of-pocket expense.Nevertheless, the demand for this technology is high and an experienced surgeon is likely to produce the results patients expect. If you have noticed that your vision seems to be failing you, have a thorough eye exam to determine if cataracts are present.The doctor will discuss with you the options now available for vision restoration. Fortunately,Medicare allows patients the opportunity to upgrade from traditional lens implants to "deluxe" implants.Medicare does not fully cover cataract lens upgrades and it is important to meet with surgical coordinators for more information. Dr.Almallah is a board-certified ophthalmologist both by the American Board of Ophthalmology and theAmerican Board of Eye Surgeons.His primary practice is devoted to eye surgery and he has been practicing inToms River and the surrounding communities for the last 17 years.He is internationally recognized as a refractive ocular surgeon and is acknowledged by his peers as one of the finest and most skilled eye surgeons. Patients have traveled from England,Germany, Saudi Arabia,Korea, India and across the United States to have their eye surgery performed by Dr. Almallah.He has also operated on several ophthalmologists.Dr.Almallah graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and received his doctorate of medicine fromTemple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.His training to be an eye specialist was atTemple University Hospital where he was ranked No. 1 out of 500 applicants for one of three training positions.He completed his residency and was chief resident his senior year at theTemple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr.Almallah evaluates every surgical candidate personally and applies his extensive knowledge in ocular surgery to educate patients and their families to the appropriateness of recommending particular ocular procedures to patients. When he does recommend a procedure, it's with great confidence that the patient will benefit. Susskind &Almallah Eye Associates, PA have five locations in Ocean and Monmouth counties for routine eye exams, contact lens fits, glaucoma treatment, cataract evaluations, LASIK evaluations and consultations for cataract lens upgrades and Verisyse lenses. To schedule an evaluation with Dr.Almallah, contact Ed Brooks at theToms River location at (732) 349-5622, ext. 37.