LOS ANGELES – Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, today announced its partnership with actress Florence Henderson to inform older Americans about cataracts which are the leading cause of diminishing vision. It is estimated that 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts, a clouding of the eye's natural lens impairing one's ability to see clearly.
Henderson, the well-known Broadway, film and TV actress, was treated with the Crystalens® which is the only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). She will share her experiences in order to generate a larger conversation among consumers about the symptoms, diagnosis and various correction techniques for cataract patients. Ms. Henderson has enjoyed a storied entertainment career that has spanned five decades. She is best known for her role as Carol Brady in the iconic television series The Brady Bunch, which ran on network television from 1969 to 1974 and continues in syndication today.
"When my doctor told me what I could expect after the Crystalens surgery, I said, 'Wow, sign me up,' " said Henderson. "I didn't realize what I had been missing before I had my Crystalens surgery. The colors of everything are so much brighter and the improved sharpness and clarity of my vision are very noticeable," said Ms. Henderson.
Cataracts can begin to develop as early one's mid-40s. While 91 percent of cataracts are caused by the inevitable aging process, they can easily be corrected. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries in the United States. Henderson, after consulting with her doctor and determining she was a qualified candidate, opted for the Crystalens procedure.
"Florence Henderson is obviously a very active woman. There are many vision correction options for the patient who is over 50 years old. When I examined Florence, I realized she was a candidate for the Crystalens. We discussed how it would help her vision up close, far away and everything in between. She's doing very well since her surgery," said Dr. James Khodabakhsh of the Beverly Hills Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Unlike a standard lens, the Crystalens treats the cataract while simultaneously correcting a patient’s full range of vision, thus reducing or eliminating the dependence on glasses.
“If something works for me like Crystalens has, I like to share my experience. I am happy to tell the story to empower, inspire and motivate people to take care of themselves. As with any health condition, it’s best to gather information, know the facts and discuss them with your doctor," said Henderson.
Ms. Henderson, who shared her experiences recently with surgeons attending the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in Boston, is currently conducting a series of interviews with media outlets around the country. She is talking about her surgery, its results and reminding people about the importance of regular eye exams and how important it is to talk with your doctor about picking the right treatment for each person.
For more information about Florence Henderson, cataracts and treatment options, including the Crystalens, please visit www.crystalens.com.
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About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to bringing visionary ideas to eye health. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com.
Crystalens is a registered trademark of Bausch & Lomb.
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