Pre-Surgery concerns about Cataract Removal

[perkinsstarter]

I'm scheduled for Crystalens surgery on my non-dominate (left) eye October 16, and my dominate (right) eye October 30.
I'm 36 years old with cataracts in both eyes. I've had a retinal detachment in my left eye, it's 20/50 corrected. My right eye is 20/20 corrected. The retinal surgery (1998) consisted of the scleral buckle, bubble, and staring at the floor for a week. Both of my eyes have had small retinal tears (2000 & 2002) which were zapped/superglued back on in office. Current glasses prescription:sphere/cyl/axis, LEFT: -11.25/-4.25/065. RIGHT: -8/-2.25/120. My left cataract is bad, and I'm comfortable with a Crystalens for it, the vision in it now is terrible, but I do have accomadation. My right cataract doesn't seem that bad, and I'm questioning losing the accomadation of my right lens. Being 36 I just wonder of the technology that's going to be available in 1,2,3, 5 years from now. My cornea is nice and thick the Dr. said. So, should I stay on schedule for a Crystalens for my left eye? Should I postpone my right eye and opt for a Verisyse Lens or regular contact until my right eye is a must for cataract surgery? Both eyes are approved by my insurance for Crystalens, but I had initially set aside funds for Verisyse implants. This adventure started by going to the Dr. for Verisyse lenses. My Dr. is trained in all the IOL's, and this is where I've ended up.
My ultimate goal is the best vision possible for the longest time possible. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Titia18]

A related discussion, cataract surgery with open angle glaucoma was started.

[perkinsstarter]

Crystalens implanted, in left eye 10-16-2006. The procedure was 10 minutes in a really cold room. I could see the old lens break apart and then disappear. I could see the cleaning tool, clean out some of the old crystaline lens pieces. Mainly just say blue and purple colors, while the crystalens moved across my vision like a spaceship. The doctor then positioned it and I was wheeled off to recovery. Recovery took 2 minutes. Although I was awake the entire procedure, the happy drug inserted in my IV eased all my tensions. It's four days later and everything seems fine. My vision was far from perfect before the lens. After the lens I would say the world is a crisper and more vivid world. I can see the difference between whites in my crystalens eye and my natural lens eye. I never new whites were so white. My vision out of my right eye everything is tinged yellow as oppose to the whites I see out of my left eye. No pain or problems as of yet. I'm in the waiting procedure. I still need astigmatism correction, but it cannot be performed until 6 months. I'm wearing a toric contact in my right eye until I decide what procedure it is in store for. The doctor originaly suggested Crystalens for my right eye also, but I have decided against it for now. I'm going to hold out till it's absolutely necessary. I've noticed my Crystalens eye I cannot read computer font less then 20pts. They say it takes time for my brain and muscles to adjust to the lens. I will keep you posted.

[JodieJ]

I think we both fall into the group of people who are at higher than average risk of retinal detachment, which is a possible (yet relatively rare) complication of cataract surgery.  In my experience, there are two opposing schools of thought about the timing of cataract surgery for us.  Some surgeons suggest delaying it as long as possible, in order to postpone the risk of possible RD and vision loss.  In contrast to this view, other surgeons feel that it's better to have surgery sooner, since it's easier and less risky to remove a cataract before it's become hard and dense.  I consulted four surgeons, who were divided between the two views.  I decided to have the surgery sooner rather than later, and everything went fine.  Whatever your choice, I think you'd be wise to choose an experienced surgeon, and you'd probably be better off with an acrylic IOL (unless your retinal specialist says otherwise.)

[perkinsstarter]

The retina specialst said my retinas and lens looked good.
He said the cataract surgery was not necessary yet and that if I decided to get my lens replaced my eyes were healthy enough.
He said if I was happy in glasses to not get it done.
He said realistic expectations after cataract surgery would be less dependency on glasses, but I would still need them.
Should people get their natural lens replaced if it's not absolutely necessary?

[perkinsstarter]

Thank you for your advice. I will be heading to the my Retinal Specialist Tuesday.

[JodieJ]

As a former vitrectomy patient myself, I strongly suggest that you check with your retinal specialist before having any kind of implant surgery.  Some retinal doctors believe that the small diameter of the Crystalens can impede full visualization of the retina.  And many retinal doctors object to IOLs (like the Crystalens) which are made of silicone.

The Verisyse lens might be a good option for you.  But you'd probably be wise to check with your retinal specialist before proceeding.

[Forum-OD-MP]

these are all totally matters of opinion.  what lens you should/shouldnt use is completely open for debate and the answers will vary depending on the surgeon you ask.  i hate to just defer your question, but there are many, many opinuion on this kind of stuff, which obviously can vary greatly depending on the individual case.

nobody is going to be able to tell you a whole lot w/o actually examining you.  take any suggestions from other posters here with a grain of salt.  they havent seen your eye.

these questions really need to be directed at another surgeon.  you probably need a second opinion.