Aa
Mono- or Multifocal
I am 70 years old and have cataracts in both eyes. I initially decided to go with the Restor lens from Alcon - but it's not available. I need 8.5 to 9.0D and I also have some astigmatism (don't know what it is). By now I have been waiting for over a year and my vision gets progressivly worse. I am now using my driving glasses to do close up-work. I don't mind wearing glasse, but could never get used to bifocals. The only thing I am really concerned about is the Depth of Field issue, e.g. I want to be able to see (in focus) my speedometer and the road ahaed of me without having to switch glasses. Any help would be appreciated.
Susan, the way I understood it, the Restor is a defractive lens and the middle of the lens is for close vision. The Rezoome is opposite. It is refractive and the middle of the lens is for distance. They work differently and I guess that is why some doctors are mixing and matching. I am so sorry for all your anxiety concerning your outcome. I experienced the same for 3 horrible, hopeless months. Then the clear vision came in, and then the PVD, which again has caused so much anxiety and unclear vision. Hoping things get better for both of us. Problems with sight cause such anxiety.
If you had trouble adapting to bifocal glasses DON'T go for a multifocal IOL. I had ReStor IOLs installed and it was the biggest mistake I ever made, I regret it daily. I asked the doctor before whether not being able to adapt to bifocals would have any effect on not being able to adapt to multifocal IOL's and he said no, but he was clueless. I'm still constantly switching glasses (I can't read with the ReStors's at all without reading glasses (same strength I had before surgery) so it's still back and forth switching glasses) and there is a frequent fluttering which drives me nuts as my eyes and brain try to catch up with each other. I still haven't figured out HOW these are supposed to work, but they sure don't work for me. Susan12345
Susan,
Maybe it would be better if you tried not to use the glasses. I read that for some, it can take 9 months for the brain to adjust to multifocal implants. I gave up on the halos improving after 8 months, and then to my shock, in the 9th month, they are getting smaller. Maybe using glasses is preventing your brain from adapting to the Restor.
Maybe it would be better if you tried not to use the glasses. I read that for some, it can take 9 months for the brain to adjust to multifocal implants. I gave up on the halos improving after 8 months, and then to my shock, in the 9th month, they are getting smaller. Maybe using glasses is preventing your brain from adapting to the Restor.
Well, those were the statistics this doctor quoted me. I don't know where he got them from. If those are his personal statistics, I guess I need to find another doctor. I'm not sure how. Susan12345
Jodie, the doctor said that there was a 1 in 1000 chance of total blindness in that eye ANY time you went into an eye for surgery, even regular cataract repair. The additional risk of retinal detachment with an explant is just when doing the surgery, above the lifetime risk, because of the risk of capsule rupture. Plus there was a list of additional risks like corneal decompensation, which I didn't really understand, but I'm sure it's definitely not good. Plus, if I do decide to have it done, I've got to figure out whether this guy is really the best one to do it and I just don't know how to determine that.
Blue, what tests did Dr. Waltz do to determine that your IOL was positioned incorrectly that the previous doctors didn't do? I've been told by 3 doctors now after dilated eye exams that my IOL"s were centered perfectly, but it sounds like you were told that by several doctors as well. Good luck on your surgery.
Susan12345
Unfortunately, I just don't have a clue whether I'd be in good hands with this surgeon or not. How do you decide? He was in the "Best Doctors" list, but so was my other surgeon. He didn't have anything to say about why my ReStors didn't work except that my eyes are strange. Of course, like the 1st cataract surgeries, it'll be done one at a time, so if something goes wrong I'd only be blind in one eye. But I pretty much have to emotionally commit to having both done, because it'll make me nearsighted again. I know, from the 5 weeks between my 1st and 2nd ReStor surgeries that having one eye corrected for distance and one for near wouldn't work for me and I'd rather be corrected for near and wear glasses for distance than vise versa. Susan12345
You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Archive Forum
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Eye whitening, iris color change, and eyeball "bling." Eye expert Dr. John Hagan warns of the dangers from these unnecessary surgeries.
Eye expert John Hagan, MD, FACS, FAAO discusses factors to consider and discuss with your eye care team before embarking on cataract surgery.
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
Protect against the leading cause of blindness in older adults
Got dry eyes? Eye drops aren't the only option! Ophthalmologist John C. Hagan III, MD explains other possible treatments.
