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.
um, dont know. many variables here. yes if your Rx is -9.00 or +9.00, that likely wont be available in a multifocal.
you'll need regular monofocal cataract extraction, and then after the surgery you'll likely need reading glasses...
you'll need regular monofocal cataract extraction, and then after the surgery you'll likely need reading glasses...
The Rezoom multifocal is in your power. Go to www.rezoomiol.com for more information.
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, but I can't not read for 9 months. I do see the halos at night but don't find them any big deal. But not reading would be a VERY big deal!!!
I went to another doctor to find out the risks of having the ReStors removed. He wants to get my surgery records and examine me again. I really doubt that I'll have the nerve to go through more surgery though. Something else would go wrong. The fluttering drives me nuts, but it's not all the time, worse with bright fluorescent lights like a grocery store or with reading for too long. At least I CAN see and read. So it could be worse. I'm TERRIFIED of going blind.
I asked this new specialist how the ReStors were supposed to work. He said, frankly, he'd been trying to figure that out for a long time and still had no idea! He does put ReStors in, and I asked him how many he'd taken out. He said none. I asked him how many IOL's of any kind he'd taken out and he said hundreds. Which sounds like a lot, but from his age he's probably been doing this for 30 years, so that's maybe one a month. Though they probably didn't do as many explants until the multifocals were invented. When I see him again I'll ask him how many of the hundreds were successful.
Anyone, I desperately wish I'd never heard of the ReStors!!!!!!!!!
Susan12345
I went to another doctor to find out the risks of having the ReStors removed. He wants to get my surgery records and examine me again. I really doubt that I'll have the nerve to go through more surgery though. Something else would go wrong. The fluttering drives me nuts, but it's not all the time, worse with bright fluorescent lights like a grocery store or with reading for too long. At least I CAN see and read. So it could be worse. I'm TERRIFIED of going blind.
I asked this new specialist how the ReStors were supposed to work. He said, frankly, he'd been trying to figure that out for a long time and still had no idea! He does put ReStors in, and I asked him how many he'd taken out. He said none. I asked him how many IOL's of any kind he'd taken out and he said hundreds. Which sounds like a lot, but from his age he's probably been doing this for 30 years, so that's maybe one a month. Though they probably didn't do as many explants until the multifocals were invented. When I see him again I'll ask him how many of the hundreds were successful.
Anyone, I desperately wish I'd never heard of the ReStors!!!!!!!!!
Susan12345
I would not be comfortable with a doc that did not know how the Restor worked. I had a very detailed explanation regarding the refrective vs the defractive lenses. He should have knowledge of this if he implants them. Did you go to the Restor site and put in your city and town to see if he is on the list? I don't have the link anymore but maybe Hud or Jodie do.
Yes, I know what you mean about terrified. Initially I wanted my lens removed too. But it was too much of a risk for me also. But after many months, my vision came in very clear. You should be able to read without glasses, as that is Restor's strong selling point.
Yes, I know what you mean about terrified. Initially I wanted my lens removed too. But it was too much of a risk for me also. But after many months, my vision came in very clear. You should be able to read without glasses, as that is Restor's strong selling point.
The thing is, I knew after the 1st ReStor that I couldn't read with it. But the doctor said you had to have both eyes done for good results. I should have had the 1st ReStor replaced with a monofocal right then instead of having the 2nd Restor, the 2nd eye had only a very small cataract and I'd still have my biological lens in that eye, which might not have to be replaced for years. I don't know why I thought it would work with the 2nd eye if it didn't with the 1st. Hindsight, unlike surgery, is 20-20. If I were to have my ReStors replaced with monofocals I'd have to decide what strength to have them. I HATE HATE HATE not having close near vision like when I was nearsighted, so I'd thought of having IOL's for near vision and wearing glasses for distance like I did for 40 years. But on the other hand, if something went wrong with the 1st eye I'd never dare to have the second one done, and having one eye for distance and one for near would drive me nuts, so I'd probably be better having the 1st eye intermediate between nearsighted and distance vision. WHY do doctors not tell patients how incredibly difficult it is for nearsighted people to no longer be able to see things close up? Susan12345
Only a few doctors are on the ReStor website list (probably those who pay for the advertising), but only those doctors who complete the ReStor course are allowed to order the IOL's and I called the ReStor Co. and both doctors had completed the course. I got the impression that my doctor did understand how the Restors are SUPPOSED to work, he just didn't understand why they SHOULD (for those they do). The website says flat out that only 80% of their patients are able to go without glasses, but NOBODY told me how bad my near vision would be if I was one of the 20% and certainly nobody told me about the fluttering, or the dry eyes from the astigmatism repair. I'd take my cataracts back in a heartbeat!!! Susan12345
K-D, please give me a brief version of the refractive vs defractive difference. Someone said the ReStors are supposed to give you near vision in the center and distance around the edges, but I'm totally unclear how this is supposed to work. It's not like you only read with the center of of your eyes and only look at distance with the outside. Susan12345
You may always hate your ReStors, but I do have a suggestion for you which is guaranteed to improve your vision with them: a laser enhancement. (I think PRK might work better for someone with dry eyes.) As I recall from your previous posts, your cataract surgery left you farsighted in both eyes with significant astigmatism (about 1.75 diopters, I believe). This is WAY too much refractive error for any multifocal lens to perform well. Most surgeons who use multifocals include a post-surgery laser enhancement in their fee. (Actually, many surgeons would insist on a post-surgery enhancement for someone with your degree of astigmatism, because the ReStor lens is very sensitive to even a little astigmatism--and you have a lot.) Correcting your farsightedness would improve your near vision with ReStor, and you wouldn't have to wear reading glasses for distance vision.
You are obviously a more tolerant person than me when it comes to your vision. There is simply no way I would accept the vision you reportedly have. First, I'd consult other surgeons familiar with ReStor. If they thought laser enhancement would help, I'd do it. Otherwise, I'd have the lenses explanted and replaced with something that would work better for me.
You are obviously a more tolerant person than me when it comes to your vision. There is simply no way I would accept the vision you reportedly have. First, I'd consult other surgeons familiar with ReStor. If they thought laser enhancement would help, I'd do it. Otherwise, I'd have the lenses explanted and replaced with something that would work better for me.
My second cataract surgery was completed over a month ago. I chose to have multifocal lens implanted. My surgeon uses one Resume and one Restore lens. My left eye - non dominate has the best close up vision. My right eye - the dominate one - has the best intermediate vision. I have 20/20 vision in one eye and 20/15 in the other eye. I didn't have a problem "seeing" after the first surgery (the better close vision), but I did use my old glasses for close reading for any length of time. The glasses are progressive and my doctor says the eye picks up the amount of help it needs. After I had the second eye done, I saw very well without glasses, but still needed some help for close up reading for any length of time. My doctor said it might take a while for my brain to get accustomed to the slight differences. I kept trying without glasses and found that getting a better reading light fixed that.
I notice halos, but they are not large and, unless they are halogen (those very white headlights), they don't bother me. I don't do much night driving anyway.
My doctor said that one multilens and one mono lens worked together, but one multilens and one uncorrected eye did not work that well together.
I can see the computer very well. I spend a great deal of time using the computer. I found that the lowest computer screen setting worked best for me. The one where the desktop icons are largest. When using programs, I use as is or adjust them within the program.
I find that I read better with a white background and black letters. Sufficient light is important. Polarized "driving" sunglasses (amber) have been very helpful to me as I am more sensitive to light than I was with cataracts.
I notice halos, but they are not large and, unless they are halogen (those very white headlights), they don't bother me. I don't do much night driving anyway.
My doctor said that one multilens and one mono lens worked together, but one multilens and one uncorrected eye did not work that well together.
I can see the computer very well. I spend a great deal of time using the computer. I found that the lowest computer screen setting worked best for me. The one where the desktop icons are largest. When using programs, I use as is or adjust them within the program.
I find that I read better with a white background and black letters. Sufficient light is important. Polarized "driving" sunglasses (amber) have been very helpful to me as I am more sensitive to light than I was with cataracts.
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.
Jodie, I'm definitely not a tolerant person about my vision. It's just a question of weighing risks. The doctor who did the ReStors made it sound much too dangerous to replace them, made it sound like retinal detachment was practically a given. The 2nd doctor I saw at my HMO about them made it sound like replacing them was no big deal, though he doesn't do it. He referred me to a 3rd doctor outsisde my HMO who did a thorough exam and said he'll give more opinions after he gets all my records, so I'll see what he has to say. I can't imagine having any kind of lasik surgery when my eyes are already so dry from the 1st surgery. I'm just SO afraid of making things even worse. I was just so incredibly stupid to have this surgery in the 1st place. The astigmatism is now minimal in the left eye (latest prescription OD: +1.00-1.75x047
OS: +0.50DS Add: +2.50) (before surgery I was OD: -400-275*032 OS: -525-200*159 Add +250) but I can't read without glasses any better in the left than the right, so I'm not sure improving the astigmatism would help that much. I could care less about not wearing glasses, that was never a goal. I was just fed up with constantly switching glasses since I couldn't read with bifocals, and thought if I was going to go through the terror of surgery anyway for cataracts I might as well do what I thought would eliminate this problem. Even if I went through having the ReStors replaced and miraculously nothing went wrong I'd still have the dry eyes, which one doctor said I don't have and the other two said I do, but it shouldn't have been caused by the astigmatism repair, even though I never had it before the surgery. My trust in
doctors, frankly, is zero! Susan12345
OS: +0.50DS Add: +2.50) (before surgery I was OD: -400-275*032 OS: -525-200*159 Add +250) but I can't read without glasses any better in the left than the right, so I'm not sure improving the astigmatism would help that much. I could care less about not wearing glasses, that was never a goal. I was just fed up with constantly switching glasses since I couldn't read with bifocals, and thought if I was going to go through the terror of surgery anyway for cataracts I might as well do what I thought would eliminate this problem. Even if I went through having the ReStors replaced and miraculously nothing went wrong I'd still have the dry eyes, which one doctor said I don't have and the other two said I do, but it shouldn't have been caused by the astigmatism repair, even though I never had it before the surgery. My trust in
doctors, frankly, is zero! Susan12345
I agree, you've had a truly awful time. If your new doctor feels that your ReStors can be safely explanted, then go for it! Otherwise, see what can be done to make your vision better. Eliminating your astigmatism and farsightedness would certainly improve your situation, but maybe not enough to make you happy. If there were a list of "Worst Docs", your surgeon probably deserves to be nominated.
Well, I really can't blame the doctor. I chose him specifically because he does the multifocal IOL's and according to the other 2 docs I have seen they were placed correctly. It wasn't like he was begging me to do something I didn't want. I just should have asked many many more questions before the surgery. I just didn't know what questions to ask. And even if I had, it probably wouldn't have helped, because apparently none of his other patients have had experiences like mine. That's why I'm so frightened to even think of more surgery. I feel trapped and terrified, worrying about this constantly. Susan12345
Maybe none of your doc's other ReStor patients ended up farsighted in both eyes, with 1.75 diopters of residual astigmatism in one eye. Maybe none of them needed reading glasses for distance vision and reading with their ReStors. Maybe their complaints about their vision weren't brushed off. Maybe they weren't warned of imminent retinal detachment when they inquired about getting their lenses explanted. IMO, your experience has been truly awful, and your doc has consistently ignored your legitimate concerns. That qualifies for a "Worst Doc" nomination from my perspective.
I don't need reading glasses for distance vision, just for reading, though I wear them most of the time inside my apartment because I can't stand not being able to see things close like when I was nearsighted. (I take them off to watch TV). I wear bifocals outside mainly so I can read labels in stores and to protect my eyes from the wind outdoors, and probably because I feel less vulnerable that way. I know I'm already high risk for retinal detachment because of myopia, diabetes and cataract surgery, so I certainly want to know how much more risk I'm facing. I'll ask the new doctor how much more risk I'm facing in his opinion when I see him for my next exam. Percentages don't really matter though, if something goes wrong for me it doesn't matter how many other patients had spectacular results. No doctor can guarantee success. I already have drusen which is an early sign of macular degeneration, and while I don't have any diabetic retinopathy I know it could come at any moment. I've NEVER been able to understand how anyone can stand to go on living if they're blind. I know I should just think, well at least I'm not blind now, live in the moment, but thinking about surgery and having to make a decision fills me with panic. This new doctor is the one my HMO refers complicated cases too, he's on the "Best Doctors" list too, like the one who did my ReStors and the orthopedic doctor who messed up my knee surgery, so obviously that means nothing, but I don't know how you know who to trust. Or how to live with this kind of fear. Susan12345
You may not have been the best candidate for ReStor, but that determination was your doctor's responsibility (not yours). IMO, the best thing about ReStor is the sharp reading vision it provides. You reportedly need +2.50 readers for near vision, probably because your doctor implanted lenses in the wrong power for you. Your surgery results are WAY below the standard of what someone has the right to expect after paying for a premium lens, yet your doctor has consistently ignored your legitimate complaints. It's understandable why you have a hard time trusting doctors.
BTW, did you know that being female significantly lowers the risk of retinal detachment? And your risk is quite low to begin with--actually much lower than mine. And getting older lowers our risk.
Susan, I hope you're able to stop blaming yourself for the mistakes of others, and you can then re-focus your energy on making your situation better. I'm so glad to learn that you've been referred to a doctor outside your HMO who is reviewing your case and making recommendations. Best of luck to you, and keep us informed.
BTW, did you know that being female significantly lowers the risk of retinal detachment? And your risk is quite low to begin with--actually much lower than mine. And getting older lowers our risk.
Susan, I hope you're able to stop blaming yourself for the mistakes of others, and you can then re-focus your energy on making your situation better. I'm so glad to learn that you've been referred to a doctor outside your HMO who is reviewing your case and making recommendations. Best of luck to you, and keep us informed.
Just curious, Jodie, where you read about being female and older decreasing the retinal detachment risk. I couldn't find anything related to gender related risk, but everything I've read says that getting older increases your risk. (Except for trauma related detachments, where of course daredevil young men would likely have the edge.)
Are you saying that most of the 20% of people who still need glasses after ReStors wouldn't if their doctors had done their measurements correctly? That's a lot of bad doctors! Given my level of trust in the medical profession, I can believe it, and yet, knowing how greedy pharmaceutical companies are, you'd think they would be doing a LOT more thorough training before giving doctors access to the ReStors if that were the case. Granted, the Alcon Co. gets paid for the IOL whether it works or not, but bad publicity is eventually going to decrease demand.
Anyway, thanks for caring. I have a 2nd appointment with the new doctor Dec. 8, if I'm able to get my medical records by then. I haven't a clue whether he's trustworthy or not and feel like there's no reliable way way to find out about him or any doctor until it's too late. All I know is that he (like my ReStor doctor) has been approved by the Alcon Co. to install ReStors and he (like my Restor doctor) has been on my local "Best Doctors" list.
Susan12345
Are you saying that most of the 20% of people who still need glasses after ReStors wouldn't if their doctors had done their measurements correctly? That's a lot of bad doctors! Given my level of trust in the medical profession, I can believe it, and yet, knowing how greedy pharmaceutical companies are, you'd think they would be doing a LOT more thorough training before giving doctors access to the ReStors if that were the case. Granted, the Alcon Co. gets paid for the IOL whether it works or not, but bad publicity is eventually going to decrease demand.
Anyway, thanks for caring. I have a 2nd appointment with the new doctor Dec. 8, if I'm able to get my medical records by then. I haven't a clue whether he's trustworthy or not and feel like there's no reliable way way to find out about him or any doctor until it's too late. All I know is that he (like my ReStor doctor) has been approved by the Alcon Co. to install ReStors and he (like my Restor doctor) has been on my local "Best Doctors" list.
Susan12345
The 20% who wear glasses with ReStor need them for intermediate vision. That's the weak point of ReStor. (Actually, some reports state that it's more than 20% who need a low prescription for intermediate tasks, like doing computer work.) ReStor is basically a bifocal lens, with near and distance portions. Most people with ReStors have close to 20/20 vision for distance and near--that's why they were willing to pay extra for a premium lens. No one with ReStors should need +2.50 readers for near vision--unless they have the wrong power lens.
I got the info on retinal detachment rates when I was researching "clear lens exchange". The rate of detachment declines after age 70, and it is higher for males than females. Myopia isn't much of a risk factor unless it's worse than -8 diopters. I had vitrectomy surgery, which does adds a little to my risk. I got a cataract as a result of the vitrectomy and did a clear lens exchange in my other eye.
I can understand your reluctance to trust doctors. Last year I developed double vision related to monovision contact lens wear--a fairly rare occurrence. I had several worthless, frustrating consultations with optometrists and ophthalmologists who had no idea what was causing my problem or what to do about it. I started doing my own research by typing "double vision" in Google. Once I understood my problem, I had a better idea of what would help. I ended up referring myself for strabismus surgery. Now I try to research medical issues BEFORE I see the doctor. It gives me a basis for knowing which doctors to trust--and which ones to run away from.
I got the info on retinal detachment rates when I was researching "clear lens exchange". The rate of detachment declines after age 70, and it is higher for males than females. Myopia isn't much of a risk factor unless it's worse than -8 diopters. I had vitrectomy surgery, which does adds a little to my risk. I got a cataract as a result of the vitrectomy and did a clear lens exchange in my other eye.
I can understand your reluctance to trust doctors. Last year I developed double vision related to monovision contact lens wear--a fairly rare occurrence. I had several worthless, frustrating consultations with optometrists and ophthalmologists who had no idea what was causing my problem or what to do about it. I started doing my own research by typing "double vision" in Google. Once I understood my problem, I had a better idea of what would help. I ended up referring myself for strabismus surgery. Now I try to research medical issues BEFORE I see the doctor. It gives me a basis for knowing which doctors to trust--and which ones to run away from.
Computers are considered intermediate? I would have guessed intermediate was like 4-6 feet. I just measured and my computer screen is about 20 inches from my eyes. I wear my reading glasses on the computer but with bigger print and some strain I think I could use the computer without glasses-using the computer is much less difficult than reading a book, probably because the light is so good on the screen. It's too bad books don't light up.
Dr. ReStor told me that he might not be able to correct my astigmatism 100% and that's why I might have to wear reading glasses after surgery "for small print". That's why I thought the 20% were wearing reading glasses. At the time that seemed perfectly reasonable, I was already wearing reading glasses, for READING, as a nearsighted person since childhood I had no concept that it was possible to not be able to take your glasses off and see the buttons on the microwave and of course no clue of the fluttering I get as my eyes try to adapt from far to near. He certainly never mentioned before or after surgery any further surgery to correct the astigmatism more. I suppose because he knew that my HMO wouldn't cover it. They covered the 1st astigmatism surgery because it was done at the same time as the cataract surgery, all I had to pay was $2100 extra for the ReStor lenses. The money was definitely never the issue for me though. I would NEVER have had multifocal IOL's if I had thought there was any chance of needing more surgery. It was scary enough knowing that you had to have both eyes done if you had multifocals, but I told myself, the 2nd cataract will have to be done eventually, I might as well get them both done and not have to worry any more. HA!!!!!!
I don't know why he didn't tell me all this. He's certainly not hard up for business, it takes months to get an appointment. Though he was new to my HMO at the time, one of the other eye doctors I consulted before him told me how incredibly lucky my HMO was to get him, so maybe he wanted to make the HMO didn't regret the huge salary I'm sure they're paying him. I don't know. Doctors are a bizarre species.
Susan12345
Dr. ReStor told me that he might not be able to correct my astigmatism 100% and that's why I might have to wear reading glasses after surgery "for small print". That's why I thought the 20% were wearing reading glasses. At the time that seemed perfectly reasonable, I was already wearing reading glasses, for READING, as a nearsighted person since childhood I had no concept that it was possible to not be able to take your glasses off and see the buttons on the microwave and of course no clue of the fluttering I get as my eyes try to adapt from far to near. He certainly never mentioned before or after surgery any further surgery to correct the astigmatism more. I suppose because he knew that my HMO wouldn't cover it. They covered the 1st astigmatism surgery because it was done at the same time as the cataract surgery, all I had to pay was $2100 extra for the ReStor lenses. The money was definitely never the issue for me though. I would NEVER have had multifocal IOL's if I had thought there was any chance of needing more surgery. It was scary enough knowing that you had to have both eyes done if you had multifocals, but I told myself, the 2nd cataract will have to be done eventually, I might as well get them both done and not have to worry any more. HA!!!!!!
I don't know why he didn't tell me all this. He's certainly not hard up for business, it takes months to get an appointment. Though he was new to my HMO at the time, one of the other eye doctors I consulted before him told me how incredibly lucky my HMO was to get him, so maybe he wanted to make the HMO didn't regret the huge salary I'm sure they're paying him. I don't know. Doctors are a bizarre species.
Susan12345
Susan you are not kidding. I was scheduled for surgery on my second eye many months ago. No mention of destorded vision, or any problem was mentioned. Then after the study report was in, it changed to, " risky destored vision and eye surgery before cataract surgery, and months of healing". It is hard to know who to trust. This was definately financially related to me. Study over. No need to finish the reduced rate patients, in my opinion.
Jodie, Can you tell me about your vitrectomy? Is it really that risy? My floaters are not improving from the PVD and I don't want to live the rest of my life like this. But I read many times how risky a vitrectomy(sp) can be. Can it be done while awake? Does it increase risk of a retinal detachment? I am just going into my 4 month after the PVD, but very little improvement. If after a year things do not get better, I was thinking about seeing a doctor for this procedure. Can you give me your opinion? Thanks much!
K-D, i still don't get how the ReStor is supposed to work. How do your eyes and brain "know" to read with the center of the eye and look at distance with the outside and what is the part you're not using supposed to be doing? Although I was never able to adjust to bifocal glasses there IS basic logic in how they're supposed to work, the top for distance and the bottom for close. But I don't understand the logic behind the ReStors at all.
Sorry about your PVD, hope it improves.
Susan12345
Sorry about your PVD, hope it improves.
Susan12345
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