Multifocal lens replacement for cataract in one eye

I'm 58 years old and have a cataract in one eye.  I've read about ReSTOR and Rezoom but havent' seen any information on whether these lens would work if only 1 eye has a cataract.

[Forum-OD-MP]

many, many many threads here about this. you should spend a few hrs and read them.  but to answer your question...NO, not really.  almost all multifocal lens designs are designed for and only work well when inserted into BOTH eyes.

so no.  it probably wouldnt work well.

[Dr. EIZenhower]

Make sure you speak to a surgeon who can offer all three premium lens and decides with you what the best option is, If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Surgeons familiar with only one option will naturally be biased toward that option.  In my opinion that data is clear on monocular implantation and the crystalens is best choice.

[hud]

yes, and try leeches and snake oil for even more "hammer" options. I do agree with the witch doctor "Eiz's" point, the crystalens, as any other monofocal, would indeed be a do-no-harm choice in a monocular scenario. But I strongly disagree that a surgeon must offer all 3 options to be considered a worthy physician. The vast majority of crystal surgeon experience has been disasterous, to say the least. Most surgeons have read the literature on crystal and have stayed away in droves, and that should not be a disqualifier for quality care. Quite the opposite.
Go get 3 opinions/exams and see for yourself.

[cataract49]

I am a ReZoom patient with only one eye implanted nearly a year ago. I wear a multifocal contact lens in the other eye. My vision is perfectly balanced and I do not have a need for glasses.

The key to my one eye success (I think) is that I have been a very successful contact lens wearer for over 30 years. I normally wear my one lens daily from the time I wake till I go to bed. I can tell you that wearing glasses (with one lens removed) does not work for me at all.

Thus, the answer to your question depends (In my opinion) on how nearsighted or farsighted you are, and how well you tolerate contacts all day, every day.

[Dr. EIZenhower]

Hud you fear the crystalens.  Local eyeonics rep must be eating your lunch.  Hud, you are either ill intended or ill informed. To state that the crystalens is a disaster is fear mongering at its worst. I can only imagine that the kind of bias that would generate your emotional response is a financial one, eventhough I have no proof of that.  Why don't you acknowledge you allegiances so readers of this board can know what you are...I am an advocate of the presbyopic lens, all of which play a role in giving patients they want. I use all 3.  Restor, best near, no intermediate, poor distance. ReZoom,Good distance, good intermediate, good near. crystalens, great distance and intermediate, good near. Distribution channel and marketing muscle don't reveal the truth about technology.  Clinical results do,I'll be glad to debate you on the facts of all of these lens anytime you wish so the readers of this board can get a balanced view.  Right now, I achieve the best results by using a crystalens for distance in the dominant eye and the Restor in the non-dominant for near.  I'm very happy with the results.  I look forward to your response

[K-D]

I do not know if Hud will debate with you or not.  But I have noticed that you seem to ignore technical questions directed toward you, and mostly write to promote Crystelens.  Again, could you please explain why a multifocal lems would be fine outside, but blur when indoors. I am told I have no refractive error. Any comments would be greatly appreciated as you have ignored my questions directed to you in the past.

[Dr. EIZenhower]

Sorry if I've ignored your questions in the past, I only check this board about every two weeks.  
Question,could you please explain why a multifocal lems would be fine outside, but blur when indoors.
Answer, depends on the multifocal.  The culprit in blurring vision is the magnification that in inherent in multifocal - Rezoom, or Bi-Focal - Restor.  You are describing blurring in low light conditions which requires me to speculate that you are referring to the ReZoom.  The ReZoom has a standard monofocal center, the magnification used to help you read is on the periphery.  When you move indoors light is reduced and your pupil enlarges bringing into play the magnification located on the periphery of the ReZoom.  From an engineering standpoint this makes a lot of since because all of us need help at near in low light as we get older.  However when the pupil enlarges you now have light coming thru 2 optical powers, the distance power in the middle of the lens and the magnified light thru the periphery, this leads to blurring in some patients, not all.  Hope this helps and yes I am a crystalens supporter, no apologies for that.

[Dr. EIZenhower]

Sorry if I've ignored your questions in the past, I only check this board about every two weeks.  
Question,could you please explain why a multifocal lems would be fine outside, but blur when indoors.
Answer, depends on the multifocal.  The culprit in blurring vision is the magnification that in inherent in multifocal - Rezoom, or Bi-Focal - Restor.  You are describing blurring in low light conditions which requires me to speculate that you are referring to the ReZoom.  The ReZoom has a standard monofocal center, the magnification used to help you read is on the periphery.  When you move indoors light is reduced and your pupil enlarges bringing into play the magnification located on the periphery of the ReZoom.  From an engineering standpoint this makes a lot of since because all of us need help at near in low light as we get older.  However when the pupil enlarges you now have light coming thru 2 optical powers, the distance power in the middle of the lens and the magnified light thru the periphery, this leads to blurring in some patients, not all.  Hope this helps and yes I am a crystalens supporter, no apologies for that.

[K-D]

Thanks so much for your detailed response. It is very much appreciated. And yes, you are absolutely correct.  I do have a Rezoom.  If you do not mind another question.  Could laser correct this so that I could have clear vision outside and inside?  This is an unacceptable situation where my vision is constantly changing depending upon the lighting. And it is impossible to get glasses to help, because the test is done under bright lighting. And after almost 9 months and a PVD, I am too afraid to rock the boat with an exchange. Real delema. Thanks again!

[Dr. EIZenhower]

K-D, I know you have mentioned this to your doctor and he has probably told you to wait it out.  This is good advice.  Two things can still happen that will possibly help you, #1.  Over a longer period of time your brain may be able to filter out the unwanted images in low light or #2. your capsule will cloud and this could possibly diminish the unwanted visual symptoms you are currently experiencing.  Until then ask your doctor about Alphagan or pilocarpine drops to diminish your symptoms.  EIZ

[K-D]

Thanks much Dr. Eiz.  Very much appreciated!!!!!  kady