After surgery care and time for surgery on second eye

[Jenn519]

I am just over 30 and have cataracts on both eyes. I will have a catarct surgery on my left eye April 17. I am going to use Tetraflex. Since I am -8 on both eyes. What shall I do after surgery of my left eye? Am I going to experience headache? How to care my eye after surgery, e.e don't wash face, no TV, no Computer? And what is the best time to have my second eye done?  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You may have to wear a contact lens in the other eye to avoid severe imbalance until second eye is done.  I usually tell patients no showers for 2 days and then keep water out of eye.  You should be ablt to try to read and use computer but may have to wear a contact lens on the right to see, since you won't be able to wear glasses.  You should have second eye done when indicated by doctor but if you need it, then the sooner you get it done, the sooner you will get over the high imbalance which can be much more bothersome than the cataracts.  Tetraflex is still in clinical trials in the U.S. - so I assume you are in Europe??? Is this so?  Please let us know how you do with your near vision.  I am VERY interested.

MJK MD

[Jenn519]

Thank you for your reply. I am in Canada. The imbalance really concerns me. But I do want to wait a bit longer to see how my muscle adjusts to the lens. I am thinking of 3-4 weeks apart if everything goes well with my left eye. is that long enough? What's the worst case senario if my muscle doesn't work well? Will I have good distance vision and need reading glasses? the idea of having reading glasses at 30 scares me a lot. Or I am still going to stay near sighted? I will keep you updated of my result.
Really appreciate your answer.      

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It sounds like your doctor has counseled you well.  By the way how much extra did you have to pay for tetraflex - which is similar to our crystalens.?
MJK MD

[Jenn519]

I will pay CAD $1900 per eye. ( it goes up to $2500 now) this is the portion that not covered by OHIP. It includes the implant, eye measurement, after op follow up. It seems a lot. But anyway, it is my decision to go with the most recent technology. Hope it is the best for me too. I have surgery this Thursday.  

[JasonHe1991]

Hi, could you update your situation after the op? What about the Tetraflex and its accommodating power? Do you get into PCO? I want to implant this lens too, could you share your experience to us?