Can I have a bifocal cataract lens implant?

I had cataract surgery 4 years ago & was given a lens implant to correct only distance vision.  My "good" eye has a cataract which I'd like to correct.  I'd like to know if I can have a bifocal implant in that eye.  If so, how would that affect the "distance" eye implant?  If not, any ideas on what type of lens would work to help me eliminate the need for reading glasses?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You could have monovision correction with one eye for distance and one eye for reading.  HOWEVER, you need to have a trial with contact lenses to show you what it would be like because not everyone likes it.  I only do it in patients that know exactly what to expect because they had experienced it before with contacts.  Read very carefully about multifocal implants and get to know all the ups and downs VERY WELL before you consider on in the other eye.  Usually they are best suited if used in both eyes and in select, appropriate patients.

MJK MD

[fuzzyclear]

Thank you very much for your help.  Years ago (pre cataracts) I did in fact have contacts which corrected for distance (left eye) and reading (right eye) using the very same procedure you describe.  I think if done correctly, it could work since when I wore those, I didn't need reading glasses, nor distance glasses.  Thanks again!!