Cataract Surgery - "regular" vs multifocal lens - tradeoffs?

[QuilterGal]

I'm 50 yrs old and my first cataract surgery is scheduled in three weeks. I'm very myoptic (one eye is -9, the other -10 diopters) and I've been wearing glasses since I was 2 1/2 (yes, a toddler) and have needed cheaters since I was 38. I've shied away from LASIK over the years because of extensive lattice in the back of my eye - I've always been told I am high risk for retinal detachment; three docs have said they would not consider me a candidate for LASIK.  But now the cataracts are growing - and fast!  So I'm nervous.  And with the increased risk of detached retina, I only want to have to do this once.

I originally vetoed multifocal lenses as an expensive experiment (I've never been an "early adopter" of technology - I like to wait for the bugs to shake out first).  Besides, with a slight astigmatism, I assumed that multifocals weren't a real option.  But my doctor says she can take care of the astigmatism and do the multifocal (ReSTOR) if I'm interested.  So naturally I'm revisiting the decision. I want the best possible vision I can get - if I'm going to do this, I want to do it right and only have to do it once in each eye.  I'm trying to figure out how much clarity in distance and midrange I would be giving up to get the near vision.  And, how common and how severe are the halos and glare?  I have both now with contacts and the astigmatism (all lights look like dandelion puffs to me).  Is it worse with the implants?  Trying to find current unbiased info on the web is hard - many reports were written 4-6 years ago - a lifetime in technology.  And most vision practices tout only the good.  I need some statistics, some evidence, some facts.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Given how concerned you are and your history of taking the safer, more conservative approach, I would not opt for the Restor lenses.  If you are used to wearing glasses and you won't be too upset about having to wear them, simply go with the monofocal (regular) lenses and be safe.  For more detailed discussions, read through the multiple previous posts and blogs on this site.

HV

[squareone6164]

I am in a similar situation but do not have astigmatism.  My one eye is -10.5 contact and the other is -9.0 for reading.  I am having surgery in December and was very confused about how I would see after surgery.  How is your mid range vision?  That is my biggest concern.  I want to be able to see peoples faces when I am talking to them without glasses.  Any info would be appreciated.  Have you had your second eye done yet?  Are you having both eyes set for distance or monovision?  Thanks.

[QuilterGal]

Well, I had my first cataract surgery on Friday, and opted for the Toric lens, no multifocal.  Other than the increased pressure in my eye which we've dealt with, the results have been good.  No regrets on skipping the multifocal lens.  And - boy! - the world is a brighter place - colors are brighter, TV is brighter, everything is brighter.  I had no idea the cataract was affecting my vision as much as it was.

Thank you to all of the contributors who shared their personal and professional experiences.

[disappointed66]

I had the Restor implanted 2 years ago.  I was promised 16 year old eyes The results were not good to say the least and this eye MD was going to take care of it with other procedures.  The glare from every and any source of light were starbursts and glowing sunlight, and I as you said, dandelion puffs. Night driving was a horror. I had to have the ReStor explanted and exchanged for a monofocal lens  or I would have gone out of my mind, (changed doctors)The explant was successful. I had it set for distance and was told I would need glasses for reading. .  At that point I would have gladly gone back to my progressive glasses! I had the other eye done slightly stronger for distance.  My vision is excellent.  I only need glasses for very small print. Night driving is also excellent  My vision was better than yours to start with, so I would stay from the Restor or any other multifocal lens.  My advise is to go with the monofocal.  Too many complications with multifocal. Don't take the chance.