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Diary of a Lentis Mplus IOL implant patient at Optical Express.
Inspired by Woodvillewomble's thread about his Physiol Finevision tri-focal lens implants here: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Eye-Care/A-diary-of-a-Finevion-IOL-implant-/show/2079860 I thought I would start a similar thread diarising my experiences as an Mplus implant patient.
I decided to use Optical Express for the procedure because I have several friends who have used them and been very happy. They also do high volume and conduct surgery about six miles from my home, so I felt comfortable with their experience and proximity in case I experience problems. They also supply the Lentis Mplus lens, which has a good history and which has proved popular with patients wanting good distance vision. It also, according to some clinics, has a higher approval rating than other lenses in male patients.
Of the four personal friends who have had Mplus lenses fitted, three are glasses independent and one is virtually - needing glasses for small print in poor light. Today I have met three other people, each with several friends who have had Mplus lenses and who are glasses independent.
Possibly my greatest concern was whether I was getting the best possible lenses. I am aware that lens technology is improving all the time and I feel sure that one day there will be lenses that give sixty year olds the eyesight of twenty year olds. However, science is not there yet and my vision is poor TODAY.I considered the Finevision but I have heard reports of some people being unhappy with distance vision and it has not been in the field as long as the Mplus.
Day 1. Today I went for the non-dominant eye surgery.
I felt confident in the team carrying out the surgery and with the OE branch in general, however there was a lot of slippage from my appointment time and patients were not being seen in order of their appointment times. Also, there is something of the economy class about the service, with several people being seen in the same room for their pre-op checks. All of that said, I chose this route knowing that Optical Express is a volume operator and whilst cost is at the bottom of the list of priorities, the price charged is quite reasonable. Providing the quality of medical care continues to be of the same quality and the outcome is as desired I will have no complaints. An unexpected benefit of spending time with other patients, both pre and post op was that it enabled me to get a feel for the level of satisfaction which, aside from the wait time, was very good.
My op was at 2.30 and I have just taken off my dressing to put in drops. My eyesight is blurry at all distances in the implant eye, however the pupil is still very dilated. Vision is becoming progressively sharper and I can now read the letters on my keyboard - so any typos are down to fat fingers! If the pupil returns to normal overnight I am hopeful that things will be sharper by morning.
A word on halos - I knew I would get them and was prepared for it. As I Iook at a light bulb there is an obvious crescent above it as I move my head from side to side, however it is not at all unpleasant and adds a certain Christmassy twinkle to things. Whether I will feel as upbeat when both eyes are the same and I am trying to drive remains to be seen!
I feel fine in myself, though the eye is occasionally slightly itchy and gritty. Drops, ibuprofen and paracetamol will hopefully resolve these issues. They will perhaps also address my slight headache which is probably the result of the excitement of the day.
More as things progress.
I decided to use Optical Express for the procedure because I have several friends who have used them and been very happy. They also do high volume and conduct surgery about six miles from my home, so I felt comfortable with their experience and proximity in case I experience problems. They also supply the Lentis Mplus lens, which has a good history and which has proved popular with patients wanting good distance vision. It also, according to some clinics, has a higher approval rating than other lenses in male patients.
Of the four personal friends who have had Mplus lenses fitted, three are glasses independent and one is virtually - needing glasses for small print in poor light. Today I have met three other people, each with several friends who have had Mplus lenses and who are glasses independent.
Possibly my greatest concern was whether I was getting the best possible lenses. I am aware that lens technology is improving all the time and I feel sure that one day there will be lenses that give sixty year olds the eyesight of twenty year olds. However, science is not there yet and my vision is poor TODAY.I considered the Finevision but I have heard reports of some people being unhappy with distance vision and it has not been in the field as long as the Mplus.
Day 1. Today I went for the non-dominant eye surgery.
I felt confident in the team carrying out the surgery and with the OE branch in general, however there was a lot of slippage from my appointment time and patients were not being seen in order of their appointment times. Also, there is something of the economy class about the service, with several people being seen in the same room for their pre-op checks. All of that said, I chose this route knowing that Optical Express is a volume operator and whilst cost is at the bottom of the list of priorities, the price charged is quite reasonable. Providing the quality of medical care continues to be of the same quality and the outcome is as desired I will have no complaints. An unexpected benefit of spending time with other patients, both pre and post op was that it enabled me to get a feel for the level of satisfaction which, aside from the wait time, was very good.
My op was at 2.30 and I have just taken off my dressing to put in drops. My eyesight is blurry at all distances in the implant eye, however the pupil is still very dilated. Vision is becoming progressively sharper and I can now read the letters on my keyboard - so any typos are down to fat fingers! If the pupil returns to normal overnight I am hopeful that things will be sharper by morning.
A word on halos - I knew I would get them and was prepared for it. As I Iook at a light bulb there is an obvious crescent above it as I move my head from side to side, however it is not at all unpleasant and adds a certain Christmassy twinkle to things. Whether I will feel as upbeat when both eyes are the same and I am trying to drive remains to be seen!
I feel fine in myself, though the eye is occasionally slightly itchy and gritty. Drops, ibuprofen and paracetamol will hopefully resolve these issues. They will perhaps also address my slight headache which is probably the result of the excitement of the day.
More as things progress.
Today was my six month check-up with Optical Express.
My vision is very good at all distances. I need a little more light than I once did and I cannot read the very smallest text – like that on ointment tubes – but for all practical purposes it is perfect. There are no aberrations of any kind and my vision seems natural. I’d say my vision across the board is 95%.
The OE check-up confirmed again that I still have a very small prescription in my right eye. They are going to give me a contact lens to see if the minor improvement is enough to warrant a laser top-up. However, I have also developed a slight film over the rear of the lens in that eye which is caused by remnants of the natural lens. The problem can be treated swiftly with a YAG laser apparently once they are completely confident that all is well with my multifocal lenses - there's no explant opportunity after YAG. It does however mean that they want to keep monitoring me.
So, everything going well but not yet signed off.
My vision is very good at all distances. I need a little more light than I once did and I cannot read the very smallest text – like that on ointment tubes – but for all practical purposes it is perfect. There are no aberrations of any kind and my vision seems natural. I’d say my vision across the board is 95%.
The OE check-up confirmed again that I still have a very small prescription in my right eye. They are going to give me a contact lens to see if the minor improvement is enough to warrant a laser top-up. However, I have also developed a slight film over the rear of the lens in that eye which is caused by remnants of the natural lens. The problem can be treated swiftly with a YAG laser apparently once they are completely confident that all is well with my multifocal lenses - there's no explant opportunity after YAG. It does however mean that they want to keep monitoring me.
So, everything going well but not yet signed off.
Two months approximately since I had the Mplus implants.
Natural lubrication has now returned and I don’t need to use artificial tears. This took about six weeks to resolve.
Low light challenges have largely vanished. Very occasionally I will visit an unfamiliar environment where the lighting is poor and artificial; then I still get a little haziness in my peripheral vision. But it happens very rarely and corrects swiftly so it is of no consequence.
Far and near vision require no effort and focus is perfect. I can focus well at intermediate but it is a different process and sometimes requires more concentration - usually when tired.
I mostly don’t think about my eyes now because things are pretty much as they were before I needed glasses. My eyesight is 95% perfect. The 5% is my intermediate vision but I am hopeful that my stamina will improve yet.
Natural lubrication has now returned and I don’t need to use artificial tears. This took about six weeks to resolve.
Low light challenges have largely vanished. Very occasionally I will visit an unfamiliar environment where the lighting is poor and artificial; then I still get a little haziness in my peripheral vision. But it happens very rarely and corrects swiftly so it is of no consequence.
Far and near vision require no effort and focus is perfect. I can focus well at intermediate but it is a different process and sometimes requires more concentration - usually when tired.
I mostly don’t think about my eyes now because things are pretty much as they were before I needed glasses. My eyesight is 95% perfect. The 5% is my intermediate vision but I am hopeful that my stamina will improve yet.
It was my one month check-up with Optical Express today (it's one month since the most recent implant).
It seems that the vision in my most recently implanted eye is 20/16 and the other 20/20. I am able to read N5 on the near vision test. That's quite pleasing.
My most recently implanted eye has better vision for near and distance than the other, It used to be the dominant eye but now is not. So my non-dominant eye has better vision than my dominant one at the moment. Is that unusual? I did not think to ask the optom this morning, perhaps a professional could comment please?
I will be interested to see how things pan out over the coming months and whether both eyes become equally effective.
Computer use is the least comfortable pastime at the moment. I can do it but it requires more concentration than other distances. I am told this will improve and it is because the Mplus lenses have only distance and near focal lengths, intermediate requires a blend of the two and some practice. That said, I use the computer for several hours per day without glasses, so things aren't too bad!
My physical healing is good and the incisions have healed well.
My use of eye drops has lessened and I am using them only occasionally now. I have not used them at all today and there was no sign of dryness when my eyes were tested.
Vision in artificial light has not improved further. It is satisfactory now, but not perfect. If it improves no further I shall not be bothered. But my guess is that it will.
A word about Optical Express. My relationship with them is far from at an end, but I must say that generally they have done a very good job so far. Post-surgery support has been excellent. They saw me at one day, one week, two weeks and now a month after surgery, they have answered any queries swiftly by telephone and saw me immediately when I had concerns about dry eyes. I could not really have expected more.
It seems that the vision in my most recently implanted eye is 20/16 and the other 20/20. I am able to read N5 on the near vision test. That's quite pleasing.
My most recently implanted eye has better vision for near and distance than the other, It used to be the dominant eye but now is not. So my non-dominant eye has better vision than my dominant one at the moment. Is that unusual? I did not think to ask the optom this morning, perhaps a professional could comment please?
I will be interested to see how things pan out over the coming months and whether both eyes become equally effective.
Computer use is the least comfortable pastime at the moment. I can do it but it requires more concentration than other distances. I am told this will improve and it is because the Mplus lenses have only distance and near focal lengths, intermediate requires a blend of the two and some practice. That said, I use the computer for several hours per day without glasses, so things aren't too bad!
My physical healing is good and the incisions have healed well.
My use of eye drops has lessened and I am using them only occasionally now. I have not used them at all today and there was no sign of dryness when my eyes were tested.
Vision in artificial light has not improved further. It is satisfactory now, but not perfect. If it improves no further I shall not be bothered. But my guess is that it will.
A word about Optical Express. My relationship with them is far from at an end, but I must say that generally they have done a very good job so far. Post-surgery support has been excellent. They saw me at one day, one week, two weeks and now a month after surgery, they have answered any queries swiftly by telephone and saw me immediately when I had concerns about dry eyes. I could not really have expected more.
This morning my vision at the gym was gloomy again but cleared in a matter of seconds this time. Neuroadaptation would appear to be like learning to ride a bike.
PC use today easier but I am conscious that I have to concentrate more to see clearly at this distance. My eye's natural preference at the moment is for distance vision - I don't have to think about that at all.
Lubrication continues to gradually improve.
Being able to see clearly at any distance and being able to do so with no effort at all are two different things. I am hopeful than near and intermediate will improve like low-light vision has, that is quickly and permanently once I've learned how to do it.
I hadn’t planned to do regular updates going forwards, instead occasional ones with some sort of a conclusion in six months. But something interesting has happened over the past two days.
My hazy peripheral vision in artificial light was improving, and was better with well lubricated eyes. I therefore assumed that improvement would be gradual over time and constant. However, yesterday when I went to the gym my eyesight was, if anything, worse! This was a little frustrating. But then over about three or four minutes the haziness cleared, almost completely. My eyesight was not perfect, but pretty good. It was like slowly bringing a pair of binoculars into focus.
Today, the same thing happened. I walked into the gym, the haziness descended. But five minutes later it was gone. It’s odd trying to put it into words but I was almost conscious of thinking, “I can do this, and the haziness is not useful, disregard it”.
So, improvement would appear not to be linear. Nor is it consistent. I am not finding computer use as comfortable today and am having to shift about a bit to make intermediate vision satisfactory. But then I had only about four hours sleep last night so perhaps I am tired.
The last time I needed to learn how to use my eyes I was a baby, days or weeks old and had no basis for comparison. Having to re-learn how to use body parts as an adult is, honestly, a little weird.
My hazy peripheral vision in artificial light was improving, and was better with well lubricated eyes. I therefore assumed that improvement would be gradual over time and constant. However, yesterday when I went to the gym my eyesight was, if anything, worse! This was a little frustrating. But then over about three or four minutes the haziness cleared, almost completely. My eyesight was not perfect, but pretty good. It was like slowly bringing a pair of binoculars into focus.
Today, the same thing happened. I walked into the gym, the haziness descended. But five minutes later it was gone. It’s odd trying to put it into words but I was almost conscious of thinking, “I can do this, and the haziness is not useful, disregard it”.
So, improvement would appear not to be linear. Nor is it consistent. I am not finding computer use as comfortable today and am having to shift about a bit to make intermediate vision satisfactory. But then I had only about four hours sleep last night so perhaps I am tired.
The last time I needed to learn how to use my eyes I was a baby, days or weeks old and had no basis for comparison. Having to re-learn how to use body parts as an adult is, honestly, a little weird.
Great to see your progress Visard, and I hope the early nuisance of moving air diminishes. A superb account and interesting reading for anyone considering this procedure.
Phil
Phil
I am posting less now because change is less marked, however the situation is currently this:
In good daylight I am unaware that I have had surgery. Vision at all distances is excellent and switching between distance and near is easy.
What reminds me that I am now seeing things differently is still when I enter a poorly lit building with artificial lights. I sometimes find my peripheral vision becomes hazy and my distance vision less acute beyond about 20m. However things are improving. At my gym distance vision is definitely improving and peripheral haziness is becoming less. This is, however, the most challenging environment I can think of because it is dim, artificially lit and with lots of mirrors. Buildings with good artificial lights do not present a problem.
I am finding that I can read and use the computer for longer before becoming tired now.
I have ceased using the post-op eye drops, which were a 2-week course. I am still being very careful about not touching or rubbing my eyes.
It still appears that eye lubrication is key. Air conditioning, car heater fans and fan heaters are not my friends at present. Natural lubrication seems to be improving but I am tending to take eye drops with me for occasional use. When my tear film is adequate my eyes feel relaxed and the artificial light challenges are least.
In summary then, I am glasses independent and the immediate "wow" gains have ceased, to be replaced with gradual improvement in tear production and visual acuity in poor artificial light.
Brief notes today.
As Woodvillewomble commented it seems that change is rapid at the moment.
Computer use is easier than it was yesterday. My monitor is back where it was pre-op and everything is sharp. Switching between this text and the clock bottom right is now fairly seamless. Both are sharp.
The haziness I was getting in low light is much less. In fact "natural" low light is almost normal again. The high street at dusk is still a little challenging but definitely much better.
The single biggest improvement though is that my eyes are starting to self-lubricate better. I have a suspicion that this is in part why I am noticing the changes noted above; better tear film = better performance.
As Woodvillewomble commented it seems that change is rapid at the moment.
Computer use is easier than it was yesterday. My monitor is back where it was pre-op and everything is sharp. Switching between this text and the clock bottom right is now fairly seamless. Both are sharp.
The haziness I was getting in low light is much less. In fact "natural" low light is almost normal again. The high street at dusk is still a little challenging but definitely much better.
The single biggest improvement though is that my eyes are starting to self-lubricate better. I have a suspicion that this is in part why I am noticing the changes noted above; better tear film = better performance.
Good to hear progress is being made. The first couple of weeks are certainly the most dynamic. A great write up.
14 days and 7 days. One week check-up with optical express.
First off I was reprimanded by the Optometrist for ceasing my eye drops two days early and told to re-start them again for two days!
I reported that my eye dominance has remained swapped. The optom was unable to offer an explanation but commented that such events have been documented before.
Daylight vision is unchanged, still excellent at all distances with no noticeable weaknesses. In office lighting PC use is good but not perfect – I am still experimenting with monitor distances.
I raised with the Optom the matter of hazy vision in low or fluorescent light. He said that this is because my brain is still trying to understand why it’s receiving two images for distance (the main lens and near segment) whereas for forty-eight years it has only received one. Low light exacerbates the problem apparently. He said that I will adjust, which is borne out by the comments of a friend who had the operation about six months ago and who also struggled at first in low light conditions.
I raised the issue of sore, dry eyes and he tested the tear film. Evidently my tears are of satisfactory quality but too few, so he has given me some different and less viscous lubricant. It seemed to improve matters immediately.
I was able to read the smallest text on the reading test which was 4.5 and the distance reading was very good. The optom commented that the results were exceptionally good for a one week check-up.
Interestingly my “newest” eye is slightly better for near vision; however the optom commented that this may change on a daily basis as healing is nowhere near complete – about 29 days for full healing apparently.
It is very early days and I am still coming to terms with some of the changes that have occurred. For example, in very bright reading conditions I am experiencing some discomfort and I have to rest my eyes periodically, the same is true for reading in poor light but for different reasons.
I am very pleased with the vision I have in good light and relieved to have received an explanation for the low light challenges. It is reassuring too to have spoken to someone who has experienced the same and who now sees well in such conditions.
First off I was reprimanded by the Optometrist for ceasing my eye drops two days early and told to re-start them again for two days!
I reported that my eye dominance has remained swapped. The optom was unable to offer an explanation but commented that such events have been documented before.
Daylight vision is unchanged, still excellent at all distances with no noticeable weaknesses. In office lighting PC use is good but not perfect – I am still experimenting with monitor distances.
I raised with the Optom the matter of hazy vision in low or fluorescent light. He said that this is because my brain is still trying to understand why it’s receiving two images for distance (the main lens and near segment) whereas for forty-eight years it has only received one. Low light exacerbates the problem apparently. He said that I will adjust, which is borne out by the comments of a friend who had the operation about six months ago and who also struggled at first in low light conditions.
I raised the issue of sore, dry eyes and he tested the tear film. Evidently my tears are of satisfactory quality but too few, so he has given me some different and less viscous lubricant. It seemed to improve matters immediately.
I was able to read the smallest text on the reading test which was 4.5 and the distance reading was very good. The optom commented that the results were exceptionally good for a one week check-up.
Interestingly my “newest” eye is slightly better for near vision; however the optom commented that this may change on a daily basis as healing is nowhere near complete – about 29 days for full healing apparently.
It is very early days and I am still coming to terms with some of the changes that have occurred. For example, in very bright reading conditions I am experiencing some discomfort and I have to rest my eyes periodically, the same is true for reading in poor light but for different reasons.
I am very pleased with the vision I have in good light and relieved to have received an explanation for the low light challenges. It is reassuring too to have spoken to someone who has experienced the same and who now sees well in such conditions.
Not much to report today.
Vision in good light remains excellent at all distances. However in low light (indoors with fluorescent lighting mostly) things are still a little hazy / blurry for distance. Near, oddly, remains fine.
I went to the gym today for a light workout. It is lit 90% artificially and at first I was unable to see detail clearly across the gym. This however improved slightly as my workout progressed. I am unsure why. As soon as I walked outside into the sunshine my vision returned to being sharp.
My eyes are quite dry and uncomfortable when in warm, dry places; artificial tears help a bit but are not the complete solution.They seem worse in low light conditions and I wonder whether there is a connection between the dryness and the loss of acuity in low light. I am seeing the optometrist on Wednesday so I will ask her.
I am meant to finish my eye drops on Wednesday on the first eye. However, I think I might stop tonight so I can compare the eye with drops against the one without before I see the optometrist. I am slightly suspicious that the drops are contributing to the dryness.
It is great to have such good near vision again and little improvements in day-to-day life are making me happy. For example, my gym locker padlock is a combination one and I used to really struggle to input the right digits. Today, when I could see the numbers clearly, for a split second I thought, "that can't be my padlock because mine has blurry numbers..."
Vision in good light remains excellent at all distances. However in low light (indoors with fluorescent lighting mostly) things are still a little hazy / blurry for distance. Near, oddly, remains fine.
I went to the gym today for a light workout. It is lit 90% artificially and at first I was unable to see detail clearly across the gym. This however improved slightly as my workout progressed. I am unsure why. As soon as I walked outside into the sunshine my vision returned to being sharp.
My eyes are quite dry and uncomfortable when in warm, dry places; artificial tears help a bit but are not the complete solution.They seem worse in low light conditions and I wonder whether there is a connection between the dryness and the loss of acuity in low light. I am seeing the optometrist on Wednesday so I will ask her.
I am meant to finish my eye drops on Wednesday on the first eye. However, I think I might stop tonight so I can compare the eye with drops against the one without before I see the optometrist. I am slightly suspicious that the drops are contributing to the dryness.
It is great to have such good near vision again and little improvements in day-to-day life are making me happy. For example, my gym locker padlock is a combination one and I used to really struggle to input the right digits. Today, when I could see the numbers clearly, for a split second I thought, "that can't be my padlock because mine has blurry numbers..."
Day 4 for second implant and 11 for the first.
Vision in daylight continues to be pretty much perfect. I can view far distance and distance objects and they are sharp. I can then look down at my car dashboard and everything is clear, nearer still I can examine my wristwatch and I can read the smallest text on the dial.
Sometimes near distance still requires a minor repositioning of my eyes relative to the object being viewed. Interestingly this morning I have found it more comfortable to move my PC monitor 6" further away to where it used to be. This suggests to me that changes are still afoot.
Going about my daily life, eyesight is fine but task lighting must now be considered. I did some domestic electrical work this morning. It was possible, just, without task lighting. With a torch between my teeth, however, life was much easier.
Yesterday was my first "restaurant test". Reading menus and adding up the bill were things that I really wanted to be able to do without glasses. I am pleased to report that I can now do both easily. In fact, we used a discount voucher and I was able to read the small print T&Cs on that too. Very pleasing.
Driving home last night headlights appeared largely as they had pre-surgery and even a deliberate attempt to induce glare was largely unsuccessful.
Is it the case then that I am as good as new and viewing the world through the eyes of a teenager? Well no, if only that were true. Right now, where things are not quite right is in low light. I am fine in daylight, I am fine in the dark, but in low light things are less comfortable.
As soon as daylight starts to fade or I enter a room that is less than bright my vision becomes hazy. It's an odd sensation and it seems that the haziness is coming from my peripheral vision. Using artificial tears seems to improve this, as does having a couple of glasses of wine, oddly.
This may be the excuse I've been looking for to drink more.
Vision in daylight continues to be pretty much perfect. I can view far distance and distance objects and they are sharp. I can then look down at my car dashboard and everything is clear, nearer still I can examine my wristwatch and I can read the smallest text on the dial.
Sometimes near distance still requires a minor repositioning of my eyes relative to the object being viewed. Interestingly this morning I have found it more comfortable to move my PC monitor 6" further away to where it used to be. This suggests to me that changes are still afoot.
Going about my daily life, eyesight is fine but task lighting must now be considered. I did some domestic electrical work this morning. It was possible, just, without task lighting. With a torch between my teeth, however, life was much easier.
Yesterday was my first "restaurant test". Reading menus and adding up the bill were things that I really wanted to be able to do without glasses. I am pleased to report that I can now do both easily. In fact, we used a discount voucher and I was able to read the small print T&Cs on that too. Very pleasing.
Driving home last night headlights appeared largely as they had pre-surgery and even a deliberate attempt to induce glare was largely unsuccessful.
Is it the case then that I am as good as new and viewing the world through the eyes of a teenager? Well no, if only that were true. Right now, where things are not quite right is in low light. I am fine in daylight, I am fine in the dark, but in low light things are less comfortable.
As soon as daylight starts to fade or I enter a room that is less than bright my vision becomes hazy. It's an odd sensation and it seems that the haziness is coming from my peripheral vision. Using artificial tears seems to improve this, as does having a couple of glasses of wine, oddly.
This may be the excuse I've been looking for to drink more.
An addendum to my earlier post.
I said my vision at all distances is excellent. This is not strictly accurate. For computer use it can be made excellent by adjusting the distance between me and the monitor. I need to keep the monitor at a specific distance for best results.This is however the only situation where I noticeably need to consciously adjust my eye distance from the object being viewed.
Also I went into the city tonight. Given how good my vision is in satisfactory light I was surprised how hazy it is in the city during darkness. In a high street setting I CAN see most things I want to, but the brightness I experience in daylight is not there. I wonder whether this is due to the distraction of lighting in an otherwise dark setting. Will this improve? I don't know.
Driving home in the dark, this time in the dry, glare and lighting disturbances have ceased to be a problem. Yes, street lights and car lights are brighter but my brain seems to be viewing this as just a different appearance and not a major cause for concern. The glare below headlights is still there, but I need to consciously look for it to see it. This would appear to be neuroadaptation at work and I am surprised at how quickly it is happening.
I said my vision at all distances is excellent. This is not strictly accurate. For computer use it can be made excellent by adjusting the distance between me and the monitor. I need to keep the monitor at a specific distance for best results.This is however the only situation where I noticeably need to consciously adjust my eye distance from the object being viewed.
Also I went into the city tonight. Given how good my vision is in satisfactory light I was surprised how hazy it is in the city during darkness. In a high street setting I CAN see most things I want to, but the brightness I experience in daylight is not there. I wonder whether this is due to the distraction of lighting in an otherwise dark setting. Will this improve? I don't know.
Driving home in the dark, this time in the dry, glare and lighting disturbances have ceased to be a problem. Yes, street lights and car lights are brighter but my brain seems to be viewing this as just a different appearance and not a major cause for concern. The glare below headlights is still there, but I need to consciously look for it to see it. This would appear to be neuroadaptation at work and I am surprised at how quickly it is happening.
48 Hours since my second implant.
Last night was my first night drive with two implants; it was not only dark but raining. The “cats whiskers” either side of headlights I’d been experiencing with one implant have now gone, but have been replaced with small flares below the lights. I found, however, that it was quite easy to tune them out by focusing past the headlights to the car they belonged to, or past the car to the road ahead.
I sat and read a newspaper in dim light last night. It was challenging with inadequate light, but with a small reading light everything became clear and easy to read. This seems to be a recurring theme; task lighting is now necessary where once it was not. Also, I am experiencing hazy vision in low artificial light (fluorescent lighting mainly). Once upon a time the room would have looked dim, now it looks hazy. This problem also seems to be exacerbated by dry eyes; if I use artificial tears the problem is less.
This morning I woke to good all round vision. I did, however, instinctively reach for my glasses - I have got to learn that I don’t need them anymore! I suspect that I used to depend upon glasses to block out some light because I find myself looking for them when I want to relax in a bright environment or when I am tired.
Computer use is becoming easier and the clock digits bottom right are now sharp. This is, in part, because I have repositioned my monitor a little closer. I don’t have the ability to adjust to different screen distances, and I am doubtful that I ever will because my eyes just don’t work like that anymore.
The compromises at the moment are:
1 - I have needed to move my PC monitor six inches closer.
2 – I need task lighting more often.
3 – Some dim, artificially lit, environments lead to hazy vision.
4 – There are flares below oncoming headlights when driving in the dark.
So, only two days after the second implant and I am totally glasses independent. In good light my vision at all distances is excellent and the compromises listed above are relatively insignificant. Anything more I get over time will be a bonus.
Last night was my first night drive with two implants; it was not only dark but raining. The “cats whiskers” either side of headlights I’d been experiencing with one implant have now gone, but have been replaced with small flares below the lights. I found, however, that it was quite easy to tune them out by focusing past the headlights to the car they belonged to, or past the car to the road ahead.
I sat and read a newspaper in dim light last night. It was challenging with inadequate light, but with a small reading light everything became clear and easy to read. This seems to be a recurring theme; task lighting is now necessary where once it was not. Also, I am experiencing hazy vision in low artificial light (fluorescent lighting mainly). Once upon a time the room would have looked dim, now it looks hazy. This problem also seems to be exacerbated by dry eyes; if I use artificial tears the problem is less.
This morning I woke to good all round vision. I did, however, instinctively reach for my glasses - I have got to learn that I don’t need them anymore! I suspect that I used to depend upon glasses to block out some light because I find myself looking for them when I want to relax in a bright environment or when I am tired.
Computer use is becoming easier and the clock digits bottom right are now sharp. This is, in part, because I have repositioned my monitor a little closer. I don’t have the ability to adjust to different screen distances, and I am doubtful that I ever will because my eyes just don’t work like that anymore.
The compromises at the moment are:
1 - I have needed to move my PC monitor six inches closer.
2 – I need task lighting more often.
3 – Some dim, artificially lit, environments lead to hazy vision.
4 – There are flares below oncoming headlights when driving in the dark.
So, only two days after the second implant and I am totally glasses independent. In good light my vision at all distances is excellent and the compromises listed above are relatively insignificant. Anything more I get over time will be a bonus.
I don't think it's possible to have 100% positive with any lens implants, you're never going to get perfect vision in the way a young, healthy adult has. I think all lenses are a series of compromises.
I went to see an ophthalmologist last week for a routine checkup for high eye pressures (much improved since my lens implants, down from 25 to 16 in each eye). When he asked about my trifocal lenses I said near was excellent, intermediate (ie computer use) was very good but I had to move around a bit to find the 'sweet spot', and distance was excellent. He asked about night driving and I said about seeing the bright ring around lights but said it didn't bother me. His response was that I was a good patient for these lenses because the problems I dismissed as negligible became huge issues to other people who had expected perfection. A lot of success lies in patient selection. So we all need to think positive :)
I went to see an ophthalmologist last week for a routine checkup for high eye pressures (much improved since my lens implants, down from 25 to 16 in each eye). When he asked about my trifocal lenses I said near was excellent, intermediate (ie computer use) was very good but I had to move around a bit to find the 'sweet spot', and distance was excellent. He asked about night driving and I said about seeing the bright ring around lights but said it didn't bother me. His response was that I was a good patient for these lenses because the problems I dismissed as negligible became huge issues to other people who had expected perfection. A lot of success lies in patient selection. So we all need to think positive :)
Hi
It certainly is noticeable that the two do work better than the one plus half a pair of specs. Your progress even to now is impressive and encouraging with the amount of pluses against the minuses.
Your mplus lens seems to correct the far distance quicker than mine, but near is less good. It highlights the different way they work, neither wrong, just different. The next few weeks will be interesting, as I am following your journey avidly. It is good to see, like mine, a warts and all diary and not just another all positive write up simply to justify the cost to oneself.
It certainly is noticeable that the two do work better than the one plus half a pair of specs. Your progress even to now is impressive and encouraging with the amount of pluses against the minuses.
Your mplus lens seems to correct the far distance quicker than mine, but near is less good. It highlights the different way they work, neither wrong, just different. The next few weeks will be interesting, as I am following your journey avidly. It is good to see, like mine, a warts and all diary and not just another all positive write up simply to justify the cost to oneself.
Thanks!
My wife had a pair of 3.0 put in a year ago and says it's the best thing she's done in a long time - completely off contact lenses. She does use readers for newspapers and books etc.
She decided to get me "fixed" so I'm having my lenses replaced at the end of February. Intermediate and distance are important to me so the 1.5 lenses have been recommended. Slightly nervous about not going for the 3.0 but am sure it will be OK, have great confidence in my surgeon.
My wife had a pair of 3.0 put in a year ago and says it's the best thing she's done in a long time - completely off contact lenses. She does use readers for newspapers and books etc.
She decided to get me "fixed" so I'm having my lenses replaced at the end of February. Intermediate and distance are important to me so the 1.5 lenses have been recommended. Slightly nervous about not going for the 3.0 but am sure it will be OK, have great confidence in my surgeon.
Yes they are the 3.0 version.
It seems that Optical Express implants these routinely. Yesterday one patient, returning for her second eye, complained of weak intermediate vision. They gave her the option of returning next week for a 1.5 (they didn't have one in stock). The patient declined, however if my experience is anything to judge by she may now be a lot happier with a pair of 3.0s than she was with one implant and half a pair of glasses.
Day 9. Say halo and wave goodbye.
Twenty-four hours since my second implant.
Last night the halos had vanished before my pupil had fully contracted, but I was still experiencing flickering. This morning this was still a minor issue but it has worn off over the day. There remains a little soreness in the outer edge of my eyeball.
I went for my first proper drive this morning, it was fully daylight. My far distance and distance vision were, as far as I could make out, perfect.
My near vision has improved a great deal. I can read the maker's name on my watch easily and also the depth of water resistance, which is tiny lettering about 1/3 the height of newsprint.
Reading a newspaper is straightforward even in partial light, though I cannot say my vision is perfect because the text becomes sharper when I blink. This is, I suspect, a dry eye issue - apparently the drops I'm using post-operation have preservatives in them that make them more likely to dry the eye. I have some artificial tears that help a little.
Using the computer or laptop is easy, though for some reason the time digits bottom right (MS 7) are a little blurred. Reading this is good but not perfect; room for improvement.
What has amazed me is that when one eye was implanted that eye was basically competent, but nothing outstanding. Now that I have two eyes implanted the effect is far more impressive.
In summary, in daylight at distance my eyesight is 10/10. Daylight near distance is 9/10, intermediate is 8.5/10 and "near intermediate" is 8.5/10. I am hopeful that with accommodation, healing and cessation of the drops these scores will improve. I am, however, delighted with the results so far.
Twenty-four hours since my second implant.
Last night the halos had vanished before my pupil had fully contracted, but I was still experiencing flickering. This morning this was still a minor issue but it has worn off over the day. There remains a little soreness in the outer edge of my eyeball.
I went for my first proper drive this morning, it was fully daylight. My far distance and distance vision were, as far as I could make out, perfect.
My near vision has improved a great deal. I can read the maker's name on my watch easily and also the depth of water resistance, which is tiny lettering about 1/3 the height of newsprint.
Reading a newspaper is straightforward even in partial light, though I cannot say my vision is perfect because the text becomes sharper when I blink. This is, I suspect, a dry eye issue - apparently the drops I'm using post-operation have preservatives in them that make them more likely to dry the eye. I have some artificial tears that help a little.
Using the computer or laptop is easy, though for some reason the time digits bottom right (MS 7) are a little blurred. Reading this is good but not perfect; room for improvement.
What has amazed me is that when one eye was implanted that eye was basically competent, but nothing outstanding. Now that I have two eyes implanted the effect is far more impressive.
In summary, in daylight at distance my eyesight is 10/10. Daylight near distance is 9/10, intermediate is 8.5/10 and "near intermediate" is 8.5/10. I am hopeful that with accommodation, healing and cessation of the drops these scores will improve. I am, however, delighted with the results so far.
Day 8: My second eye was implanted this afternoon at 2.30.
I have just taken off the dressing and my pupil is still quite dilated, however my near vision is already much sharper now that I have two eyes that aren't fighting each other. For the first time in ages I am typing without glasses.
I was getting halos when the dressing first came off, but they have gone already and I am not even experiencing much glare. Though the true test will be driving in the dark tomorrow.
The Optical Express staff was again very good, however the total wait time was again excessive.
I am quite looking forward to tomorrow to find out how my vision is after my pupil returns to normal.
I have just taken off the dressing and my pupil is still quite dilated, however my near vision is already much sharper now that I have two eyes that aren't fighting each other. For the first time in ages I am typing without glasses.
I was getting halos when the dressing first came off, but they have gone already and I am not even experiencing much glare. Though the true test will be driving in the dark tomorrow.
The Optical Express staff was again very good, however the total wait time was again excessive.
I am quite looking forward to tomorrow to find out how my vision is after my pupil returns to normal.
Day 5:
Vision "sharpness" is improving in the implanted eye and things appear brighter. Despite no major colour changes, the better the eye is performing the more blue tones are vivid. Dark blue jeans appear slightly lighter.
Near vision is still improving and I can now make out the maker's name on my watch using only my implanted eye. Still some distance to go, however, because I need to concentrate to read it. The time bottom right on my laptop is clear using both eyes, slightly blurred using just the implanted eye.
Vision "sharpness" is improving in the implanted eye and things appear brighter. Despite no major colour changes, the better the eye is performing the more blue tones are vivid. Dark blue jeans appear slightly lighter.
Near vision is still improving and I can now make out the maker's name on my watch using only my implanted eye. Still some distance to go, however, because I need to concentrate to read it. The time bottom right on my laptop is clear using both eyes, slightly blurred using just the implanted eye.
Day 4: The battle of left and right.
Brief notes today.
I went for my first proper night time drive last night, it was dark and rainy. No halos evident over lighting, but oncoming cars tended to have "cat's whiskers" either side. I found I was able to ignore these however.
On return from the drive I did some testing and found, oddly I thought, that my eye dominance had switched to the implant eye. Later, watching TV, it had switched back. I get the sensation now that my eyes are fighting each other rather than working together.
Today my far distance and distance vision, using only the implant eye, are as good as they have ever been with glasses. Middle distance is filling in well, as is close. I have read the Financial Times this morning, occasionally closing my un-implanted eye and using the implanted one only. Newsprint is not sharp but I CAN read it. I can sometimes make it sharper by blinking or concentrating hard, which suggests to me that I will in time be able to train myself to see sharply at reading distance.
There is little or no post-operation discomfort now, so I am keen to get the second eye done and get on with the business of adapting properly.
Brief notes today.
I went for my first proper night time drive last night, it was dark and rainy. No halos evident over lighting, but oncoming cars tended to have "cat's whiskers" either side. I found I was able to ignore these however.
On return from the drive I did some testing and found, oddly I thought, that my eye dominance had switched to the implant eye. Later, watching TV, it had switched back. I get the sensation now that my eyes are fighting each other rather than working together.
Today my far distance and distance vision, using only the implant eye, are as good as they have ever been with glasses. Middle distance is filling in well, as is close. I have read the Financial Times this morning, occasionally closing my un-implanted eye and using the implanted one only. Newsprint is not sharp but I CAN read it. I can sometimes make it sharper by blinking or concentrating hard, which suggests to me that I will in time be able to train myself to see sharply at reading distance.
There is little or no post-operation discomfort now, so I am keen to get the second eye done and get on with the business of adapting properly.
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