IOL lens options?

[dawnfoss]

I'm 43 years old and have been advised to have cataract surgery.  The doctor has recommended Restor lenses.  After reading the forums I'm very, very, confused.

Assuming that I decide *not* to go wiht Restor or any other multifocal lens...what are my other options?  If I go with a  traditional lens replacement, will my eyeglass prescription remain the same?  I'm not sure what my eyeglass prescription is but i am extremely nearsighted and have difficulty reading fine print.  I am currently wearing  a -7  add low multifocal contact lens.  I'm quite happy with my contact lenses.  And lastly, will I still be able to wear my contact lenses?


Thanks,

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Use the search, archvies and health topics features on this page to pull up the many discussions of the pros and cons, cons, cons of multifocal IOLs.  Crystalens is the best, ReStor is the second best and dead last is ReZoom which I would avoid.

JCH III MD

[dawnfoss]

Thank you for your feedback.

The eye doctor I went to told me I needed surgery, told me how the surgery worked, and recommended the REstor lens.  Aside from not telling me what my other options were (and shame on me for not asking)  he didn't even tell me what side effects I might expect.  Had I not come here I don't think I would've learned about all of the different problems that come with multifocal lenses.

Needless to say--I am now scared to death of this surgery and the outcome.  

I am going to make another appointment to discuss all of my options and will also get a second opinion.

[JodieJ]

You can get more information about cataract surgery in general and the Tecnis aspheric  monofocal lens in particular by watching the patient education video at www.****.com.  (Shame on your doctor for only giving you one option.)  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your Eye MD may push multifocal IOLs so get a second opinion.

JCH III MD

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your other option is a monofocal IOL (the best out is Tecnis aspheric).

You might aim for a post operative refractive error of -0.25 in one eye and -1.00 in the other. You would do will for many things without glasses with this combination. You should not need contacts. you probably would want a pair of prescription no line bifocals for when you need your best binocular vision.

Very, very very very few complaints with patients that chose this option.

JCH III MD