Multi-focal lenses - second opinion advise

[cppeggy]

Hi, I was told I needed cataract surgery and the surgeon STRONGLY recommended Restor premium lenses. Very expensive ($5,000-$6,000) but I thought worth it not to have to wear glasses. Still, I felt a little unsure about doing this so decided to get a second opinion. I am so glad I did!! The second Opthamologist said that really healthy eyes are necessary for the multi-focal lenses and I have several things wrong with my eyes so I am not a candidate. Had I gone ahead with the first surgeon's advice, I would have had a very unsatisfactory result. I wondered why so many people write about bad results from the multifocal lenses and I would bet in many cases such as mine, some surgeons are motivated by "greed, money!" rather than the best interest of the patient. So if any of you are contemplating this and feel uncertain, please consider getting a second opinion. Medicare pays for the second consultation and you might save yourself from a bad result. I understand these lenses work great in many patients, but the health of the eyes and the eye itself must be right for the lens implanted. I know this isn't a question, but I am hoping I might help someone else not to make the mistake I almost did. My eyes will require the Medicare paid lenses and I will have to continue to wear glasses. The integrity of the second Opthamologist was most appreciated.

[Lerbea]

There are very few people posting have had a good result with the Restor lens. Cataracts are very good compared to the problems you may hav e with the Restor.  Please follow up on old postings about this.

[yarrow]

You have a very thoughtful attitude towards this situation, and I applaud it.  Indeed, for success with the reStor lens, you need a healthy eye with the right eye dimensions, plus a surgeon who is selective about candidates for this lens.

I had all those advantages, and my reStor D-1 implants have given me excellent near and distance vision.  I could not be more pleased, but I did not go into this without a lot of thought and research.

[EllsworthT]

I posted to this site back in June 2009 about my lousy experience with a ReStor lens (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Eye-Care/ReStor-IOL-/show/934313). Fifteen months later, my eye sight is worse than ever: floaters, no near vision, periodic blurring. Now I'm seeing arc flashes of light out of the corner of my eye and I fear my retina is becoming detached. (I'm going to try to see a doctor tomorrow.)

You said you "won against the Insurance issues and with the doctor". What exactly does that mean?

I feel that I shouldn't have to pay for another operation since this one was obviously botched, but there's no way I'm going back to the surgeon who did this to me. I am not confrontational and the idea of a lawsuit makes me sick, but, damn, I'm miserable with this implant.

Any recommendations for a doctor who can undo this mess? One doctor told me that removing the ReSTOR IOL might cause scarring, which would degrade my vision further, or, worse, rip my eye, possibly blinding me.

[Lerbea]

I almost lost my vision with the Restor lenses. Had to have them removed and replaced. You can check with the FDA and see all the failures that have been reported to them. Last year it was over 800.  Loosing ones eyesite is just to much to live with.  Ive been told they should never have been put on the market. I won against the Insurance issues and with the doctor.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You will see many comment regarding these lens on this forum.  People can use the search function.

Dr. O.