New technology for old IOL implant

With the new advances in IOLs, would it be feasible to remove an OLD style IOL in exchange for a newer one?  I am having a problem with a new implant and want it removed but one thing I have noticed is that the night vision/depth of field is better.  I am almost night blind in the other eye and if I could have a newer type put in that didn't have the massive aberrations I experience (starbursts, haloes, no depth at night at all)  I'd be willing to do this....after the new one's problems are resolved!

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

You have not made yourself clear. You describe a OLD style IOL then in the next sentence say you are having problems with a NEW implant.

Do you have implants in both eyes? If so what type/manufactuer in each eye?

Are both eyes a problem? Do you still have a catarct?

JCH MD

[SirenaCansone]

I'm sorry.  I'll try to be more specific.  

Seven or eight years ago I had an IOL implanted in my left eye.  It is an Alcon monofocal.  I have good day vision but very poor night vision with starburst/haloes and streaks around lights.  If both eyes were like this I could never drive at night.

The new implant in my right eye is an Akreos and I have negative dysphotopsia in this eye in the form of a dark shadow on the right side.  It is very annoying and I'd like to get rid of it but even though I have this problem I can still see that this one is much better at night...minimal streaks/haloes and better contrast.

I was wondering if it would be feasible to remove the old Alcon for an aspheric (perhaps a Tecnis) sometime in the future.

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

Okay now I understand. The "old" monofocal IOLs have an excellent track record and may patients with IOLs dating back to insertion in the mid 1980's are very pleased. I would see an second opinion ophthalmologist. I would especially look to be sure that the IOL does not have posterior capsular opacification that can be easily corrected with a yag laser capsulotomy.  Also be sure it has not slipped out of position or that some other eye problem might be present. I would not ba anxious to take the IOL out without getting at least 2 or 3 opinions.

I am not familiar with the Akreos IOL

JCH MD

[SirenaCansone]

Thank you, doctor.  I am fairly pleased with this implant during the day....but I am blind as a bat in that eye at night.  NO contrast whatsoever.  And the night aberrations look like the fourth of July.   It could become an issue depending on what happens with the other eye.