RLE and high eye pressures

[suezq56]

I am considering having refractive lens exchange as my eyes can no longer tolerate contact lenses.  I am 55 years old and have a prescription of:  

RE -11.25   +1.25   25
LE -11.75   +1.25   135

I understand that there is a higher risk of RD after this operation but I have now been told that I have high eye pressures although they are borderline and don't yet need treatment, just monitoring every 6 months.  My optician says that having lens replacement can lower eye pressure as the replacement lens is thinner than the natural lens.  I would only be considering an ordinary lens, not a multifocal.

I have booked an appointment with an opthalmologist but I would appreciate your opinion on this before I go.  Also, I have read on the internet that recent studies show that the RD risk is not as high as previously thought due to the new generation of implanted lenses.  Do you agree with this?  Thankyou for your advice.

[suezq56]

Sorry, I don't quite understand.  Do you mean that women are at higher risk than men? or that the new research has shown a reduced risk for males over 50?

Thanks for your advice.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

RD risk is less if you are a male over 50,  or have a posterior vitreous detachment.  Eye pressure is lower after surgery.  

Dr. O.