Aa
Should I go ahead with the second eye
August 20, 2009
I had the restor lens put in my left eye three weeks ago. I am very disappointed. I cannot read street names, I cannot make out road large overhead signs, I cannot see the clock in the other room or read the program information at the bottom of the TV screen. Picture is slightly out of focus. My doctor said I need some lasic fine tuning after the eye is fully healed. I was never told this before I had the implant. I am scheduled for the right eye to be done on Sept. 3 and I'm not sure I should go ahead with it.I am so confused, please help.
Disappointed66
I had the restor lens put in my left eye three weeks ago. I am very disappointed. I cannot read street names, I cannot make out road large overhead signs, I cannot see the clock in the other room or read the program information at the bottom of the TV screen. Picture is slightly out of focus. My doctor said I need some lasic fine tuning after the eye is fully healed. I was never told this before I had the implant. I am scheduled for the right eye to be done on Sept. 3 and I'm not sure I should go ahead with it.I am so confused, please help.
Disappointed66
Yes Jodie, a modified/mini monovision solution was what I had in mind. Surgeons still have to get the parameters right though. I'm worried about anything that calls for too much adaptation as I'm a very "conservative" person in my ways - same furniture, friends, hairdo etc for 35+ years - no need to improve on perfection right? lol.
It is indicative of the worried, stressed and abnormal frame of mind that makes patients vulnerable to these spiels - how did I ever get talked into this?? I was so worried about my job and responsibilities that I felt I was just being a big sook (Aussie for whimp) when assured by medics that there were so many "satisfied customers" who "just loved" these multis. Also the general notion that cataract surgery was a trifle these days and no need for fuss. Then I did meet people who actually loved them.
The impression given was that you might as well request a horse and cart as monos, and multis were the thing for younger people. Here there seems to be some age limit on the use of the devices (probably by law), I must look into this. In the US they seem to put them into anyone. I assure you that in medical practices that lack ethics, there is *no* discussion of alternatives and hence *no* possibility of informed consent.
I think the multis here represent a tiny fraction of the market, and we have a population of only 20 million, so I worry that the "expertise" in taking them out if it exists is with the same awful surgeons that put them in in the first place! They are so uncaring that I couldn't see them trying to get a good solution for the patient, esp if it represented a criticism of their own practices.
I have a number of appointments this week and am worried witless. Will join that poor doctor if it keeps up - I only half jest. :-)
Disappointed66, JodieJ
If I seem not to reply, please excuse as I think my monitor is about to die. If so I will have to make do with internet cafes for a while, rather inconvenient. I do hope to find you less "disappointed" and with a strategy that will help you. At least your surgeon seems to be listening to you, at last.
Regards, Restornomore
It is indicative of the worried, stressed and abnormal frame of mind that makes patients vulnerable to these spiels - how did I ever get talked into this?? I was so worried about my job and responsibilities that I felt I was just being a big sook (Aussie for whimp) when assured by medics that there were so many "satisfied customers" who "just loved" these multis. Also the general notion that cataract surgery was a trifle these days and no need for fuss. Then I did meet people who actually loved them.
The impression given was that you might as well request a horse and cart as monos, and multis were the thing for younger people. Here there seems to be some age limit on the use of the devices (probably by law), I must look into this. In the US they seem to put them into anyone. I assure you that in medical practices that lack ethics, there is *no* discussion of alternatives and hence *no* possibility of informed consent.
I think the multis here represent a tiny fraction of the market, and we have a population of only 20 million, so I worry that the "expertise" in taking them out if it exists is with the same awful surgeons that put them in in the first place! They are so uncaring that I couldn't see them trying to get a good solution for the patient, esp if it represented a criticism of their own practices.
I have a number of appointments this week and am worried witless. Will join that poor doctor if it keeps up - I only half jest. :-)
Disappointed66, JodieJ
If I seem not to reply, please excuse as I think my monitor is about to die. If so I will have to make do with internet cafes for a while, rather inconvenient. I do hope to find you less "disappointed" and with a strategy that will help you. At least your surgeon seems to be listening to you, at last.
Regards, Restornomore
If you want to minimize your dependence on glasses, you could have one eye set for distance and the other for intermediate vision (i.e., modified monovision). You would probably only need glasses for seeing small print or prolonged reading--but NOT for socializing.
Most cataract surgeons here are reluctant to give full monovision to people who have never tried it before. (I've read that about 75% of those who try full monovision are successful with it.) However, I've seen journal articles written by surgeons who claim that full monovision is easier to adjust to with IOLs, and they use monovision with people who have never tried it before. One of my mother's friends (in her 80's) has full monovision with IOLs, and she never wears glasses (and drives at night and is an avid reader).
Dr. Oyakawa, who responds to posts on the Community Eye Care Forum, has written that he no longer implants ReStors. (He's a big fan of the Crystalens HD). I'm wondering whether multifocal IOLs may become obsolete technology because of the problems you've mentioned, If ReStors are being pushed in Australia as hard as you say, there has to be a number of skilled surgeons there who are experienced at explanting them.
Most cataract surgeons here are reluctant to give full monovision to people who have never tried it before. (I've read that about 75% of those who try full monovision are successful with it.) However, I've seen journal articles written by surgeons who claim that full monovision is easier to adjust to with IOLs, and they use monovision with people who have never tried it before. One of my mother's friends (in her 80's) has full monovision with IOLs, and she never wears glasses (and drives at night and is an avid reader).
Dr. Oyakawa, who responds to posts on the Community Eye Care Forum, has written that he no longer implants ReStors. (He's a big fan of the Crystalens HD). I'm wondering whether multifocal IOLs may become obsolete technology because of the problems you've mentioned, If ReStors are being pushed in Australia as hard as you say, there has to be a number of skilled surgeons there who are experienced at explanting them.
Thanks Jodie,
I actually need to take some of my own advice and try to calm down. I'm also rather frightened of the degree of glasses dependency that will most likely come with a monofocal option, assuming that's even feasible. I've been lucky in having good glasses free vision until very recently, so that would have been quite a big adjustment for me anyway. Had I known what I do now about the multis I would have calmly chosen the monos, and as you say, gotten on with life probably enjoying the lovely clarity at distance and adapting to the new reality. Now I'm considering taking a big risk to, in a sense, abandon the close up vision I do have with these things to get rid of the nasties, and that's another whole issue.
Dear oh dear, nothing is simple is it?
I'm so hoping the new surgeon will be able to help me with the whole issue without pushing barrows. I suspect your assessment is correct though. Goodness knows what the "explant" situation is here in Australia re expertise??
I feel for that poor woman you mention who went nuts with these implants to avoid glasses! It's just simply wicked and evil to do that - and that is how these devices are touted. They shill them like that here too - I have met another victim of that particular con and she was nearly off her head with them as well. At least I have the consolation of having been nearly blind!
Disappointed66,
It looks as though your surgeon is helping you trial the alternatives with contacts which sounds great. With the right glasses, esp if you don't mind wearing them you'd soon manage your reading and computer work and about the house. Acuity verses depth of focus - that's the tradeoff.
Regards, Restornomore
I actually need to take some of my own advice and try to calm down. I'm also rather frightened of the degree of glasses dependency that will most likely come with a monofocal option, assuming that's even feasible. I've been lucky in having good glasses free vision until very recently, so that would have been quite a big adjustment for me anyway. Had I known what I do now about the multis I would have calmly chosen the monos, and as you say, gotten on with life probably enjoying the lovely clarity at distance and adapting to the new reality. Now I'm considering taking a big risk to, in a sense, abandon the close up vision I do have with these things to get rid of the nasties, and that's another whole issue.
Dear oh dear, nothing is simple is it?
I'm so hoping the new surgeon will be able to help me with the whole issue without pushing barrows. I suspect your assessment is correct though. Goodness knows what the "explant" situation is here in Australia re expertise??
I feel for that poor woman you mention who went nuts with these implants to avoid glasses! It's just simply wicked and evil to do that - and that is how these devices are touted. They shill them like that here too - I have met another victim of that particular con and she was nearly off her head with them as well. At least I have the consolation of having been nearly blind!
Disappointed66,
It looks as though your surgeon is helping you trial the alternatives with contacts which sounds great. With the right glasses, esp if you don't mind wearing them you'd soon manage your reading and computer work and about the house. Acuity verses depth of focus - that's the tradeoff.
Regards, Restornomore
If you search the archives of this site, you can find many ReStor horror stories. A female physician, who got ReStors to eliminate her need for reading glasses, reportedly had so many terrible problems with them that she ended up having a nervous breakdown. I've had vision problems myself unrelated to IOLs, and I agree that they can be extremely stressful. After all, our vision affects most aspects of our ability to function.
There are also numerous posts in the archives from people who have had their multifocal IOLs explanted and replaced, with good results. Some of these successful explants were done more than a year after the IOL had been implanted. One of the doctors on the Community Eye Care Forum has stated that an explant procedure is not especially risky if it is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. You might try posting a question on that forum, which tends to get more activity than the Expert forum.
I'm not an eye care professional, but I strongly suspect that you will never be happy with your ReStor vision, and those "hideous" lenses are consuming a lot of your energy. My advice would be to get rid of them and then start living your life again.
There are also numerous posts in the archives from people who have had their multifocal IOLs explanted and replaced, with good results. Some of these successful explants were done more than a year after the IOL had been implanted. One of the doctors on the Community Eye Care Forum has stated that an explant procedure is not especially risky if it is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. You might try posting a question on that forum, which tends to get more activity than the Expert forum.
I'm not an eye care professional, but I strongly suspect that you will never be happy with your ReStor vision, and those "hideous" lenses are consuming a lot of your energy. My advice would be to get rid of them and then start living your life again.
from disappointed66
I just came back fro dr. He put contactacts in both eyes so I can see what end results would be. Had no trouble driving. Signs were good. Distance did inprove, but I cannot read.or see computer. I tried to read your message but I strained so I just gave up for now. H wants me to keep these contacts in untill Tuesday. Don't know if I can. I feel lightheaded and my ears feel full.
When I can see, I will read your message and get back to you. Thanks
I just came back fro dr. He put contactacts in both eyes so I can see what end results would be. Had no trouble driving. Signs were good. Distance did inprove, but I cannot read.or see computer. I tried to read your message but I strained so I just gave up for now. H wants me to keep these contacts in untill Tuesday. Don't know if I can. I feel lightheaded and my ears feel full.
When I can see, I will read your message and get back to you. Thanks
Dear Disappointed66,
I'm very pleased you did not get pressured into a rushed decision for a second Restor. Yes you will indeed feel awful with the one you have, and I suspect there is some truth in the contention that the "two" systems work better than one alone. It is also true that the vision can improve post-surgery if no complications are present, as one would expect, and some of the "special effects" diminish with time. I find the daytime haloing has improved somewhat, but after 3 months I still absolutely HATE the second-rate unnatural and compromised vision I have, esp at night. I honestly don't think the "final product" will be anything I'd ever want to live with, though a doctor that hates the multis says the literature suggests that most people "accommodate" after 12 months. Personally I wonder if that is a result of people becoming resigned to their fate, and finally accepting their vision as the "norm". My result has been 20-20 on the office chart and I just want to rip my head off, and have felt like that from day one.
Yes the night-time haloing is awful and though it has improved a bit, I go mad with the unnaturalness of it. Feel like I'm caught in that famous painting "The Scream", or inside a Van Gough on one of his bad days.
Lasik seems to be the last refuge of the scoundrel when problems occur with these supposedly "sensitive" lenses. I have read that Lasik reduces contrast sensitivity (the ability to distinguish objects against similar backgrounds) and that's the last thing you want with the Restor which does a nice job of that in the first place, esp at night.
Personally I would never have Lasik when glasses would do the job, as I hate the idea of mucking about with the eye at all. I *only* had cataract surgery by necessity because I went from good vision, needing readers to almost blind in the course of 3 years.
These people want to reshape your cornea to conform to the lens you have, so I'd avoid that if you are seriously considering an explant. Be very wary of a YAG if suggested as it also complicates an explant.
You do have an advantage in that your surgery is very recent, and you still have the integrity of your second eye. It sounds hard advice when you are understandably so upset (just as I was) but you still have some time to play with. I would take a deep breath, get some sensible and (most importantly) non-pushy/interfering family or friends to give you moral support. Then, as *soon* as possible find a doctor who can take the time to fully explain to you:
(1) Exactly what the monofocal options are, and which one would be best for you given your interests and habits. Monos can give trouble too if not well matched to the patient.
(2) Be honest with you about the risks and benefits of an explant. Your age and health will influence this. I think many surgeons downplay the risks of you going crazy when they evaulate the purely medical factors though. I am literally nearly around the bend, struggling to work, lost interest in all my normal activities etc and yet I can "see" well by the wall chart. Good explant surgeons are known to members of this forum - JodieJ can probably help here.
(JodieJ)
My own decision after 3 horrible months is to evaluate a bi-lateral explant very seriously with a view to going ahead promptly unless the risk is too unreasonable or the outcome not worth the risk. I see some specialists this week, and with the help of my wonderful GP will seek several opinions. The idea with explants seems to be the sooner the better, but 6-9 months has been suggested as the limit.
My goal if realistic, would be the clearest and most crisp distance vision, with perhaps a midrange tweak, some form of modified monovision without too much stressful difference in the focal points. Good performance in dim light and at night very important if possible. Good clear vision with glasses should hopefully be a possibility. I could always see well at night pre-cataracts and am just distraught over the state of my night vision.
Your comments would be appreciated.
(Disappointed66)
My aim in posting is to assure you that you are not alone in your concerns with the Restor, you are not nuts, and the technology is nothing like it's made out to be. In my opinion it is touted with a complete lack of ethics. But because everyone's situation is so different regarding health problems, medical cover etc it is so hard to suggest a course of action without inadvertently doing more harm than good. I don't mean to be "pushing" an explant at you.
Remember we are mostly all patients here not experts. I will post again, on this thread or another as matters progress. I'm currently worried stiff about keeping these horrors in my head and also about getting them out!!
My best wishes, and let us know how you get on.
Regards, Restornomore
I'm very pleased you did not get pressured into a rushed decision for a second Restor. Yes you will indeed feel awful with the one you have, and I suspect there is some truth in the contention that the "two" systems work better than one alone. It is also true that the vision can improve post-surgery if no complications are present, as one would expect, and some of the "special effects" diminish with time. I find the daytime haloing has improved somewhat, but after 3 months I still absolutely HATE the second-rate unnatural and compromised vision I have, esp at night. I honestly don't think the "final product" will be anything I'd ever want to live with, though a doctor that hates the multis says the literature suggests that most people "accommodate" after 12 months. Personally I wonder if that is a result of people becoming resigned to their fate, and finally accepting their vision as the "norm". My result has been 20-20 on the office chart and I just want to rip my head off, and have felt like that from day one.
Yes the night-time haloing is awful and though it has improved a bit, I go mad with the unnaturalness of it. Feel like I'm caught in that famous painting "The Scream", or inside a Van Gough on one of his bad days.
Lasik seems to be the last refuge of the scoundrel when problems occur with these supposedly "sensitive" lenses. I have read that Lasik reduces contrast sensitivity (the ability to distinguish objects against similar backgrounds) and that's the last thing you want with the Restor which does a nice job of that in the first place, esp at night.
Personally I would never have Lasik when glasses would do the job, as I hate the idea of mucking about with the eye at all. I *only* had cataract surgery by necessity because I went from good vision, needing readers to almost blind in the course of 3 years.
These people want to reshape your cornea to conform to the lens you have, so I'd avoid that if you are seriously considering an explant. Be very wary of a YAG if suggested as it also complicates an explant.
You do have an advantage in that your surgery is very recent, and you still have the integrity of your second eye. It sounds hard advice when you are understandably so upset (just as I was) but you still have some time to play with. I would take a deep breath, get some sensible and (most importantly) non-pushy/interfering family or friends to give you moral support. Then, as *soon* as possible find a doctor who can take the time to fully explain to you:
(1) Exactly what the monofocal options are, and which one would be best for you given your interests and habits. Monos can give trouble too if not well matched to the patient.
(2) Be honest with you about the risks and benefits of an explant. Your age and health will influence this. I think many surgeons downplay the risks of you going crazy when they evaulate the purely medical factors though. I am literally nearly around the bend, struggling to work, lost interest in all my normal activities etc and yet I can "see" well by the wall chart. Good explant surgeons are known to members of this forum - JodieJ can probably help here.
(JodieJ)
My own decision after 3 horrible months is to evaluate a bi-lateral explant very seriously with a view to going ahead promptly unless the risk is too unreasonable or the outcome not worth the risk. I see some specialists this week, and with the help of my wonderful GP will seek several opinions. The idea with explants seems to be the sooner the better, but 6-9 months has been suggested as the limit.
My goal if realistic, would be the clearest and most crisp distance vision, with perhaps a midrange tweak, some form of modified monovision without too much stressful difference in the focal points. Good performance in dim light and at night very important if possible. Good clear vision with glasses should hopefully be a possibility. I could always see well at night pre-cataracts and am just distraught over the state of my night vision.
Your comments would be appreciated.
(Disappointed66)
My aim in posting is to assure you that you are not alone in your concerns with the Restor, you are not nuts, and the technology is nothing like it's made out to be. In my opinion it is touted with a complete lack of ethics. But because everyone's situation is so different regarding health problems, medical cover etc it is so hard to suggest a course of action without inadvertently doing more harm than good. I don't mean to be "pushing" an explant at you.
Remember we are mostly all patients here not experts. I will post again, on this thread or another as matters progress. I'm currently worried stiff about keeping these horrors in my head and also about getting them out!!
My best wishes, and let us know how you get on.
Regards, Restornomore
by disapointed66
Thanks so much JodieJ. I try to find it. I have an appointment with dr. tomorrow and maybe I'll ask mim!
Thanks so much JodieJ. I try to find it. I have an appointment with dr. tomorrow and maybe I'll ask mim!
Look for posts by londonbridge. She had her Restor lens explanted, and she is very happy with the result.
I would like to hear from anyone who has has the restore lens explanted. I am desparate to have this done. It is only 3 weeks and they are awful I do not want to go any further with it.
Disappointed66
Disappointed66
I know exactly what you mean. If I was told that I might need lasik surgery and also something else regarding the cornea, I never would have gone ahead. I just cam back from the supermrket and it wa a blur of colors. Thank God for the good eye with glasses!
My Dr. Told me that I might need reading glasses for the minutest writing and that there may be a slight hallowing at night. The haloing is alful. I am 66 years old and still very independent and I can't just go out in the daylight.
Have you had you restor explanted. I wold like to hear from someone who has had this done successfully.
Thanks for responding.
Disappointed66
My Dr. Told me that I might need reading glasses for the minutest writing and that there may be a slight hallowing at night. The haloing is alful. I am 66 years old and still very independent and I can't just go out in the daylight.
Have you had you restor explanted. I wold like to hear from someone who has had this done successfully.
Thanks for responding.
Disappointed66
Thanks so much for youyr comments. I already decided that I was not going to have the other eye done. I just want this restor out and a regular lens put in. I will gladly wear my progressive glasses and never complain abou t wearing glasses again. I am concerned about the removal surgery, but I feel that I have to have it done if it is at all possible. Are you the Jodie that has a problem with restor? Did you have them taken out.
You have many years to enjoy better vision. If you feel that stongly about your ReStors, find an experienced surgeon and get them explanted and replaced. It's my understanding that explanting an IOL can be done safely by a skilled surgeon, even after many months.
Dear Disappointed - I have the hideous Restor lens in both eyes. Never. never in my life have I made a worse decision than to have them both. The Restor will utterly destroy your night vision - blindness in a darkened room, everything else like a dimmer switch turned right down, and the usual multifocal "light show" at night. Vision unclear and 'abnormal' across the whole visual spectrum, worse at distance. No sense of "acuity" - the clarity and fine print of vision is lost. Need glasses for a lot of things? You bet! Print and sharply contrasting backgrounds "ghost" and "bleed" and overall quality of vision very unpredictable. Good only in fair artificial light in a smallish room. Glasses cannot correct the abberations like ghosting, doubling up and smudging of colours. Absolute horrors of things - I'm desperate to get mine out and I had a "successful" operation with supposedly "good" vision.
The surgeons who flog these wicked devices are not in it for the good of the patient. Please, please don't be bullied and take all the time in the world to consider your options - it is your money and your eyes despite the rank some surgeons pull. They will tell you how wonderfully these things work together, but they lie!! You finish up with two horrible eyes instead of one.
I'm told that before 3 months is the best time for an explant if needed. This is only my opinion as a victim (oh I mean patient). My experience has been nothing but negative. The big hoax of "neuroadaption" seems to me to be a version of "there are no bad devices/surgeons, only bad patients". Up to 10% of poor souls never adapt to these devices.
Were you offered and had explained in full all the options, including monofocals with various "tweaks"? I certainly was not. It was push, push, push for these multifocals. For your info I'm a very fit and healthy 51 year old with no earlier problems other than cataracts - now I'm half demented with these awful lenses.
There is no perfect solution, even with the monos - always a compromise between acuity and depth of focus. Had I only known I'd have gone for the first option in a flash, but I had the misfortune to strike a mob of stinkers with agendas to push multifocals at all costs.
That's my two bob's worth. I wish you all the best and PLEASE get more opinions if you feel so uncomfortable. Check the archives of these boards and so searches on "restor", "multifocal", "modified monovision" and read the many discussions to get a feel for the issues, though most posters are just patients with opinions and experiences like myself.
Regards, Restornomore
The surgeons who flog these wicked devices are not in it for the good of the patient. Please, please don't be bullied and take all the time in the world to consider your options - it is your money and your eyes despite the rank some surgeons pull. They will tell you how wonderfully these things work together, but they lie!! You finish up with two horrible eyes instead of one.
I'm told that before 3 months is the best time for an explant if needed. This is only my opinion as a victim (oh I mean patient). My experience has been nothing but negative. The big hoax of "neuroadaption" seems to me to be a version of "there are no bad devices/surgeons, only bad patients". Up to 10% of poor souls never adapt to these devices.
Were you offered and had explained in full all the options, including monofocals with various "tweaks"? I certainly was not. It was push, push, push for these multifocals. For your info I'm a very fit and healthy 51 year old with no earlier problems other than cataracts - now I'm half demented with these awful lenses.
There is no perfect solution, even with the monos - always a compromise between acuity and depth of focus. Had I only known I'd have gone for the first option in a flash, but I had the misfortune to strike a mob of stinkers with agendas to push multifocals at all costs.
That's my two bob's worth. I wish you all the best and PLEASE get more opinions if you feel so uncomfortable. Check the archives of these boards and so searches on "restor", "multifocal", "modified monovision" and read the many discussions to get a feel for the issues, though most posters are just patients with opinions and experiences like myself.
Regards, Restornomore
I think that you have two reasonable options. (1) Follow your surgeon's suggestions about improving your vision with your ReStor. In this case, you'd probably want to wait until you're satisfied with the results of your first eye before having surgery on your second eye. (2) Alternatively, you could have the ReStor explanted and replaced by a monofocal lens. You would want to a surgeon who is experienced with explanting IOLs to perform the procedure.
Please help. This me answering my own question. O have a drs. appointment tomorrow. I am totally scared. I really would like just to where my multifocal glasses. I can't believe I am actually sayiung this, Comments please.
Disappointed66
Disappointed66
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear disappointed66,
I would recommend that you speak further with your eyeMD about your disappointment. He/she may be able to show you what you see with glasses. This may help you decide whether or not to undergo surgery on your second eye.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California
I would recommend that you speak further with your eyeMD about your disappointment. He/she may be able to show you what you see with glasses. This may help you decide whether or not to undergo surgery on your second eye.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California
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