Help!! Which type of IOL w/ current technology??

[Ginger222]

My husband, 46 years old, was just diagnosed w/ cataract of left eye. He is miserable because he can't read, watch tv or feel comfortable driving because his vision has gotten so blurry recently. We need to do something asap. All the options in IOL's are so overwhelming...

He's worn glasses for years so wearing them post implant would be fine. I mention that because from much of the reading I've done, many people seem to be unhappy with the premium IOL's... starburst, halos, poor vision at night, etc.

Would just going with a "standard" IOL and continuing to wear glasses (with whatever prescription change is neccessary for his right eye) give him the best opportunity for predictable, clear vision without as many potential issues as the premium multi-focus IOL's?? Can you still have have issues with poor night vision, halo's, etc. with the standard lense implant?

He does a lot of computer work, driving, traveling, etc., and I know he would have a hard time with a lense that required time to "adjust to" and the knowledge that perhaps those potential adverse effects may never resolve.

We don't need the "up to the minute, high tech solution." We're looking more for the tried and true approach for clear vision.

I had read a 2007 post from a pysician stating that he would personally go with standard lenses if it were him needing surgery, but I don't know if that holds true with advancements in technology over the past two years.Thanks!!!

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

I personally don't know Dr. Lehmann but there are 10s of thousands in the USA.  As I have said many times before if I or any member of my family were having cataract surgery I would recommend a monofocal aspheric IOL like Tecnis, Alcon and B&L makes.

I think multifocal IOLs make sense only for "glasses haters" that don't need ultra clear vision especially at night and who are still willing to wear glasses for some things.

JCH MD

[Ginger222]

I appreciate your responses. I have been pouring over this forum for days and I feel truly blessed to have found it. I feel certain that the aspheric monofocal implant would be the best fit for my husband based on his personality and lifestyle but of course we'll hear out all of the doctor's recommendations at his consult.

Reading the many "real-life" accounts on this board have been a tremendous help. While I understand that there are risks with any implant, the standard aspheric implant seems to be the best way to go to in an effort to minimize them.

We live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and the physician choices are endless. Are you familiar with Robert P. Lehmann, at all? He has a practice in East Texas and comes to our area several times a month. It appears he does many of these in addition to Lasik and is a Fellow of the ACS. Any thoughts??

Thank you!!

[JodieJ]

Your husband sounds like a great candidate for an aspheric monofocal IOL.  If he has significant astigmatism, he might consider a toric IOL.  (You're wise to avoid the older threads, since the technology has changed.  But monofocal IOLs are still the best bet if you want to avoid post-surgery problems.)

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

Use the search feature and archives. There are scores of informative discussions about all aspects of IOL choice.

JCH MD