Very High Myopia Again -17 -22

Dear Doctor,

Once again I appreciate your response. The first question I sent was " Very High Myopia" dated June 27. ( 35 year old female from Portugal).

Have been away from computer due to serious family health issues.

I may not be able to consult this site as often as I'd like but believe me I won't forget www.medhelp.org and will always read answers to my questions as well as other people's whenever I can.

Firstly I'd like to say that there are simply not enough
words to praise the work you and your colleagues do.You provide your medical expertise promptly and clearly to countless people, many of which for one reason or other don't get answers to their questions and I personally know how that can bring peace of mind.

If possible kindly answer these questions:

I hate sunglasses and prefer to squint when its sunny.How important is it to use them beacause I have a cataract in my right eye and read somewhere that sunlight can be an aggravating factor? If I should use them what specificatios should they meet?

If I one day use iol and still need correction for myopia theoretically is it possible to use contacts instead of glasses ( assuming I am able to see up close to put them on ) ?

By the way,are you notified when readers post comments to your answers or is it better to ask a new question ( I actually sent this message first in a comment, please excuse the repetition!)?

Thank so much again. Wishing you and everyone the very best.

Sophia.

[John C Hagan]

Hello Sophia sorry about the family health problems.

1. Sunglasses are best, if you can't make your self wear them wear a hat with a big bill. It will also help reduce the risk of facial and eye lid skin cancers. If you have in contacts any high quality over the counter sunglasses that block UV light in a gray or green color are best.

2. Yes it is possible to wear contact lens in an eye that has an implant in it.

3. No I am not notified when people post messages I have to check. I do this because I think it's imporant. I do this besides running a very large practice, editing a medical journal and functioning as a husband, father and grandfather. At some point I may not be able to answer questions on the patient to patient forum or do follow up questions. For now I can manage.

JCH Eye Physician and Surgeon