Vision correction surgery and cataract

When undergoing an examination for a Verisyse lense (I'm not a candidate for Lasik), small cataracts were discovered in both eyes. They do not affect my vision yet. I really want to get out of contacts because they, along with glasses, bother me a lot. I'm 42 and so was shocked to have cataracts. I have myopia with a -8.0 prescription and do not need reading glasses (yet).

I'm getting conflicting advice and I don't know how to sort it out. One opthomalogist recommended cataract surgery with Rezoom. Another said multifocal lenses aren't producing good vision results yet and recommended single vision or monovision lenses (after trying monovision contacts). Yet another recommended Verisyse lenses now and cataract surgery later when needed.

How do I sort this out? The first decision is between Verisyse now and cataract surgery later versus cataract surgery now. I'd prefer to not pay for 2 surgeries unless the results would be significantly better. My goal is to see as well as I do with contacts. If I opt to just go ahead with one surgery which would be cataract surgery, then I have to choose between multifocal or single vision lenses.

My other choice is to continue discomfort in contacts and glasses because I'm so confused! I've worn contacts for 25 years with discomfort for the last 5.

Laura

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

In general at -8.00, LASIK or PRK would be the refractive procedure of choice, assuming you don't have a cataract.  I would not recommend Verisyse for you - because it's just not that mainstream and you may develop a cataract and need a second operation anyway.  My best advice is to get a second or third opnion regarding Lasik or PRK.  I don't understand why you are not a canditate unless you have possible keratoconus??? or VERY thin corneas?? or other problem that you're not mentioning.  Best advise is LASIK, PRK if suitable option for you - or if you have a significant cataract which is ready for surgery - then go with aspheric monofocal IOL to achieve best possible visual acuity.  Glasses also are always an option and finally maybe a you can be fit with better contacts and have a doctor help you to get better comfort by treating possible dry eyes or eyelid margin disease.

Please respond and tell us if you really have a cataract.  Why are you not a LASIK canditate?

MJK MD

[seetoscrap]

Thank you for responding. Yes, I really do have cataracts -- in both eyes. But my vision is not yet affected. I was evaluated by 3 doctors for LASIK. My cornea is not quite thick enough. I was told I'm not a PRK candidate either, though I don't recall why.

I really want to be contact-free, but figured out that my options aren't great. I'm working with my optometrist to find a better pair of contacts.

Laura

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I think that is a great idea!

MJK MD