cataracts and high myopia,

[delta500]

My correction is -9.5 in the left eye and -7.5 in the right eye.  My left eye went from -8.5 to -9.5 in the past 6-9 months. I am 60 years old.  Twenty years ago I had a retinal detachment in the left eye that was corrected with a pneumatic bubble.
I also have glaucoma in both eyes.  I have cataracts in both eyes but only notice its effect on the vision in my left eye. Things look markedly darker through the left eye and it is worse at night. I also get glare from lights at night. I am scheduled for cataract surgery on April 1st for the left eye.  I have been to a retina surgeon to have both retinas examined in preparation for the surgery.  He has given the green light. The cataract surgeon says there is some optic nerve damage in the left eye, probably from the glaucoma.  The retina specialist said the optic nerve looked good to him.
I've noticed from other posts that it is not usually recommended to have only one eye done and that it is better to wait until both eyes need cataract surgery.  I have 2 questions:
1. With the above information am I a good candidate for cataract surgery in one eye only?  I can wear contact lenses with very little problem so I plan to wear one in the right eye after the surgery. Not ideal but probably the best solution available.
2. Am I a good candidate for a multifocal IOL?  The cataract surgeon has advised against it because he says it will let less light into my eye.  If the dimness I currently experience is caused only by the cataract I don't see that as a problem.  If, however, the dimness in the left eye can be the result of either the detached retina surgery or the optic nerve issue, then I probably agree with him.
Surgery is in 3 weeks and I'm getting nervous about the decision.
Thanks for any and all advice.

[Fleetfoot197]

Would you please explain why a Crystalen AO  may be a bad choice for vision if you need silicone oil treatment for the retina?  Is there a better IOL if you need silicone oil?


Also, how well do you see with your Crystalens AO?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You leave out too much important information.  What is your vision in each eye?  What is your functioning difficulty?  What are your visual field?

A multifocal is not a good bet in this situation.  However, you might consider an accommodating IOL.  The downside is if you redetach and need silicone oil  The only approve accommodating IOL is the Crystalens and it is made of silicone.  I had the same decision to make and I chose the Crystalens AO.  If you need silicone oil the  potential vision is very poor.

Dr. O.