Confusion, many questions before cataract surgery

[flahagan]

I have 3+ cataracts in both eyes and will have surgery in a few weeks.  I wear progressive glasses now, O.D. -5.25, cyl +2.00, axis 0.85, O.S. -5.25, cyl +2.00, axis 0.95, add +2.50

I would like to have good distance vision for driving but still be able to see the computer and reasonably see to put on make-up.  I don't mind having to wear glasses for close work or reading.  I wore mono-vision gas-perm contacts for over 20 years, but eyes have become too dry to wear comfortably now.

Would this mini-monovision I've been reading about work for me?  If so, what diopters are we talking about?  Dr. highly recommends torics lens to correct astigmatism, says I won't be happy with results otherwise and would have to wear glasses for everything.  

In addition, I was diagnosed with glaucoma a year ago, maintained at 15/16 with 1 drop Lumigan each night, no problem using eyedrops and cost is mostly covered by my insurance.  But now the Dr. is wanting to do something called ECP during cataract surgery since I'm "young"  (67!) and glaucoma is "mild."  Sould I even consider this if I'm not having a problem?

I go for measurements for cataract surgery next Tuesday, sure hope I feel more confident of what to do by then.  Thanks for any help.

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

Seems like all the Irish traveled the same potato patch. Our grandfather immigated from Kentucky also into middle Missouri.
JHagan

[flahagan]

My husband's Hagan family springs from the 1600's when Thomas "the immigrant" Hagan came to Maryland.  He was supposedly from around County Tyrone in northern Ireland and was indeed Catholic.  My husband's dad was born in New Haven, Ky., near Bardstown.  Quite a few Hagans are buried in the cemetery there!

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

Yes, one Hagan to another. As luck would have it I just got from a family member a copy of the Hagan (Hagan, O'Hagan, etc) family crest. Seems most of our offspring came from Catholic family in Northern Ireland, near Belfast.

I've run into Hagan's all over the world especially in Australia.

John Charles Stephen Hagan

[flahagan]

From one Hagan to another, thank you so much for this information.  After some internet research the past few days, I had just about decided NOT to have ECP done, as I am always in favor of being conservative esp. with eye surgery.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"  So I now feel much better to hear that you concur with my feelings on this.

I suppose I will spring for the toric lens, since I do want some independence from glasses.  Thank you so much for the concrete suggestion for mini-mono vision.  I will print it and take it along with me next week when I go for my measurements.

I'll post back here with a follow-up.  Thanks again.

Joyce Hagan

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

1. It is important to correct the astigmatism if you wish to reduce glasses dependence for distance. Toric IOLs work well.
2. Use the search feature and archives and read about your options. Shooting for "plano" in your dominant eye and -1.25 in the non-dominant (mini-mono with distance bias) works well for most people.
3. ECP is a glaucoma patients that a. are not well controlled b. on multiple drug therapy c. can no longer put drops in eye or are unreliable about using drops or keeping appointments or that cannot afford drops. You do not seem to fall into any of those catagories. ECP might just add extra expense and chance of complications.
4. You can always get a second opinion on any of these points.

JCH MD