monofocal vrs crystalens for high myopic

[Bill1954adk]

I am a 54 year old male with high myopia (-12 in each eye).  I am just beginning to develope cataracts but still have good vsion on both eyes with glasses (20/25L and 20/30R).  I am considering cataract surgery and wonder if I am at higher risk for complications with the crystalens with my myopia.  I am content to go with a standard monofocal lens on both eyes for distance and use reading glasses but the crystalens accommadation IOL is very appealing.  I have no desire to correct one eye for distance and one for near vision.

Can you give me any advice?

Thanks,

Bill

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Bill954adk,

Individuals who are highly nearsighted have a higher incidence of retinal issues following cataract surgery.  I would recommend that you wait until your vision is affecting your activities before you undergo cataract surgery and that you have your retina checked with dilated funduscopic examination both before and after surgery.  

I do use the crystalens and feel that it is an excellent lens for cataract surgery.  The choice of lens should be based on your activities, personality and visual needs as well as your goals.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[londonbridge]

I am not a doctor only a 54 year old patient like yourself slightly less myopia, -8.00. I found my driving to be impaired and waited three years until Restor was available in my power. I had the Restor explanted and exchanged for a monofocal torric (to correct 1.0 diopter of astigmatism) on Wed. at Massachusettes Eye and Ear. My first surgery was local in CT and resulted in a wrong power lens leaving me moderately farsighted in that eye with poor focus at all distance plus glare halos double ghosting. I realize the newer Crystalens is reported to have less problems. My other eye has a minor cataract and I am leaving it alone! with wearing a contact and reading glasses.

My opinion having gone this route is 1. wait as long as possible to do your cataracts. Consider exploring other options such as a different glasses perscription or contact lenses. Odly because I could no longer wear glasses due to my 9 diopter difference between two eyes I found that I could see fine to drive with a contact on my unoperated eye. Also most premium lenses seem to work best in pairs. 2. If you can be happy without a premium lens and don't mind glasses, go that route. It is covered by insurance verses up to $2500 additional per eye for premium, and has been relatively problem free for 40 years.  3. Whatever you do only trust your eyes to the best experts you can find. Just because everyone says it is no big deal and cataract surgery is routine, I found that you should always get a second and third opinion.
Good luck. The docs on this website will have good advice for you too and also JodieJ, a very knowledgeable and caring person and the others.

[artforartsake]

I'm in a similar situation as Bill (high myope about -12 & -10, 49 year-old male, willing to wear glasses for reading), but I don't mind mild monovision to achieve intermediate vision.  

I have the same question: is there any higher risk associated with Crystalens as compared to monofocal IOLs for high myopes?  Is Crystalens HD any less likely to hit the target for higher myopes?  Less likely to accommodate for high myopes?  Other risks I should be aware of?  I have received opinions from 2 surgeons:  1 recommends Crystalens (no increase in risk for high myopes), the other recommends monofocal IOL with monovision (since I can achieve my goals without using the premium lens, I shouldn't take any increased risks associated with using Crystalens in high myopes).  

Thanks!

[artforartsake]

Adding to the previous post, I should also mention that I have cataracts in both eyes and will have the surgery in 2 weeks.

Thanks.