monofocal v.s. multifocal lens for someone used to monovision contacts

Hello all,

I am 27 yrs old and had cataracts removed in both eyes more than 20 yrs ago. Because of my age, IOLs were not implanted in my eyes. I have been wearing monovision contacts for over 20 yrs and have recently began considering having IOLs implanted. My Dr's say I qualify for multifocal lenses but want me to do my research before I make a decision. For the past 20 yrs, I've been using my right eye for distance and my left eye for near. Because I am used to this, would it be better for me to have monovision IOLs implanted in the same matter? Or would it be better if I caught up with technology and considered Restor or Rezoom. Or would the risk of halos not be worth it?

Also, how fast is IOL technology advancing? If I have held out for 20yrs, should I sacrafice convenience and hold out for 5 more yrs to see what advances are made? How long are the lenses made to last?

Thanks!

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

If you are getting along with contacts why take the risk and expense of cataract IOL surgery.

Also your risks may be higher than normal if your entire lens was removed (intracapsular extraction) in which case the IOL would have to go in front of the iris or sewed into the back of the eye.

Or the capsule may have been left in (extracapsular) in which case fixation may be difficult since in 7 years olds it usually retracts or curls up.

The technology is advancing very rapdily. However if the US Federal Government takes over health care as many in congress and our president would like you can bet that it will come to a screeming half and everybody with get a low price "government issue" IOL after waiting 6-12 months for the surgery.

If you do opt for IOL now then I would generally recommend aspheric monofocials and the type of monovision that you are use to with contacts.

JCH MD