monovision for intermediate?

[karlbr]

After going through dozens of posts on the topic, I see that the general trend says multifocals aren't currently worth the price or hassle. With a previously repaired retinal tear, I gather YAG would be dangerous if it were to become necessary with Crystallens.
I'm 25, with a cataract on my non-dominant eye that has slight astigmatism (-1.00). I've been putting this off for a while, but think it might be time to give up on new better lenses to appear on the market, as thing are getting foggier.
I do a lot of computer work (3' or so from screen), and will be going to med school next year.
I would like to know if monovision, as advocated by many of the doctors on this board, will give me good intermediate vision. Also, is a toric necessary for that little amount of astigmatism?
Thanks,
Karl

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

I hope to post an extended discussion of these issues in the next week. The blog post is being reviewed by MedHelp.org legal.

JCH MD

[karlbr]

A monofocal would only be clear 20 feet away? I'd read elsewhere 20 inches or so. If it's 20 feet really, then that option is out. If 20", I could live with it..

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

There is no answer that is right for everyone.  Try closing your right eye without glasses and see how you can see your computer and read.  If you can then you might want to set your RE to 0.00 to give you excellent vision 20 feet or further away. Things closer than 20 feet without glasses post surgery will be blurry in RE however without glasses the LE may meet your needs for mid and near vision.  

Whether you want to try a toric IOL would depend on how much corneal astigmatism you have in the RE (its not always the same as glasses astigmatism).

If you chose RE for distance to see closer it will need progressive bifocals.

Discuss this at length with your surgeon and read all the posts. The thing that makes your case unique is you are young and only have cataract in one eye.

JCHMD

[karlbr]

1.
OD (2.only eye with cataract)
Sphere: -3.75 Cyl: -1.00 Axis: 3

OS
Sphere: -2.00 Cyl: -1.00 Axis:158 (Tested 20/15 with this RX)

3. Do not wear contacts now, but would consider, especially on left eye, if right comes out nicely with IOL, as to not need glasses

Karl

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

To answer your questions need to know:
1. Your current glasses RX
2. If you have cataracts on both eyes
3. If you wear contact lens now

JCH MD