Facing cataract surgery, need feedback, help deciding on lenses

[cataractx2]

I read feedback on Crystalens and Restor lenses, but still cannot make a decision. The first doctor I saw said that he would not recommend any accommodative lenses. He would not implant them in his parents' eyes. That's a strong statement and surely most folks would not question it or look beyond.

I have been wearing glasses for many years now and have 8 different pairs, bifocals, progressive, reading, glare preventive and what nots. I spend good $800 a year on new glasses. My vision worsened this year terribly with the growing  cataracts. I am afraid to drive anymore, I need new computer glasses already (just had new correctives 6 mos ago). The glare from the computer hurts my eyes and I have to close one eye to read.

When I did research on the accommodative lenses I clinged to Crystalens and wanted to hear from folks that have them. Then I saw this website postings and discovered Restor. Naturally, I want the best possible solution to my dilemmas, cataracts and poor near, intermediate and distance vision. I am 52.

I only have one "good" eye, my left eye was diagnosed with "lazy eye" condition since birth and has almost no vision. I have cataracts in both eyes and need surgery in both. Ideally, I would want accommodative in both eyes, if no contra-indications. I can always decide on my worse eye down the road, but are there any considerations I should be aware of?

Most importantly, which of the accommodative lenses should I choose? It seems that doctors specialize and recommend one type only and that makes it more difficult for patients to decide.

[thewind]

I had a Restor lens installed in my right eye 12/12/05 at Victoria Eye Center, Texas. I have had two follow-up exams (most recently 12/29/05 confirming poor results. The examining optomitrist said I still have astigmatisim and other vision issues that would require follow-up lasik surgery that "should" bring my vision to near normal.

My current concern is that the outcome statistics offered by Victoria Eye Center for ReSTOR lenses is 80% of those with the lenses don't need glasses and 90% would do it again.  Yet, few if any  have posted in these related sites anything positive in their personal experiences with the ReSTOR lens.  I would welcome some positive comments from people who have had these lenses installed.  

More follow-up postings describing my results over time to follow.

[Jim in Fort Worth]

Thank you for your advice. I was already leaning toward the lens exchange approach before seeing your response. I did forget to mention that in 1997 I had successful lasik in both eyes that were previously approximately -6.0 nearsighted. I knew going into the Restor surgery that the power selection is harder if a patient has had lasik -- I just didn't expect to end up +2.0 farsighted. I am hopeful the power selection will be more managable on this "second bounce" in spite of my previous lasik (that is my doctor's excuse for his first miscalculation). So with this additional background I hope you STILL feel accuracy is attainable.
I will see 2 new doctors on 1/3/06 along with the doctor that did the surgery on the left eye and I will update you following.

[eyecu]

You are doing the right thing by talking to your surgeon and getting another opinion. What you forgot to post is very important. Since you had previous lasik, it is always tougher to hit the right power. Kind of a **** shoot. You do your best and hope you get close. You should have been prepared for this prior to surgery and gone in knowing that a lens exchange was highly probable. It sounds like you were. There are also differing opinions on whether previus lasik pateints should opt for a monofocal due or a multifocal and you will hear it both ways. You are a good candidate for the newer lens becuase you had lasik in the first place which means not having to wear glasses is something that you want. Let us know what they say and how it turns out.

[eyecu]

I would opt for an exchange. You are not that far out and if you know you have the wrong power than go ahead and get it exchanged. They should have learned more off the first eye to be more accurate for the exhange. You definitely want to have the first eye corrected before preceeding to the second. If your doc doesnt want to do it, find someone that will. I am not wild about lasik and messing with the cornea because the power was off. You can also have a monofocal lens placed behind the pupil in the sulcus in a very low power or minus 2 to offset your missed lens power if you cannot safely remove and replace the ReStor.

[Jim in Fort Worth]

On 12/12/05 RESTOR NIGHTMARE...I had cataract surgery and a Restor lens was implanted in my left eye. A significant overcorrection occurred leaving me at a +2.00 farsighted. Both distane and close vision are bad. My right eye is nearsighted at a -1.75.I have had my eyes refracted on two occasions since 12/22/05 and 12/27 and the vision does not seem to be shifting much. Thus,my eyes are 3.75 diopters apart -- which is not good. My right eye also has a cataract but surgery on it can be put off indefinitely. With this botched Restor lens power selection I now have an extreme form of monovision.
I am seeking a second opinion on 1/3/05 to determine what to do:
1)Have a lens exchange to better fit the left eye with the proper power.
2)Live with left Restor lens and have lasik to correct the remaining astigmatism and hypeopia caused by the wrong power on the Restore lens.
I am particularly interested in hearing IF the knowledge of the wrong power of the Restor lens I now have will help in getting a very good power prescription for a second lens exchange. Having two botched lens power selections is NOT something I want to endure.
Also,I am concerned how long I have to get the lens exchange before the Restor lens "settles in."
I want to get the left eye issues resolved before I tackle the right eye.

[eyecu]

The ReZoom will give you a full range of vision from near to far. It is a second generation IOL with 7 years previous experience behind it. It is an improvement over the Array. It uses 100% of light and light is redistributed at night to cut down on the halo effect. The results have been better than expected. It gives you an edge on computer vision and better contrast and reading in low light. Go to www.visioninfocus.com.
It is a more forgiving lens than the others.