Mono- or Multifocal

[Occupant]

I am 70 years old and have cataracts in both eyes. I initially decided to go with the Restor lens from Alcon - but it's not available. I need 8.5 to 9.0D and I also have some astigmatism (don't know what it is). By now I have been waiting for over a year and my vision gets progressivly worse. I am now using my driving glasses to do close up-work. I don't mind wearing glasse, but could never get used to bifocals. The only thing I am really concerned about is the Depth of Field issue, e.g. I want to be able to see (in focus) my speedometer and the road ahaed of me without having to switch glasses. Any help would be appreciated.

[JodieJ]

I think you'd be in very good hands with your new surgeon.  Do you currently have better vision in one eye than the other?  You could start by explanting the ReStor in your "bad" eye, without committing to any procedure in your other eye.  I predict that you will be so pleased with the results of the explantation that you'll be eager to schedule the second procedure.

I'd be interested in knowing your doctor's opinion about why the ReStors didn't work for you.

[Susan12345]

Betting odds, maybe, but if I had good luck I wouldn't have had the problems I had with the ReStors in the 1st place.  If it were only one eye that had the problem it might be easier to make the decision, but 2 more surgeries....it's so terrifying.    One really strange thing, the doctor said that on my corneal exam I had zero astigmatism, my surgeon HAD corrected it 100%, but on my refractive tests I do still have significant astigmatism in my right eye.  I asked him how that was possible and he didn't know, said maybe it was in the lens but didn't have the time/inclination to speculate.  That is so weird.   Susan12345

[JodieJ]

I hope you decide to get "those stupid, horrible lenses" explanted.  They've made you miserable for long enough.  And unless I've miscalculated, your probability of retinal detachment is less than 1.5 percent.  Sound like betting odds to me.

[Susan12345]

Jodie, I had my appointment with the most recent doctor on Friday, and he said the astigmatism is not the problem, if it were I would be able to see fine with glasses.  He says the only solution is explanting the ReStors.  At least he believed my complaints and didn't dismiss them as being tired like the doctor who put them in.  But I am just so terrified of the risks of more surgery.  He says it can be done, outlined the risks, 15% chance of the capsule rupturing with a 5 to 10% chance of retinal detachment if that happens.  All because I had these stupid horrible ReStor lenses.   Susan12345

[K-D]

Jodie, I am not patient. I am a coward. Your info gives me hope though.  Thanks so much!

[JodieJ]

You're so much more patient than I am--I'd probably already have my appointment set up for 4 weeks from now.  (Patience is not my virtue.)  I don't think a vitrectomy would be very risky.  And it's been reported that with the new sutureless vitrectomy equipment, recovery is extremely rapid.  (One doctor reported that the day after the vitrectomy, it's often not apparent which of the patient's eyes had the surgery!)