Any suggestions?

[hellobeautifulworld]

Hi, I'm actually posting for my mom.  She's 49 years old and her vision has deteriorated severely in the last 8 years.  In Turkey she had an eye exam after getting fed up with her optometrist here and she was told that she immediately needed to get a multifocal lens replacement surgery and that she had mild cataract formation.  She is almost at the legal limits of being blind without her glasses, but even her prescription glasses wont do the trick.  So now I've been researching the Restor IOL implants and it sound promising.  Is that something that would be advisable to fix her problems?  One of our biggest concern is that her body rejects pretty much anything foreign (previous surgeries rejected surgical screws), does that apply to this procedure?  And are there any really accomplished  and top-notch optometry surgeons in Houston you'd recommend? Thanks!

[berrywoo]

1. There is a huge difference between optometrists and ophthalmologist. You're mother should be in the care of an ophthalmologist for the cataract.
2. There are plenty of well qualified eye m.d.'s in the houston area. Visit www.aao.org to find one near you.
3. Multifocal lenses cost more and there have been many unsatisfied patients here on the forums. Do a search here to read many of the posts. Most people do better with a monofocal.

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

Read the posts by islandgirl that just had a ReSTor IOL removed for her eye for 'Vasoline vision".

I personally would not have a multifocal ReStpr OR IOL put in my eye and I think the ReZoom should be taken off the market.

I would go with a high quality aspheric IOL and plan on wearing progressive bifocals after surgery

JCHMD

[hellobeautifulworld]

Thank you for your comments!  

As far as the high quality aspheric IOL, would that be something that she would have to ask for before they try to convince her of ReStor IOL?  I assume the since you are recommending that followed by bifocals that is a very successful route for people like her?

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

I would verify that the standard IOL used by the surgeon is a modern ASPHERIC IOL like those made by tecnis, B&L, Alcon.  They do not cost extra under Medicare and commercial insurance.

I would not advise any of my family now whould I have any multifocal or accommodating IOL put in my eye. The technology just "isn't there yet" for most people's expectations.

JCH MD