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Cataract surgery--choose far sighted or near sighted lenses

I am getting mono lenses but one is also to correct astigmatism.  I cant decide about having lenses set for long distance and needing reading glasses or near sighted and needing distance ghlasses. From what Ive read in other forums---the long distance peopleseems to be ablet to see pretty well from distances as short as about 2 feet clear out to infinity. Some who chose to be set near of course need glasses to drive, etc but also say the focal length of the near lenses is pretty defined and they end up needing more than one pair of ghlasses for close up, regular reading, etc. I have surgery in 7 days and dont know which will be overall best and require the least glasses. Thanks!
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Avatar universal
I did a version of what @CBCT did, set my IOL for near vision and use contacts or glasses for distance.
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1 Comments
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
That is called mono-vision and it doesn't work well for most: one eye always out of focus, glasses difficult to adjust to, reduces depth perception and many distances in between near and far are blurry.

Best choice is a middle age person wearing contacts that already is doing full monovision.

Not an option I recommend for most and I have seen quite a number of unhappy people that had this surgery done elsewahere.

JC MD
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5 Comments
Thank you for your many helpful responses! I am just starting my research, and your answers on several threads are VERY helpful. I am myopic and like you, want to read without glasses and don't mind continuing to use glasses for distance.
I was born myopic with astigmatism.  I’ve had glasses since age 8.  I used progressive lenses since my 40s. When I had cataract surgery in my late 50s, I chose close vision, and continue to use progressive lenses throughout the day.  I like close vision because I can lay on my side and read in bed. Best wishes.
If you have any specific questions let me know.   JCH MD
I would like to attest to what Dr. Hagan said about monovision not being for everyone.  I was fortunate in that monovision worked for me for years when I was wearing contact lenses so it was an easy choice for ME to make when I needed to have cataract surgery.  But I personally would never recommend it for cataract surgery to someone who never confirmed it worked for them with contact lenses.  My husband needs cataract surgery now and is going with simple lenses set for distance.  He will use reading glasses, just like he does now.  Anyone who is able to should test monovision with contact lenses for many, many months before getting monovision with cataract surgery.
Good advice Monica.  If you husband has his dominant eye set for distance and is happy with his vision without glasses on the second eye (non-dominant) consider a small amount -0.75 to -1.00 of myopia to be able to see computer, TV, even read a little without glasses and the difference well tolerated by most. (my wife chose this option)
Avatar universal
What success do people have having had cataract surgery with short-sightedness the result, then choosing for the other eye cataract surgery with long distance focusing the result. Would there be a problem?
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It's not like "throwing dice"   This is all covered in the previous discussions. There is no set amount of near focus. A residual error of -3.00 will have a focal point of about 1/3 meter where as a residual error of -1.00 will have a focal point of 1 meter. Moreover the amount of myopia if too close can be reduced post surgery with  lasik.

That's all I have to say.

JCH MD
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Avatar universal
You are right:  This is a HUGE decision affecting the organs you use to see with.  It may be a decision affecting the rest of your life.

You say you are having this surgery only seven days from now?  Since you have not definitely decided what route to take in this very serious matter, I would counsel you to delay the surgery for at least several weeks, until you have done more research.  After all, wouldn't you do the same if you were choosing a new television set or sound system?  This is at least as important.

Patients should do a heavy amount of research on their own, because this is a serious investment of money in an essential human function.  There is a lot of info on the internet, but here is one place to start:

http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/crystalens-restor-lens.html
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Avatar universal
Thanks, I understand its not 'one size fits all' but Im trying for the least hassle. Ive read that those who choose to be near sighted have a pretty minute focal length and need glasses for different lengths around their desk, etc anyway, as well as for long distance. I do compuiter work all day long. Some told me that being set for long distance was good becasue they could fucus from the starts all the way down to as little as under two feet and then need glasses for reading, etc. This is a huge decision to make knowing that the outcome is like throwing dice!
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
First of all a toric IOL is not a monofocal IOL since it brings light to focus in two different places, that's how it works.

Second that topic has been discussed for years here. there is no correct answer just "different strokes for different folks". You can use the search feature and archives and read the many informative discussion threads on the subject.

JCH MD
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