Good lens choice for diabetic w/ vision in only 1 eye?

[truedrew]

Does anyone have any advice on a lens choice for cataract surgery in a patient whose medical history is complicated?  

I am a long-time type 1 diabetic with severe retinopathy.  There is no functional vision in my right eye (peripheral vision, limited to "counting fingers" only), vitrectomies in both eyes, and laser surgery and panretinal photocoagulation in the left eye.

I now have a cataract clouding my vision in my left eye, and am having a great deal of trouble viewing television and my computer screen, even with low vision accomodation.  In January, best-corrected vision was around 20/40.  Today, I'm lucky to see the second line on the reading chart.

I have been reading the Crystalens (and other) reviews and would appreciate any advice for someone who needs to have distance/intermediate/near vision capability in a single eye.

Thanks!
Drew

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'll keep it short and sweet.  Your best best would be an acrylic single piece IOL like the Alcon SN60WF (Acrysof IQ) or AMO new one piece tecnis.

MJK MD

[berrywoo]

From reading the many posts here and on the community eye care forum the majority of posters are unhappy w/their multifocal IOLs. Even the doctors of the forums have expressed some opposition to the multifocals and have stated that a monofocal IOL is the best choice currently available.
Given your situation, a multifocal IOL would probably give you more problems than its "premium" price is worth. So choose a monofocal and make sure you seek out an excellent surgeon as you only have one eye. After surgery, depending on your current rx, you will probably still need glasses.
I too have only one eye and hope to eventually get an IOL implant.
Good luck

[berrywoo]

Forgot to add, do a search of the two eye care forums there have been many discussions on cataract surgery and which type of IOL to choose.

[FredZq]

From what I've read on this forum, I gather that every type IOL will have some drawbacks. For my case, I decided that wearing specs was the least bad of the drawbacks. So I had the Doc install a Tecnis acrylic aspheric monofocal, adjusted for near focus in my left eye. I have been delighted with the outcome. Tomorrow I will have one installed into my right eye, adjusted for intermediate focus. So, I have to wear specs for distance. I'll probably be able to read and do computer w/o specs if I so desire; but I've worn specs for 44 years, including 27 years flying for a living, and specs don't bother me a bit. I wish you good luck whichever lens you decide to choose.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Thanks for your comment Fred, very well said.
MJK MD