Mono Lens versus Multifocal

[ange1949]

I am 64 yrs, with -11 prescription & have just been diagnosed with cataracts in early stage. The NHS Consultant has agreed to give me corrective lenses, but only Monofocal are available on NHS, so I will still need reading glasses.  The thought of being glasses free after 58 yrs is an amazing thought, but now I am wondering if I should pay to have Multifocal. I am quite happy to wear reading glasses, but am not sure at what distance I will need them??

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

There are many things to consider.  First, your macula should have normal function-many -11 myopes may have a posterior staphyloma and other macular problems that would not be good for a multifocal.  Another consideration is for an accommodative IOL such as the Crystalens or Synchrony (available in Europe).  

Dr. O.

[ange1949]

Thanks for your reply- as you say, it's not straightforward!! I think the best step now would be to pay to see this consultant, as a private patient- then I will get time to discuss the various aspects & outcomes with him. In your opinion, at what distance will I actually need to wear glasses, if I opt for the single mono lens on the NHS- is it literally for reading a book, or reading food info on the supermarket shelf?

[EyeSeeStars]

I am just being curious here, but why the rush for surgery if you have just been diagnosed with cataracts, and not only that, but the cataracts are only in the early stage?

[ange1949]

Well, I've started noticing vague foggy patches & as I'm so shortsighted, this was getting to be a problem, together with even poorer night vision & a couple of falls, where I've not seen a step-- my optician recommended I go & see the Opthalmologist at the NHS hospital.  

[EyeSeeStars]

Oh I understand. Sounds a little like what I'm going through, too, especially that my cataracts have also been called "mild."  My symptoms have not been mild, however. Best of luck to you!

[ange1949]

Thanks for your comments-- I  paid to see the Consultant privately this week & although the Monofocal, NHS lens is very good, I have decided to go for Trifocal lenses, which will enable me to be glasses free!!- BUT of course, can only be done privately--ouch!!!  Having the 1st eye done next Monday!!!  What is the problem with your eyes??

[ange1949]

My Zeiss trifocal lens implants done in July 2013 have not been successful. I have no intermediate or reading vision, a huge amount of floaters in right eye & massive ghosting/ rings/ sparkler effects around all lights, together with burning, dry eyes.  Its been the most distressing period of my life. I have now gone to a top cataract specialist & top retina specialist. After a retina scan I have been diagnosed with complete vitreous detachment in both eyes, with  syneretic clumping to the right.  I am having a lens exchange in left eye & combined vitrectomy & lens exchange to right eye..Both eyes will have the standard monofocal lens & I will need reading glasses.

[Wolfhall]

Hello, I would really like to know if everything turned out OK for you in the end.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Garrry]

Hi
I had no cataracts but chose to have both lenses  replaced as I was long and near sighted
The Symphony multifocal have changed my life
Eight weeks on im glasses free

[JohnHaganMD]

That's great.  Let us know in six months if you still this happy
JCH MD