Question About Recent Cataract Surgery

[scams]

On 27 April 2010, had cataract surgery on the left eye, and used the ReStor len.  The reason for using the ReStor len was to have normal vision without glasses when reading at close and medium distance, since I spend from six to seven hours daily on my computer.  

The next day at the post ops visit, it appeared that I had noticeable swelling in the left eye but the doctor said this was normal for some people.  It felt as if I had a vasoline or cream film on my left eye.  After about the forth day, I began to see some slight improvement but not enought to see normally without my regular glasses.  I removed the left lens on my regular glasses to see if that would make any difference, but still could not see any better.  I saw my doctor yesterday and he said that the reason I was having trouble was the difference between the two eyes and recommended that I obtain a low power prescription for the left eye and hopefully that would balance between the two eyes.  A tech run some tests to determine the left eye prescription.  

I left rather disappointed as to my catarct surgery results, especially after paying $2600.00 for the MOL.

I have another appointment in six weeks and hope my left eye sight will have improved by then.  I think I have been very patient with my doctor and so will press the point if I  am unable to see normally without lens for the left eye.  

Any thoughts and suggestions would be very much appreciated.  My gut feeling is that the prescription for the MOL was incorrectt, and if so how does one correct this type of situation?  Thanks for any help, Sam.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear scams,

There is some variability in predicting the power of implants in the eye.  If there is a residual prescription, it can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, implant exchange or laser vision correction.  Speak with your eyeMD about your concerns and ask further about your prescription.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[londonbridge]

You are quite welcome. I too found this forum, both the docs and the other patients to be a lifesaver. There are many good posts from JodieJ, and others. that helped me to make a decision and gave me hope and comfort. The technology with IOL's changes rapidly and be sure to locate a highly skilled surgeon who is very up to date and experienced with the latest treatments.
londonbridge

[scams]

londonbridge, many thanks for your informative reply.  Thanks goodness for this email group and the patients and doctors who so kindly share their experience and knowledge.  Sam.

[londonbridge]

I have a similar story to dissapointed66. I had Restor implanted in left eye in July 2008 and explanted in January 2009 after six months of blurry vision at all distances. I believe this was caused both by the lens being the wrong prescription leaving me farsighted and also the typical Restor problems,ghosting, halos, not crisp vision. I have read about a condition called "vaseline vision" which can occur with multifocals. There is probably information on the archives about this.

I I now have a monofocal toric lens in that eye and wear a contact lens to balance out the two eyes since my IOL is set for intermediate and my natural eye is still -8.0. The contact is set for distance and if and when I remove the minor cataract in that eye I will choose distance thus giving me mini-monovision. I see very well for distance and intermediate and only need glasses for small print and to sharpen up the computer since I still have an astigmatism. Far better than Restor.

It is good to seek a second and even third opinion. It is wise to wait before having a second Restor implanted. Despite what some doctors will tell you (it will make the two eyes work better together) many have found it just compounded their Restor problems. Under no circumstances agree to have a Yag laser procedure (also recommended by some doctors to clear hazy vision) until you are absolutely certain you will not explant. Most surgeons would be very hesitant to explant if the capsule is compromised by the yag.
Good luck with your decisions.
londonbridge

[scams]

Many thanks for your informative reply.  I pretty much have decided to obtain a second opinion and then use that or another  doctor to correct my left eye and do the cataract surgery on the right eye.  Thanks again, Sam.

[disappointed66]

from disappointed 66

I too had the Restor implanted in my left eye.  The  eye surgeon wanted to do the other eye saying I would see better with both eyes done.  Not in a million years!  Everything at all distances was blurry and the night driving was a horror.I went to a different surgeon.  Had it explanted for a monfocal lens and my vision is great except for small print .My vision is as good as they said it would be with the Restor lens! (and it is covered by insurance)  I am not an eye care professional and I am not saying have it explanted, but I would not have anything further done in case you should decide to have it explanted because it makes it more difficult.  If you click on my forum name, it will bring you to several post regarding the Restor lens.

A second opinion can never hurt.  

I say to all stay away from the Restor lens!!!.

Good luck.

disappointed66 (not disappointed any more)

[scams]

Many thanks for your informative reply.  The reason for the ReStor len was not having  to use glasses when using my computer.  Now I must continue to use glasses and my vision is not as good as before the cataract operation.  Otherwords, I now have had a net lose in vision capability.

Questions:

      1. Regarding the laser vision correction, is that a relatively safe and normally successful operation?

     2. Would a second opinion/examination for my left eye be a worthwhile effort, especially from an Ophthalmologist/Surgeron who would potentially be selected to accomplish the cataract surgery for my right eye?  

Thanks again for your reply, Sam.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear scams,

There is some variability in predicting the power of implants in the eye.  If there is a residual prescription, it can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, implant exchange or laser vision correction.  Speak with your eyeMD about your concerns and ask further about your prescription.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California