I hope this turned out well for you.
Im 33, and suffer from RP as well. I am scheduled for surgery in March 2013.
Right now I'm set on a regular IOL with near correction, not distance. I'm fine with wearing glasses/contacts for distance but don't want to lose my clear vision up close. Granted "up close" is about 2 inches from my eye, but I def don't want to lose that.
Thank you both I now have a better understanding of why I was not a candidate for a multifocal lOL. I have made an appointment to see my surgeon again and will look into a second opinion. This has been very helpful.
Definitely, WAIT to get an IOL in the other eye until the left eye heals.
Second, go see a retinal specialist, to see if it's the RP or other retinal problems that may be responsible for your current vision problems. (Also, seek a second opinion from another refractive/general ophthalmologist)
Third, since your vision is already compromised by the RP, a multifocal IOL is NOT a good option. Even those without any eye diseases face greater risks of complications and many have less than stellar results, just read the many posts here. A monofocal IOL is the best way to go. Any doctor who would implant a multifocal IOL in your eye(s) is just looking to take your money and would be doing you great harm.
Multifocal IOLs split light and it is not good for a compromised macular such as one seen with RP. Multifocal IOLs split the light for distance and near. Therefore a "weak macula" will not see as well as with a lens that focus 100% of the light on the macula.
Dr. O.
Thank you Dr. O for your response however I have tried to discuss this with my surgeon and the response I received was give it time, you may need a prescription and I won't be able to provide a prescription you will need to see an ophthalmologist. It would be helpful if I and get even a few questions answered so this is why I have posted my questions on this forum with the hope that someone can help me understand what is happening to me. Can anyone answer any of the questions in my first post? Why is a multifocal lense not a good choice for me?
You need to discuss this with your surgeon. I agree with him that a multifocal would not be a good choice.
Dr. O.