Rezoom problems: What should I do???

[johnnypro]

8 months ago I had a cataract operated on in my left eye. I was supposed to get a Crystalens, but at the last minute, my doctor substituted a ReZoom, because of Pupil size. I picked the Crystalens because of a hard sell campaign by the doctor and his staff. They never mentioned any downsides to it.

Immediately, I noticed that I was getting Halos around anything lighted at night, plus flashing from the left side of my left eye when tired, plus some round reflections in dark rooms with a single light source. I told the doctor about this and he said to wait as it sometimes takes a while for to get used to the lens. There is also clouding behind where the lens is which he wants to fix with a Laser.  

4 months after my eye surgery, I went to see the doctor about the side effects. It was then that he mentioned that I had a ReZoom not a Crystalens. He wanted to immediately take it out and replace it with a single vision implant, because “Multi focal lenses have a lot more side effects”   Nice!!.  He said I could wait, but waiting would give more of a chance of adhesion, making it more difficult to take out. I asked if he ever did this before and he said once, 4 years ago.  

Now, approx 7-8 months after the eye surgery, I still have the halo problems, although I’ve gotten used to them more. I posted to the BB a few months ago and was told that the Rezoom (#1 in side effects) can take up to a year to get used to. It was also recommended that eye drops could help with the night vision halos. Also that the surgery to replace the ReZoom has more than a few side effects.  I'd love to avoid that!

I could really use some help deciding what to do. My day vision is Quite good in my Left eye, and actually also at night when there’s no glare. I really don’t want to risk that. Also, very lately, the cataract in my Right eye is starting to cloud up.That eye will need to be done soon.  Plus I eventually need to get the cloudy patch in the left eye taken care of.  

[btdawgh]

nothing but problems with only my right eye....always feels like something in it...and sharp pinpoint pain at about five or seven o'clock in white area...HELP...and can't drive after dark...I hate it always scratching feeling making me want to rub it...dr. says eye drops...well for how long...sometimes feels dry sometimes runs liquid...this is stupid...my other eye is fine....HELP...need dr. in Houston,Texas....NOW

[mike1111a]

I had the same problem you are having with the rezoom lense in my right eye.My rezoom lense was in for 23 months before I decided to take it out.The doctor said it was the rings of the lense that was giving me the halos.The rezoom lense after they put it in they tell you the lense is not for ever one.The same doctor that put in the lense told me he would have no problem taking it out.Maybe a little scare tissue.I felt very confident with him.I had it taken out on Jan 26th-09.Everthing went ok.I went with a standard Monofocal lense for a replacement. He is a very good doctor that works out of New Jersey & New York City.I don't know were your from but if you need his name let me know.Good luck  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You have the option of sticking with the rezoom that you have or having the lens explanted and replaced with a single vision aspheric implant. It all depends on how badly you are suffering.  If you want the lens explanted find a surgeon who is very experienced and skilled in this maneuver since it is more difficult than regular cataract sugery.  It is a decision ony you can make along with an appropriate surgeon in your area.  I can only tell you that both options are very legitimate and it depends on many things what I would recomend for you.  I don't know you or your case well enough to give you a good opinion right now.  Get a good second opinion in person.

MJK MD

[londonbridge]

I am not a doctor, only a patient who had a Restor lens explanted after six months. Please check the archives on the expert forum for information about Rezoom, explanting lenses etc. There are many considerations. You need to carefully weigh risks verses leaving the lens in place if it is functioning for you. You also need to have a conversation with your surgeon about what type of implant would complement your lens in the other eye. If you are considering an explant getting a yag laser to clear the capsule will make an explant very difficult. Also find the most expert surgeon you can, who is experienced doing explants should you go that route, even if it means traveling to another city.
Check my posts under londonbridge. Also Dr. Hagan and JodieJ.