Senior Health

[gogirl66]

I have been told I have cataracts that require surgery.  I am trying to decide what to do about lens implantation to correct my vision when I have the surgery.  I have read information about Crystalens and Forever Young Lens which are both touted to correct near and far vision plus my astigmatism.  Both are expensive and not covered by my insurance.  Does anyone have any experience or information about this?

[FattyMatty]

I had my cataract lens replaced with the Forever Young lens last year. I would not do it again.  Now I see the circles from the lens whenever I look at a light.  It's really bad for driving.  I also had LASIK to have my eyesight returned back to 20/20.  Guess what, I'm wearing glasses again.  Big waste of $3500.

[gogirl66]

Can you tell me what "RYL" stands for?  Maybe I can find some information online.  I don't expect to find any criticisms on my doctor's website.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

RYL is a new type of implant, experience is limited. Don't expect to find anything critical of the RYL on the surgeon's website.

JCH MD

[gogirl66]

I have read about the following multifocal lens:  ReStor, ReZoom and Crystalens.  They all seem to have their pros and cons.  However, the doctor I saw uses the "Forever Young Lens" which is supposed to correct one's vision at all ranges thereby eliminating the need for glasses.  I cannot find any information about these lens except on my doctor's website.  Does anyone have any information or experience with the "Forever Young Lens"?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Sounds like a good plan.
JCH MD

[gogirl66]

Thank you for your comments.  Perhaps I should wait to have any surgery.  I can see with my current glasses and have few issues driving at night other than the glare from the lights.  However, I seldom drive at night.  I was hoping to have surgery that would allow me to see without glasses, but after reading the comments on this forum, I may be better off leaving things as is for now.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There are scores of in depth discussions of the pros and cons of these types of lens. Access them with the search feature and archives.  Do your research and be sure you understand the downside. Patients with these types of IOLS are about 23 times more likely to come to these eye forum with problems than standard monofocal IOLs.

JCH MD

[AntonReiser]

You should only have cataract surgery when your vision is impaired by the cataracts.
Please use the search in the eye care community and find lots of discussions about lens types and surgery results.