experiences with Symfony IOL, or trifocal IOLs?

[SoftwareDeveloper]

Has anyone here gotten the new Symfony IOL, or heard from others who have, or know more than the research you can find with google? It was just approved in June for use in Europe, but initial studies on the web seem to indicate it provides better odds of having good intermediate/computer vision, and better than the AT lisa trifocal except at very near distances. It refers to it as having an extended depth of vision rather than   calling it multifocal (perhaps because it doesn't divide itself into 2 or 3 discrete focal points but in essence it must still have a range of focuses to provide "extended depth").

I've seen detailed threads about the FineVision but only brief comments on the AT lisa trifocal.  Any more comments on any of these lenses? I'd  be curious if anyone has more comments on getting a multifocal in only one eye with the problem cataract and wearing a contact lens in the other (which is still correctible to 20/20 with only an early cataract). The hope would be that perhaps before it goes bad a new generation of lenses might come out, like an accommodating lens that is more likely to work well than the ones out there now.

Any suggestions for good doctors to get them from, preferably laser cataract surgery? I'm open to considering doctors in any country since I'm in the US and will need to travel to get the lens, the UK would be easiest since I only speak English, but I'll consider other options. I've heard the Czech Republic may be cheaper but still have   high quality clinics. Its worth a bit of hassle to get a good lens. I'm only 52 so I'll hopefully be using it a few decades, so thanks greatly for any information you can provide.

[rwbil]

This article and Show interview might be a bit over optimistic but worth a look

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2664631/Is-end-sight-reading-glasses-Eye-implant-claims-patients-pin-sharp-focus-youre-looking-just-inches-away-horizon.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-hebUlxwb8

Definitely worth giving Dr. Qureshi being he has experience with this and other lenses

[at_239]

I have multifocal lenses and it was the worst decision I ever made. I cannot see clearly at any distance. A complete waste of money but the manufacturers and surgeons are benefiting from flogging them.

[rwbil]

Also here is an article comparing the Symfony IOL with the AT Lisa Tri

http://bmctoday.net/crstodayeurope/2014/10/article.asp?f=early-results-with-the-symfony-iol

Might be worth calling this surgeon who has experience with both.

[rwbil]

SoftwareDeveloper

You mentioned DR. Auffarth in another thread.  I found this link, which you probably have seen but thought it was interesting.

http://eyetube.net/series/daily-coverage-london-september-2014/extended-range-of-vision-1-piece-iol/

You have to register to see the entire interview.

[rwbil]

SoftwareDeveloper

I for one would appreciate it if you keep us informed on what you decide and your experience.  I will have to decide soon on what to do and look forward to hearing about your experience.

[SoftwareDeveloper]

oops, they really should let you edit posts.  Of course I didn't mean "cheaper to have lower deductibles", I  meant it is cheaper to have a high deductible policy and pay out of pocket. The only way insurance companies make money is by the fact that the average person pays in more money than is paid out for expenses. It is like gambling, on average the house will win, so you lose money on average gambling and paying for insurance. So the less you gamble the better.

The reason for taking the bet is since there is a chance of a major medical problem and so its best to hedge against it to get  high payouts covered. Its  most cost effective for many people who are healthy  to have a healthcare savings account and a higher deductible than it is to pay for more costly lower deductible policies. However that then leads to more pressure to show around for prices, which some people don't want to bother with so they keep a low deductible (or simply haven't thought through the odds of whats most cost effective). The issue is different for those who expect higher medical expenses, and various changes in the insurance world and rates also may be changing what makes sense for people.

[SoftwareDeveloper]

Some companies provide their own insurance, and some insurers are grasping they can save money with procedures done overseas.

http://www.businessinsider.com/medical-tourism-as-an-alternative-to-obamacare-2013-10

"HSM, a manufacturer in North Carolina, is one of the many companies that encourage employees to undergo costly medical services across U.S. borders. The company reported that this medical alternative has saved it nearly $10 million in the last five years."

For many the insurance issue is academic:

http://www.healthpocket.com/individual-health-insurance/bronze-health-plans#.VGga3p94p0I
"HealthPocket found individual Bronze plan medical deductibles were $5,081 on average in the individual and family market."

Surgery can be done in a few European countries for less than that including travel. The average cost for cataract surgery in the US for 1 eye according to that site above is $4700 (the lowest cost around me is $4200), and since most don't get premium lenses I'd imagine the cost is quite a bit above that for them. Even above a deductible there are co-pays for some insurance plans up to a maximum out-of-pocket, so the cost of a premium lens in the US for many would be above that average.

Many folks have high deductibles since we rarely use healthcare and it is cheaper to have lower deductibles and pay out of pocket. Yup, it may have made sense to game the system and get a lower deductible in a   year when we expect to have more.. if we knew what year we were going to have the expense in (rather than not being able to wait as long as expected), except as you note most won't cover getting a better lens overseas to begin with (and even in the US co-pays can add up and the premium lenses aren't covered).