which lens for cataract

[lemonmeringue]

Web research hasn't given me a clear idea of the relative problems of the new accommodating lens (Crystalens, ReStor, ReZoom). So many sites seem to be essentially sales pitches. If they work, the advantage over monocular lens is obvious and I understand some docs touting them but wonder if they are being influenced, consciously or not, by the superior return on their time against the paltry sums Medicare/insurance pay.

Near-perfect vision at all focal ranges would be super since my activities vary from woodworking to painting large canvases to cliff climbing, but I don't want to be an unwitting beta tester working out developmental bugs with one of my eyes. (I had a vitrectomy 2 years ago after a capillary pulled a divot from my retina and the vitreous humor didn't clear. My other eye is still OK.)

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

Pretty good advise, little to add.

JCH MD

[JodieJ]

Well, you've come to the right place if you don't want a sales pitch for a "premium" lens.  Dr. Hagan has stated several times on this forum that he would not want a multifocal/accommodating IOL in his own eye--and he has inside information about how these lenses actually perform.  You can type "Crystalens", "ReZoom" and "ReStor" in the search box (upper right corner of your monitor) to learn more about other people's experiences with these IOLs.

Unfortunately, nothing currently available will give you near-perfect vision at all focal distances.  Your best bet is an aspheric monofocal lens.  (Check out the patient education video at www tecnisiol com.)  If the lenses are set for "blended vision" (distance vision in dominant eye, intermediate vision in non-dominant), you would might only need glasses for reading small print.

[2ndsight]

several of us on this site have posted about our experiences, mine was with Crystalens and was favorable, just use the search bar and type in the names of each one of the lenses and you can read about the various outcomes. Crystalens is giving me excellent vision at all distances except very fine/small print but I can do most other close-up activities without glasses.

no one result is guaranteed with any of these, and I would recommend meeting with more than one surgeon and getting opinions on what would work best for you especially given your history. If you go with any of the multi-focals, make sure the surgeon has a lot of experience with THAT LENS, is implanting it regularly and has a high percentage of satisfied patient outcomes.