Wait or Not

[cstiles1951]

I am 56 and  in the beginning phases of growing cataracts. My opthomologist has recommended implants.  Reading the forums I have concern as to whether monovision is a good option for me.  Presently my vision is 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other.  My near vision is not very good.  When I buy reading glasses the strength is around 275.  I find it difficult to see almost any print without reading glasses and I do find it to very problematic.  
What are the risks at this point and time with depth perception in regard to monovision.  Do most people adjust well to monovision?  


This discussion is related to issues relating to monocular vision after cataract surgery.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You don't really have monovision - perhaps you are just a slight bit nearsighted in left eye.  This is what I might call mini-monovison because I don't believe you are nearsighted enough to read a book without glasses - just the computer.

MJK MD

[twikle]

I am 52 and just had cataract surgery in both eyes. I had an Acrysof IQ lens implanted in my left eye with an LRI done for correcting astigmatism. My right eye has an Acrysof Toric lens. Left eye was corrected to 20/25 and right eye was corrected to 20/20. I can work on computers without glasses and my distance vision is excellent. I only need glasses to read or do detail work. This is my first time with monovison and have found it easy to adapt to.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

One other  note - I would try glasses or contacts first to try to solve your vision problems.  If they don't give you satisfactory help then you could consider cataract surgery.  Basically your vision at 20/20  20/30 is pretty good.  If you are considering clear lens extraction just to be able to read then you may give up so me quality of distance vision.  Usually clear lens extraction high a higher chance of patient satisfaction if patient was very extremely dependant on glasses before surgery.  In your case you might be able to make  near better but distance could decline.  Be careful what you are getting into.  Get a second opinion on this to get a fresh view on things.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If you are even going to consider monovision - you need to do a trial of monovision with contact lenses to see what you can expect.  Then you and your surgeon can make a better decsion on what to do.  My patients who have done monovision for years with contact lenses usually really like monovision after cataract surgery.  Those who have never tried need to be very cautious.

MJK MD