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General questions re. cataracts
I am new to this group, and would like to get some general feedback regarding the progression of cataracts. I am not currently seeing (!) any kind of eye doctor. Started to need reading glasses perhaps 15 years ago, cheapos from drugstore. Eventually needed glasses for distance vision and driving, got bifocals, hated them. Kept cheap reading glasses, got distance vision glasses for driving. About 2 years ago reading became easier and easier, can read 80% of material without glasses, no problem. Distance vision has also improved to the point where I needed less magnification. I was told in 2016 that I am starting to develop cataracts. So far the only negative aspect is the halo effect when driving at night, especially when it is raining. Otherwise no problems. Does one wait for symptoms to develop/worsen, or get myself to an opthamologist now? How long can I hope for this so-called 2nd sight to last? How quick can I expect the eventual deterioration to be? Has anyone heard of or received the new lens (I think it’s called adjusted depth of focus lens??
I appreciate any comments or advice from people who have dealt with this fairly common eye problem.
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The success of the cataract surgery depends on your pre-surgery eye sight. I am a high myope with macular puckers. And while I asked about possible complications I wasn't told that my 2 conditions might not result in a positive outcome. I went a highly recommended surgeon. I had laser treatment which breaks up the cataract so extraction can be easier, but medicare doesn't pay for laser procedure ($3,400/eye). After reading about all the different IOLs (interocular lens) available, I thought the plain simple monofocal lens would be appropriate and Dr agreed. Before the surgery I could read without my eye glasses, unfortunately the IOL does not allow me to read up close, I have to hold at arms length or wear readers. As a result of the macular puckers that I've had for many many years, which the cataracts masked the symptoms, now are more apparent. In a sentence the words "dance" up/down and within words the letters also "dance'. Luckily I didn't have my other eye done, so I can still see close and read with that one. I always heard everyone praise how wonderful cataract surgery was for their vision. I wish I had been told that my vision might not be as I expected from all the stories I've heard. Be cautious, ask questions, and do your research on the internet, and get clear answers about complications.
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2 ReactionsSorry your outcome was not what you expected.
There is a plethora of information available re IOL types, pros and cons.
One very well known point is that laser emulsification and manual emulsification yield almost identical outcomes. Paying for laser is a sales opportunity for surgeons., however, this is basic information.
Next - it sounds as if you are willing to spend whatever it takes for the best care, so why didn't you chose LAL, given that it can be adjusted after implantation?
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2 Reactionsafter my experience I don't trust ophthalmologist/ surgeon with LAL, another money making opportunity. Lasers can be useful if cataract is old and rigid. Recently I spoke with old friend who had similar experience, not with macular puckers, but that even though he chose near-focal lens, he still needs reading glasses to read. He was also a high myope, also disappointed. 99% success rate for cataract surgery is not taking into account all the disappointing outcomes. My cousin got talked into bi-focal LOL and is also very disappointed.
1995victoria,
Have you read/studied extensively re LAL success rates? They are quite astonishing.
My reading on emulsification doesn't indicate a difference, even in more difficult cases like you describe. Would love to see a citation link discussing this.
Of course LAL sales provide additional income for surgeons - my research indicates LAL is simply better - and, since insurance will not pay, someone must. It makes sense to me.
Your cousin's experience with multifocal IOLs - which are supposed to provide better vision at various focal lengths - is uncommon - most outcomes are quite good, BUT these ringed IOLs are known to provide some distracting side effects.
And, of course there will be outliers in the data re anything, even medical procedures.
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1 ReactionAn interesting review from the UK ... https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta25060/#/abstract
Another good summary ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37369549/
I am new to this group though I own several of the other groups..ha,ha! I have an appointment with an eye doctor this week for blurry vision, cloudy sight (Not blurry), crystals in the corners of both eyes (Eye drops help temporarily, no pain, newspaper words become hard to read after prolonged reading and I am forced to cease reading. Am Ilosing my vision…Any answers/experience will help. Thanks, Glenn
Write down all your questions, so you can ask they eye doctor. Ask him/her to explain everything. All the best.....
Get a second opinion if you're not satisfied with answers. Best of luck.
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1 Reactionno two people tend to have identical experiences. i wanted to get a multi-focal lens but at the end (before surgery) my cataract surgery informed me i would need to accept the risk that i might not read better than 20/60 with a multi-focal len. That was entirely unacceptable to me
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2 ReactionsI have a monofocal lens for near vision, and I can't read at a normal distance, I have to hold book at arms length, very upsetting, make sure you get all the answers you need to set your expectations. I told the doctor I didn't mind wearing glasses for distance, but wanted to be able to read and thread a needle, was not told that this wouldn't be possible. I only had really bad eye done, I can still see close with my other eye. Very distressing.