Cataract Surgery for RK "Victim"

Posted by wry @wry, Jun 20 11:13pm

I am looking for an ophthalmologist in Richmond, Virginia, experienced in performing cataract surgery on those that underwent radial keratotomy. I have consulted with several but can never obtain an answer as to whether they have actually performed cataract surgery on anyone who underwent rk. I only get "It can be risky," which I already know from having read extensively.

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wry | @wry | Jun 23 2:01pm

Thank you! I've been hyperopic for years, and I don't really care about that deficit because I can actually wear drugstore reading glasses to see to drive while using another pair to read. I also
have progressive lenses if I don't want to do the perpetual switching. My right eye can be corrected with any of these glasses; it's the left eye that's degraded. What I don't want as a result of cataract surgery is myopia, the reason I underwent RK to begin with. This particular ophthalmologist wants to use the light adjustable lenses and aim for myopia instead of hyperopia, and I don't want that objective. So, we have a conflict. I would rather be hyperopic than myopic, as I've lived with hyperopia for years. And, indeed, it is peculiar that I use reading glasses to see distances.

Because I have a Medicare Advantage plan, I can't go out of network unless I want to pay a fortune. I don't, as I already will be paying out of pocket for the LAL, if I even decide to go that lens route.

I appreciate your response, and I'm going to keep doing research until I'm satisfied that I've made the right choice of surgeon and lens choice. I'll keep you posted!