Has anyone had multifocal lens implants?
Discussion
Popped into my local eye clinic to ask about laser surgery for my useless eyes (myopia, about -3.5d). Had a few tests and was advised that laser surgery isn’t the best option at my age (62) as presbyopia has set in and I may soon get cataracts. Lens replacement (basically like cataract surgery) is being suggested to correct my vision and offset the possibility of cataracts in the future.
Needless to say, it won’t be cheap. Has anyone had this done? Outcomes?
Needless to say, it won’t be cheap. Has anyone had this done? Outcomes?
telford_mike said:
Popped into my local eye clinic to ask about laser surgery for my useless eyes (myopia, about -3.5d). Had a few tests and was advised that laser surgery isn’t the best option at my age (62) as presbyopia has set in and I may soon get cataracts. Lens replacement (basically like cataract surgery) is being suggested to correct my vision and offset the possibility of cataracts in the future.
Needless to say, it won’t be cheap. Has anyone had this done? Outcomes?
I have.Needless to say, it won’t be cheap. Has anyone had this done? Outcomes?
Distance is perfect. Near is about the same as when I was 40. I don't wear glasses and can read all but the smallest newsprint in low light.
It takes a couple of years for your brain to work out how to get the best from the new lenses. The main challenge with multi-focal lenses appears to be glare when driving at night. It took me a number of years to get use to that, but now even that doesn't bother me.
I am pleased with the outcome.
For some unknown reason I developed cataracts around the age of 39 (no family history) - it was picked up when I went for lazer surgery to correct developing short sightedness - needless to say they did not proceed with the lazic surgery.
I had both eyes done within a year of each other on the NHS and was given 'mono vision' with one lense for near and the other for far vision. It's been brilliant - I'm 59 now and don't require any glasses even for reading. The best bit is it cost me nothing!
The only downside is I had a detached retina around 7 years ago - this was fixed and has been fine ever since but the op and recovery were a real PITA. Seemingly this can be a risk from invasive eye surgery though I will never know whether it would have happened anyway.
I had both eyes done within a year of each other on the NHS and was given 'mono vision' with one lense for near and the other for far vision. It's been brilliant - I'm 59 now and don't require any glasses even for reading. The best bit is it cost me nothing!
The only downside is I had a detached retina around 7 years ago - this was fixed and has been fine ever since but the op and recovery were a real PITA. Seemingly this can be a risk from invasive eye surgery though I will never know whether it would have happened anyway.
There's a thread about Replacement Lens Exchange or cataract surgery here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Most people seem to get good results, although no-one can predict exactly how YOUR eyes will respond & I suspect that the results are rather more predictable for lower prescriptions like yours rather than higher ones like mine (-8.5D).
I would be very cautious about multifocal lens implants. While many who have them say they are fine there are undoubtedly many more issues with them compared to monofocal lenses. Contrast is reduced, halos around highlights are very common & lighting in shops & offices can produce very strange & sometimes uncomfortable visual effects. I had a composite implant in the first eye I had operated on (main monofocal lens with an auxilary multifocal lens) & did not like the visual effects at all so the multifocal lens was removed. While it is better without the MF lens the final result is not as good as the monofocal lens in the other eye.
What you might want to consider is monovision as described above. This is where one eye is set for distance & the other is slightly undercorrected so you can see closer, although quite how close depends on your prescription: you can't have too great a difference or your depth perception can be affected. If you have both eyes set for distance then you will probably need glasses for reading or computer work while if you have monovision then often you can get by without glasses. I only need them for extended reading periods & for most of the time I can work without glasses.
Overall it's been a brilliant operation for me; after 50 years of being able to see anything without glasses it's a relevation to be wake up & be able to see clearly.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Most people seem to get good results, although no-one can predict exactly how YOUR eyes will respond & I suspect that the results are rather more predictable for lower prescriptions like yours rather than higher ones like mine (-8.5D).
I would be very cautious about multifocal lens implants. While many who have them say they are fine there are undoubtedly many more issues with them compared to monofocal lenses. Contrast is reduced, halos around highlights are very common & lighting in shops & offices can produce very strange & sometimes uncomfortable visual effects. I had a composite implant in the first eye I had operated on (main monofocal lens with an auxilary multifocal lens) & did not like the visual effects at all so the multifocal lens was removed. While it is better without the MF lens the final result is not as good as the monofocal lens in the other eye.
What you might want to consider is monovision as described above. This is where one eye is set for distance & the other is slightly undercorrected so you can see closer, although quite how close depends on your prescription: you can't have too great a difference or your depth perception can be affected. If you have both eyes set for distance then you will probably need glasses for reading or computer work while if you have monovision then often you can get by without glasses. I only need them for extended reading periods & for most of the time I can work without glasses.
Overall it's been a brilliant operation for me; after 50 years of being able to see anything without glasses it's a relevation to be wake up & be able to see clearly.
telford_mike said:
Thanks for the encouraging replies. I have an appointment on Friday and will discuss monovision vs multi focus lenses withe the surgeon.
Please be very careful about where you have this done. There's been a few threads on laser surgery shops & there used to be a consultant - use name 968 - who posted a lot but unfortunately seems to have got chased off these threads.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Mr Pointy said:
Please be very careful about where you have this done. There's been a few threads on laser surgery shops & there used to be a consultant - use name 968 - who posted a lot but unfortunately seems to have got chased off these threads.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks. I live in Switzerland, and while we do have 'bargain' laser surgery shops here I'll be using a well established eye clinic and a reputable surgeon.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
telford_mike said:
Mr Pointy said:
Please be very careful about where you have this done. There's been a few threads on laser surgery shops & there used to be a consultant - use name 968 - who posted a lot but unfortunately seems to have got chased off these threads.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks. I live in Switzerland, and while we do have 'bargain' laser surgery shops here I'll be using a well established eye clinic and a reputable surgeon.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Mr Pointy said:
telford_mike said:
Thanks for the encouraging replies. I have an appointment on Friday and will discuss monovision vs multi focus lenses withe the surgeon.
Please be very careful about where you have this done. There's been a few threads on laser surgery shops & there used to be a consultant - use name 968 - who posted a lot but unfortunately seems to have got chased off these threads.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I used Optical Express, largely on recommendation. Apart from needing a YAG laser follow-up, which is common, I had no problems.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff