Choosing Which Cataract Surgery Procedure??

[NotGolfer]

I was recently diagnosed with cataracts (Ocala Eye) and was told the time has come for the surgery. I'm near-sighted with astigmatism.

I'm coming on here to take a tally of folks who've had the surgery to ask which one (Standard, Premium Distance or Premium All-Focus) they went for. The other question is with whichever option you chose are you happy with the results?? We've gone through the information in the packet sent home but we don't know too many folks who've had the surgery to ask amongst our friends and acquaintances. In advance, thank you for your help!!

[Regor]

All - Focus here. Love it! NO Glasses ever.

[delima2000]

I just had the surgery and went with the standard . I need glasses for reading but not for distance. So far everything is good. I have a very little astigmastism so was told the standard lens will be ok. I looked at the prices of the other lenses and figured that it was to expensive and I was used to wearing glasses so just keep the glasses. My glasses are bifocal but with a clear lens on the top and reading on the bottom. I figured that if I went to a restaurant to read the menu I would forget the reading glasses so went with the bifocal.

[pbkmaine]

My left eye was corrected for computer reading and my right eye for distance. I only need glasses to thread needles or other very close work. I got standard lenses, totally covered by insurance (not Medicare.)

[John_W]

I can tell you more around Labor Day. I have pre-op next Tuesday, the right eye surgery August 12th and left eye August 28th at the VA Hospital in Gainesville. I've had to temporary quit playing golf, I can't follow my ball. I'm still playing infield in softball, but I can't wait until I can see clearly again.

[NotGolfer]

I can tell you more around Labor Day. I have pre-op next Tuesday, the right eye surgery August 12th and left eye August 28th at the VA Hospital in Gainesville. I've had to temporary quit playing golf, I can't follow my ball. I'm still playing infield in softball, but I can't wait until I can see clearly again.

So.....which lens' are you going for! THAT is my main question....

[John_W]

So.....which lens' are you going for! THAT is my main question....

Since I play so many sports I'm leaning towards distance and just continue to wear glasses when I read. My eye doctor said he went for close up because he spends most of his days in a 10x10 room. I'll have to make that decision next Tuesday.

[Cobh521]

I went for the standard distance correction. I see 20/20. I wear reading glasses when needed, however with mu ipad I can enlarge the print. I do not wear reading glasses too often. I worked for the ophthalmologist that performed the surgery. I sae too many patients who were dissatisfied with various options. One the surgery is done, you have to live with it.

[billethkid]

left eye standard lens. Right eye toric lens (not coverd by medicare) to correct astigmatism. I had the lens set for mono....left eye for reading....right eye for distance.

I do not need reading glasses and see just fine for everything!

Out of pocket was $1050 for the toric lens for the right eye.

[luvmagic2]

Also near sighted with astigmatism. Went for the Premium so would "never" need glasses. Eyesight now is 20/20 but I need reading glasses. Since I had worn glasses since I was a kid..having the need to carry reading glasses around is a pain. I'm on an ipad or iPhone a lot and cannot read text messages, emails, etc without reading glasses.
If I had to do it over again I would have had the cataracts taken care of but not gone for the additional lenses...would have just continued using glasses as before.....which were Perscription bifocals

[KayakerNC]

Also near sighted with astigmatism. Went for the Premium so would "never" need glasses. Eyesight now is 20/20 but I need reading glasses. Since I had worn glasses since I was a kid..having the need to carry reading glasses around is a pain. I'm on an ipad or iPhone a lot and cannot read text messages, emails, etc without reading glasses.
If I had to do it over again I would have had the cataracts taken care of but not gone for the additional lenses...would have just continued using glasses as before.....which were Perscription bifocals

Which premium lens? Multifocal? ReStor? ReZoom? Tecnis? Something else?

[kathy and al]

I had both eyes done this past November by Dr. Perich. Can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to see perfectly with no glasses. I opted for the extra cost lenses called "Crystalens" which allow you to see clearly both near and at a distance. Although costly I believe it was worth the investment.
Good luck.

[Barefoot]

I sae too many patients who were dissatisfied with various options. One the surgery is done, you have to live with it.

That is a very good point.
Perhaps the "tried and true" alternatives are preferable to experimenting with something new.

[NotGolfer]

I decided to go with the Basic surgery...good thing too as I have an anamaly with one of my eyes that the 2 up-grades maybe wouldn't have been able to be adjusted to. The technician told me when I went in for the "measuring" that I'd made a good choice because of this issue. I had no idea prior to making that decision though, that I'd have been an "unhappy camper" with the up-graded results.

[Barefoot]

I had both eyes done this past November by Dr. Perich. Can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to see perfectly with no glasses. I opted for the extra cost lenses called "Crystalens" which allow you to see clearly both near and at a distance. Although costly I believe it was worth the investment.

Are Crystalens a type of bifocal lens?

[Barefoot]

My left eye was corrected for computer reading and my right eye for distance. I only need glasses to thread needles or other very close work. I got standard lenses, totally covered by insurance (not Medicare.)

Doesn't that make you dizzy ... Having two eyes corrected, one for distance and one for computer?
What about reading a book?

[Barefoot]

I went for the standard distance correction. I see 20/20. I wear reading glasses when needed, however with mu ipad I can enlarge the print. I do not wear reading glasses too often. I worked for the ophthalmologist that performed the surgery. I sae too many patients who were dissatisfied with various options. One the surgery is done, you have to live with it.

I value your comments since you worked for an Opthamologist.
I am scheduled to have cataract surgery in September. I'm nervous about the procedure.
Friends have told me it's easy peasy.
But the thought of a surgeon cutting into my eyeball makes me weak kneed.

I have opted for standard distance correction, but with an upgraded lens.
My surgeon offered me other solutions, like a bifocal lens, but he cautioned me that not everyone is happy with the results.
As you pointed out, once the surgery is done, we have to live with the consequences.

[kathy and al]

Barefoot-"Crystalens" is an upgraded lens which allows the patient to see both near and far without glasses. Regular lenses will generally allow better vision at a distance however reading requires wearing glasses. The Crystalens is designed to provide a more natural total range of vision. As I mentioned in my previous post although a little more expensive the need for glasses for any reason is eliminated.

[KayakerNC]

I am scheduled to have cataract surgery in September. I'm nervous about the procedure.
Friends have told me it's easy peasy.
But the thought of a surgeon cutting into my eyeball makes me weak kneed.

I have opted for standard distance correction, but with an upgraded lens.
My surgeon offered me other solutions, like a bifocal lens, but he cautioned me that not everyone is happy with the results.
As you pointed out, once the surgery is done, we have to live with the consequences.

Barefoot, I'm with ya all the way.
I'm scheduled for pre-op measurements on the 25th of August, and cataract surgery on my right eye (dominant) on Sept 8th. Depending on how things go my left eye a week or 2 after the first eye.
I decided to go with the Crystalens Toric IOL (Trulign) because of the potential for better vision at all distances. Laser surgery with ORA should give the best lens placement to eliminate astigmatism.
The cost is $2450 per eye out-of-pocket for the premium lens and the Laser, and I'm OK with that.
Interestingly, both surgeons (1st and 2nd opinions) did NOT recommend the multifocal lenses, AcrySof ReStor or Tecnis, due to unhappy patients.
:beer3:

[LuckySevens]

Also near sighted with astigmatism. Went for the Premium so would "never" need glasses. Eyesight now is 20/20 but I need reading glasses. Since I had worn glasses since I was a kid..having the need to carry reading glasses around is a pain. I'm on an ipad or iPhone a lot and cannot read text messages, emails, etc without reading glasses.
If I had to do it over again I would have had the cataracts taken care of but not gone for the additional lenses...would have just continued using glasses as before.....which were Perscription bifocals

I am a little confused. You said you went with your choice because quote 'you would never need glasses'. I would be truly upset if they said I would never need glasses, but ended up needing reading glasses. How did they explain this? Please share with us which lense you chose (brand). thanks.

[KayakerNC]

I am a little confused. You said you went with your choice because quote 'you would never need glasses'. I would be truly upset if they said I would never need glasses, but ended up needing reading glasses. How did they explain this? Please share with us which lense you chose (brand). thanks.

The ads will modify the Never. You MAY never need glasses. Our goal is to REDUCE your need for glasses. No ophthalmologist will ever tell you that you would never need glasses. If one does, run. He's lying.

[PaPaLarry]

Barefoot, I'm with ya all the way.
I'm scheduled for pre-op measurements on the 25th of August, and cataract surgery on my right eye (dominant) on Sept 8th. Depending on how things go my left eye a week or 2 after the first eye.
I decided to go with the Crystalens Toric IOL (Trulign) because of the potential for better vision at all distances. Laser surgery with ORA should give the best lens placement to eliminate astigmatism.
The cost is $2450 per eye out-of-pocket for the premium lens and the Laser, and I'm OK with that.
Interestingly, both surgeons (1st and 2nd opinions) did NOT recommend the multifocal lenses, AcrySof ReStor or Tecnis, due to unhappy patients.
:beer3:
Glad to hear your finally getting it done!!!! I chose the distance lens, after recommendation from surgeon, and so glad I did. I don't mind having to wear glasses to read, BUT I just LOVE being able to see that golf ball in flight again, and watch it land on green. hehe Lake Eye did a great job. Even watching television is so much clearer. Good Luck to you!

[KayakerNC]

Glad to hear your finally getting it done!!!! I chose the distance lens, after recommendation from surgeon, and so glad I did. I don't mind having to wear glasses to read, BUT I just LOVE being able to see that golf ball in flight again, and watch it land on green. hehe Lake Eye did a great job. Even watching television is so much clearer. Good Luck to you!

Well, if you can see where the ball lands, that should narrow down the patch of weeds/sand/woods that you need to search
Good to know that your high eye pressure problem was resolved and all is well. Congratulations on a great outcome.

[PaPaLarry]

Well, if you can see where the ball lands, that should narrow down the patch of weeds/sand/woods that you need to search
Good to know that your high eye pressure problem was resolved and all is well. Congratulations on a great outcome.
It was touchy for a while on one eye, but now I am so glad I had it done. (I guess that's why they do one eye at a time) Your going to see the difference when done. Wish you well!! (And anyone else for that matter)

[Barefoot]

Barefoot, I'm with ya all the way.
I'm scheduled for pre-op measurements on the 25th of August, and cataract surgery on my right eye (dominant) on Sept 8th. Depending on how things go my left eye a week or 2 after the first eye.
I decided to go with the Crystalens Toric IOL (Trulign) because of the potential for better vision at all distances. Laser surgery with ORA should give the best lens placement to eliminate astigmatism.
The cost is $2450 per eye out-of-pocket for the premium lens and the Laser, and I'm OK with that. Interestingly, both surgeons (1st and 2nd opinions) did NOT recommend the multifocal lenses, AcrySof ReStor or Tecnis, due to unhappy patients.

My Ophthalmologist also does not recommend multifocal lenses due to unhappy patients.
As Cobh520 pointed out, once the surgery is done you have to live with the results.

Kayaker, you said you ruled out multifocal lens..
But that you've decided to go with the Crystalens Toric IOL because of the potential for better vision at all distances.
I'm confused, and I'm in the process of choosing lens.
Could you please tell me how a Crystalens Toric IOL can achieve better vision at ALL distances if it isn't a multifocal lens?

[KayakerNC]

My Ophthalmologist also does not recommend multifocal lenses due to unhappy patients.
As Cobh520 pointed out, once the surgery is done you have to live with the results.

Kayaker, you said you ruled out multifocal lens..
But that you've decided to go with the Crystalens Toric IOL because of the potential for better vision at all distances.
I'm confused, and I'm in the process of choosing lens.
Could you please tell me how a Crystalens Toric IOL can achieve better vision at ALL distances if it isn't a multifocal lens?

Multifocal IOLs (Tecnis, AcrySof ReSTOR, and ReZoom) are essentially bi-focal lenses, giving good distance and good near vision, but intermediate (computer etc) vision is their weak point. And astigmatism is the BIG enemy of multifocal lenses. A mono-focal lens will give excellent near or distant, but not both. The toric lenses are mono-focal, but there are no toric multifocal lenses approved by the FDA in this country.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (ReStor, ReZoom, Tecnis) - AllAboutVision.com (http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/multifocal-iols.htm)
The Crystalens also corrects presbyopia but is not a multifocal intraocular lens. The Crystalens is a monofocal IOL that enables focus at multiple distances by shifting its position in the eye, which provides accommodation.
The Trulign is a Crystalens that also corrects astigmatism. So, excellent distance, good intermediate, and potentially glasses free reading (50/50).
Having said all that, your ophthalmologist should be your best adviser on lens choices, since he will have measured your eyes, and discussed your lifestyle with you. At this point in time, no IOL is perfect for everything and everyone, so your decision will be a compromise that is best for you and your wallet.
Good luck.

[lightworker888]

That being said I had my -6 short sighted eyes done iin Jan. '13 and my husband had his +3 llong sighted eyes done in June'13. We both opted for the Crystalens advanced monofocal lens.

Our opthomologist told us that they have had the best results with them and fewer complaints. At first, I could see distance and reading really well, but over the year, I find that I am using +100 readers for the smaller print and after a lot of computer work. When I get off the computer and need a bit of adaption time for my distance focus to come back to 20/20 but it is definitely much better than it ever was even with glasses. I too love seeing the ball land, anywhere!

My husband has found that his distance isn't as good as it had been in his earlier days but better than in his later years. He also had laser surgery to remove the scar tissue and he is now even more light sensitive than he was before so that has been a bit of a nuisance keeping sunglasses handy. He needs +2.50 for reading and he uses +2..00 bifocals sunglasses for driving to see the sirius radio stations.

All that being said, we are happy with the lenses and would opt for them again. In Canada it cost us $1,000+ for each eye for these lenses but worth the added distance and the ashperic feature,, unlike the regular spheres of the regular monofocal lens that is covered by our provincial health coverage.

If you google Crystalens, you can get all the info. I was also told by the opthomologist that as we age even with multifocal lenses we could need readers, so that was also was a consideration for us.

Good luck and trust you will make the best decision for yourself.

LW888

[KayakerNC]

If you google Crystalens, you can get all the info. I was also told by the opthomologist that as we age even with multifocal lenses we could need readers, so that was also was a consideration for us.

Good luck and trust you will make the best decision for yourself.

LW888

Would Florence Henderson lie?:bigbow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HS0gH4KmWA