Question about lens implants

[Villages PL]

When a person has a cararact removed and the doctor implants a lens, how long is it expected to last without causing a problem? Has anyone had an implant for 10, 20 or 30 years? More than 30 years?

[Mikeod]

So far, they appear to last indefinitely. It was a concern at first, but there had been few problems by the time I retired, none due to the lens wearing out, discoloring, or causing internal problems when implanted properly. The only lenses I can remember being removed were those implanted that settled into improper position, creating problems with vision.

[swimdawg]

I had cataract surgery in both eyes about 2 years ago. I was a nervous wreck! I was told once the implants are in, they will last a lifetime! I had the Crystalens implants and I couldn't be happier. No more need for glasses for distance or near vision. :)

[Sadie1313]

When a person has a cararact removed and the doctor implants a lens, how long is it expected to last without causing a problem? Has anyone had an implant for 10, 20 or 30 years? More than 30 years?

I had my first Cataract Lens Implant 13 years ago. I had the other eye done 9 years ago. I have never had a days problem with either one, ever. I guess it also depends on the doctor that does the implants, and the correct lens. Hope this reassures you a bit. Good Luck, Trish

[Villages PL]

So far, they appear to last indefinitely. It was a concern at first, but there had been few problems by the time I retired, none due to the lens wearing out, discoloring, or causing internal problems when implanted properly. The only lenses I can remember being removed were those implanted that settled into improper position, creating problems with vision.

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that. I had one eye done about 5 years ago and I thought the doctor said something about wearing sun glasses to guard against the lense darkening. I might have misunderstood what he was talking about. Maybe he was talking about the other eye.

[Villageshooter]

If you have diabetes can you get these? I do not want to wear glasses or contacts.

[Villages PL]

I had cataract surgery in both eyes about 2 years ago. I was a nervous wreck! I was told once the implants are in, they will last a lifetime! I had the Crystalens implants and I couldn't be happier. No more need for glasses for distance or near vision. :)

I was nervous too when I had one eye done about 5 years ago. I get positional vertigo if I put my head down flat. But the doctor said I could bring a small pillow to keep my head raised up a little. When I got there for the operation, the nurses told me that a pillow would not be allowed. I was tricked! Thankfully, once I got a shot, whatever it was, it relaxed me and there wasn't any vertigo.

But I'm not sure I got the best type of lens. I went along with what the doctor recommended (Medicare HMO doctor). So I need glasses for reading. Glasses for long distance are helpful it I'm looking for a certain street sign while driving but otherwise I don't need them.

[Villages PL]

I had my first Cataract Lens Implant 13 years ago. I had the other eye done 9 years ago. I have never had a days problem with either one, ever. I guess it also depends on the doctor that does the implants, and the correct lens. Hope this reassures you a bit. Good Luck, Trish

Thanks. Did you have both done by the same doctor? I had a very good HMO doctor but now I'm in a different HMO and I don't have access to the same doctor. I guess that means I have to ask for the same type of lens. I assume they have to match.

I might be jumping the gun a bit because I won't be getting my eye exam until this comming friday. But I'm pretty sure I have a cataract forming in the other eye.

[zcaveman]

If you have diabetes can you get these? I do not want to wear glasses or contacts.

I am a diabetic and have the cataract surgery. One of the best things I have ever done. The cataract surgery was recommended by my eye doctor.

I still wear non-prescription reading glasses and get an annual eye test.

[zcaveman]

My wife had the cataract surgery several years ago. Last year she was having problems with her eye sight. We went to Ocala Eye (where she had the cataract surgery done) and they found an infection in the lens area. She had a subsequent procedure done and ever thing is okay.

[Mikeod]

I guess that means I have to ask for the same type of lens. I assume they have to match.


Not necessarily. There are advances in IOL design that may provide a better outcome in the second eye. We had some patients who wanted the second eye computed for near vision to reduce the need for glasses for reading. There are concerns about depth perception with one eye for distance and one for near (monovision). There are multifocal lenses as well. Other patients wanted both eyes set for distance and accepted the need for reading glasses. Don't assume you need to get the same lens in the second eye. Your surgeon or his/her staff should discuss your options.

[Villages PL]

Not necessarily. There are advances in IOL design that may provide a better outcome in the second eye. We had some patients who wanted the second eye computed for near vision to reduce the need for glasses for reading. There are concerns about depth perception with one eye for distance and one for near (monovision). There are multifocal lenses as well. Other patients wanted both eyes set for distance and accepted the need for reading glasses. Don't assume you need to get the same lens in the second eye. Your surgeon or his/her staff should discuss your options.

Okay, thanks. I'll look forward to discussing this with the surgeon.

[zcaveman]

Okay, thanks. I'll look forward to discussing this with the surgeon.

Be sure to check and see if your insurance company will pay for it. The last time I checked they will only pay for the mono lenses. The others are in the $2500 range.

[Sadie1313]

Thanks. Did you have both done by the same doctor? I had a very good HMO doctor but now I'm in a different HMO and I don't have access to the same doctor. I guess that means I have to ask for the same type of lens. I assume they have to match.

I might be jumping the gun a bit because I won't be getting my eye exam until this comming friday. But I'm pretty sure I have a cataract forming in the other eye.

I had both eyes done by the same doctor. He travels and lectures all over the world. His office is in New York. Trish