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Dr did not even bring up that there were a number of lens choices

Posted , 7 users are following.

colleen06488
colleen06488

Dr did not even bring up anything but a distance lens during the "visit". I called and the clinic director said that the distance (mono) lens was what I was getting after she looked at my records so she talked with the Dr later and she confirmed that was what I was eligible for. Medicare is paying but I have extra money to make this surgery exactly what I want. Again, why not have the doc call me to tell me how she came to her conclusion. I had 20/20 when younger then presbyopia started and later the cataracts. I got the feeling this was an "eye mill". Summit Eye Associated in Nashville. I am SO getting a second opinion. Also can I have Lasik done after cataract surgery? 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • soks
    soks colleen06488

    Posted

    Yes you can get lasik after cataract surgery. Most premium packages will include lasik correction post surgery. 

    I had to ask and they added it for free. 

    • colleen06488
      colleen06488 soks

      Posted

      Thanks for that ... I think I am just going for the basic distance lens but at leas I feel better about it smile\
  • Sue.An
    Sue.An colleen06488

    Posted

    Some countries separate surgeries done on national health (which only do cataract surgeries covered by insurance which would be monofocal lenses) vs private where a selection of premium lenses are offered - but at considerable expense.

    Please be aware that premium lenses do come with a compromise of your night vision.  There is more glare and halos - EDOF lenses like Symfony you will see 10 big concentric circles around certain lights (car brakes traffic etc) that do not go away with time.  If night driving is something you do for a living or a lot of this may not be something you’ll want to compromise on.

    Do some reading and research and compile a list of questions to ask at your consultation.  Some private clinics are heavily pushing these premium lenses and not ensuring this is right fit for patient. They do not disclose the compromises.   There are no perfect lenses out there yet so be aware of the pros and cons of each.

  • Sue.An
    Sue.An colleen06488

    Posted

    Also when you say you have cataracts - have they progressed to the point where your vision can no longer be corrected with glasses?   Oftentimes cataracts are present but not yet affecting vision - they normally take years to affect vision.   Often the benchmark for surgery is where correction is 20/40 or worse.
    • colleen06488
      colleen06488 Sue.An

      Posted

      Great response. I had heard there were some complications with the Multifocal lenses and I really do want to to be able to drive at night so I can't compromise on that and she may have known this. However I also did not tell her that I am a writer/editor so she likely didn't know how much I would be using reading glasses.

      Per the following statement:

      However, often people get one lens set for distance and the other lens set for intermediate distance to achieve mini-monovision and use glasses only for reading fine print. There are various other combinations which one can use, depending on what a person has been used to.

      I had no idea, and I think this should have at least been brought up. Maybe she knows something about my eyes that I don't. The billing person answering my questions knew very little if anything at all about any of this. In my left eye, when they shone a light directly I could not see the largest letter on the eye chart. I was blinded. Right eye is better.

      Does the mini-monovision coupling work for some people? I think that is what my mom got. Thanks so much for the response!

       

    • at201
      at201 colleen06488

      Posted

      I use monovision with IOLs (was used to that for 30+ years with contact lenses before that).

      Full monovision (one eye set for distance and the other one set for near) can be hard for some people and unless you are used to that already, it is not a good idea to do that with IOLs. However, mini-monovision (one eye set for far distance and the other one set for intermediate distance) is much easier to get used to.

  • at201
    at201 colleen06488

    Posted

    Medicare will pay for monofocal lenses and not for premium lenses. It does not matter the distance for which the monofocal lenses are set to.

    Most people get the monofocal lens set for distance and use glasses at other distances.

    However, often people get one lens set for distance and the other lens set for intermediate distance to achieve mini-monovision and use glasses only for reading fine print. There are various other combinations which one can use, depending on what a person has been used to.

    • colleen06488
      colleen06488 at201

      Posted

      Thanks .... I am going to ask her about the combo of far and intermediate. 
    • Sue.An
      Sue.An colleen06488

      Posted

      Colleen - yes there are several combos one can use to gain more range of focus with monofocals and you should have that discussion with your doctor.   Another setup some have gone for is to target both at intermediate distance and wear glasses for distance.  If you are a writer that may be more important to you than distance. Although most people tolerate mini monovision it still places a strain on one eye to do all the reading.   

      in any case think about which focal distance you would need the most for work hobbies etc. and start the discussion with your surgeon.   Take your time as this isn’t something easily undone.  Do lots of research.

      Good luck to you.

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