Inevitable cataract surgery, scared of different possibilities

Dan,

Just had my second eye done for congenital cataracts at the age of 36. I had never seen better than 20/35 in either eye. I did monofocal lenses in both of my eyes as I wasn't a good candidate for multi-focal lenses (I'd be ambloptic my whole life, and congenital cataracts meant a high possibility of a post-capsular tear during surgery, which ended up happening to my RE which meant I could only get a monofocal as it has to be implanted outside the capsular bag where implants usually go). I can now see 20/20 in my LE and 20/25 in my right (which is easily correctable to 20/20).

Overall my distance vision is phenominal and is better than my natural vision had been for a long time. I'd never had to wear glasses as I had full focal range, but I'm adjusting to the things I now need it for. My RE came out slightly farsighted, so we targeted my LE to be slightly closer than plano. I'm honestly still somewhat dilated from my surgery, but I can read a cellphone and most labels on things now. I too thought I'd lose a lot of my ability to do things after surgery, but it's mostly an adjustment to the distance I need to hold things to read them (and I have a pair of 1.5D readers for now until my eyes settle in and I can get progressives or contacts).

I'd say don't be afraid of the possible outcomes (I know I was) because likely you'll see better in that eye than you ever have in your life. I think the big question is how do you want them to focus your eye - for distance, intermediate or near? If you've always worn glasses, you won't have as much to adjust to. I already see lots of people chiming in with their experience with progressives, and since I haven't gotten there yet, I don't have much to add. But don't be afraid.

Would second the idea of getting a second opinion and possibly getting seen at an eye hospital or teaching hospital. I did deal with just my primary ophthamologist through my ordeal, but she was a cataract specialist and I felt very at ease with her (though anxious about the outcomes).

Best of luck!

Hi Dan,

with you all the best. aren't you concerned about possibility of RD in your right eye due to cataract surgery?

Thx

Ash

Good comments and I don't have much to add except would you consider a multifocal contact lens in that eye, instead of progressive glasses?

Hey Dan,

I don't know if you are still looking for feedback about progressive glasses, but I have worn them for about 15 or 20 years now and they've been fine from the beginning. I needed them when I suddenly required 'reading' glasses in addition to my being nearsighted so they were simply combined into a nice lens that allowed for both reading and distance. Now I'm looking at cataract surgery so the type of glasses necessary will change, but I've never had a problem at all with progressive (used to be called 'bifocals').

i worn progressive glasses for 20 years, never experienced vision problems at any range. But when i developed cataract my distance vision was comprised. Had cataract surgery 3 months ago with monofocal lens. MY left eye was set for intermediate, right for distance. Now, can drive , see at night , no problems. I would get a second opinion only if the first dr had questionable practices. Monifocal iol is a good choice.

Hi Dan,

In answer to your question, well, I have been wearing this type of lens (bifocal/progressives) for so many years and no... I have not experienced the 'intermediate' difficulties you mention here. My reading portion simply advanced a bit as did the distance prescription over the years but that is about it!

However, now that I will have cataract surgery in the near future I will of course have a totally different prescription ......don't know quite what to expect on that yet, but I certainly never had any problems whatsoever with the progressives over 20 or so years.

Cheers,

J.