Posted , 3 users are following.
This is probably a strange question... I understand that eyeglasses are generally thinner after cataract surgery. If the IOLs are set for distance, does that mean that one's eyeglasses will be thinner than if the IOLs are set for near? Thank you!
0 likes, 8 replies
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RonAKA judith93585
Edited
If you are far sighted (+ prescripton) eyeglass lenses will be thicker in the middle of the lens, and thinner at the edges. If you are myopic (near target) then the lenses are thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges. If you go for plano 0.0 D with no correction in the lenses then they will be thinnest and the same at the edges. My prescription glasses have about a -1.5 (near target) correction in one eye, and pretty much plano or 0.0 D in the other eye. I really do not see much difference between the lenses, and overall this pair of glasses are the thinnest and lightest ones that I have ever had. Lenses at -2.0 or -1.75 are going to be slightly thicker, but that prescription is no where near strong enough to justify high index lenses.
judith93585 RonAKA
Posted
Thanks Ron! To be sure I understand, could you clarify:
If you go for plano 0.0 D with no correction in the lenses then they will be thinnest and the same at the edges. Are you referring to IOLs or eyeglass lenses here?
My prescription glasses have about a -1.5 (near target) correction in one eye, and pretty much plano or 0.0 D in the other eye. I didn't realize -1.5 could refer to eyeglasses. I thought that was for IOLs! Could you explain?
Thanks again!
RonAKA judith93585
Edited
"If you go for plano 0.0 D with no correction in the lenses then they will be thinnest and the same at the edges. Are you referring to IOLs or eyeglass lenses here?"
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Let me say it more clearly. If you go for plano with your IOLs then your eyeglasses will not need any correction for distance. This will result in the thinnest eyeglasses.
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Yes, essentially your eyeglass prescription is the measure of your IOL outcome. The last I recall you were planning on a -1.75 D outcome for the IOLs to get near vision? That would mean you will need a -1.75 D prescription for your eyeglasses. You will be mildly myopic.
judith93585 RonAKA
Posted
Thanks Ron! I'm starting to understand. My bottom line with this question is: will my eyeglass lenses be thicker with IOLs set for plano, -1.5D or -1.75D? I think what you're saying is that they will be thicker with -1.75D IOLs? Am I understanding correctly that the difference will be too small to see? Many thanks, Judy
RonAKA judith93585
Edited
That is correct. The higher the correction the thicker the edges of the glasses will be. But, my experience is that the difference between plano and -1.5 D is minimal. I just looked at my prescription glasses which have a very thin frame. On my plano eye the lens edge fits inside the profile of the frame. On my -1.5- eye I can see the lens thickness at the edge just protruding slightly from the profile of the lens. This said I would not base any decision on the thickness of the lenses. You need the myopia to see near without glasses if that is your objective.
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The other thing to consider is that if you get prescription glasses you will need a +2.5 D add in the lower half (progressive or bifocal) if you want to see near with glasses on. That adds a slight amount of thickness but you need it unless you are prepared to take your glasses off every time you want to see near.
judith93585 RonAKA
Posted
Thanks Ron! I had assumed I would have progressives with basically no correction if I went with -1.75D... Maybe I'd need to have my IOLs set to -2.0D or even -2.5D for that to be the case?
RonAKA judith93585
Edited
My understanding of progressives is that the basic lens corrects your distance vision. Which if you target -1.75 D this is mild myopia and the lenses will be a bit thicker at the edges to correct this myopia for distance. But, when you get progressives there is typically an add of +2.5 D applied over that basic correction in the bottom center part of the lens. So while the top part of the lens will be -1.75 D, the bottom will actually be about +0.75 D. Quite mild and slightly thicker in the center. When I say applied over, I assume the computer figures this all out when the lens is made so there is a smooth progression from -1.75 D on the top to +0.75 D on the bottom. Overall it still should be quite a thin light lens.
Bookwoman judith93585
Edited
As someone who went from -8 in both eyes to -2 after cataract surgery, I can assure you that any difference in lens thickness at the powers you're talking about will barely be noticeable.