Why can they only fix near or distant vision?

I had the option to have combination near and far vision lens. The Doctor said that that option would result in less than perfect  distant AND near vision and recommended that I opt for distant vision only. I have found that my near vision is better than before as well. Dr. said it helps that I am tall (6 feet one inch) and seated with what I am reading is at lap level I would not need reading glasses. He was right. But saying that my vision is 20/30 with my left eye and 20/40 for the right eye. The only improvement I have noticed is that I can see stars at night as my cataracts are gone.  I have talked to others and they say their vision is 20/20 after cataract operation. Go figure. The doctor does correct astigmatism during the operation, which I think is an attempt to reach 20/20 vision?

The answer is that they do make artificial lenses that can accommodate but they are both expensive and a compromise and people differ as to their quality.

I am interested that your specialist offered you this choice. I was not offered that choice and i was given perfect distant vision (glasses for close up) but I would have preferred the reverse situation, as you have, as I was used to that.

I suggest you investigate accommodating IOLs and see what your specialist says about them (but you would have to pay for one)

Peter

I thought there was a lens that would do that. I'm almost certain there is. I had a choice of three lenses and I definitely chose the wrong one. I went for the less expensive. Very poor decision. I call mine the "Medicare lens." I'd get a second opinion.

Thanks for your replies.  One thing I didn't mention is that the specialist said that if I did have the excellent-distance-vision-but-need-reading-glasses option, the distance I would need reading glasses for could be as much as 2 metres.  (So they would not actually be reading glasses, more like closer work glasses,)  He did say that if I took up this option, my near eyesight would be like that of a very very old person, and he was obviously trying to put me off having this done!

As I am used to wearing glasses for distance anyway, I will go for that option and see what changes occur in my eyesight after the cataract op.

One odd thing.  I had a test which involved lots of little red dots, which apparently measured the shape and size of the inside workings of my eyes.  I went in to see the specialist straight afterwards, and he was BLUE!!!  Not his clothes - his face appeared to me to be a dull blue.  No doubt a reaction to the red lights, but it was just like looking at an alien from a sci-fi film.  it only lasted for a few minutes.

I never considered to go with only near vision and I am glad I did not. Before the cataract operation I needed glasses to read. Now my far vision is 20/30 and 20/40 for far and they recommended +2.50 for reading glasses. I have found that I am able to do laptop computer without reading glasses and reading normal size newspaper print without glasses. Talk to your doctor. But in the past I had fair distant vision and could drive without glasses. 

I am also considering getting lenses for near since I have been near sighted all my life and use my smart phone a lot.  Please share your experience with the near lenses now that your surgery is done.

Katherine, I'm sorry your adjustnet has been so difficult.  It sounds like your eyes are just too far apart; perhaps when the second one is done they will work better together.  My doctor has recommended a mini mono and I wish I had tried it out earlier but my one eye is too blurry now for me to do that. I wish you luck in finding a doctor who will really problem solve with you how to improve your vision.

I have had one near lens in left eye and one long-sighted lens in right eye,so it is possible. Unfortunately have to re-do longsight as it is worse that before.Will tell you if it improves next week