Which IOL Is Best For Me?

Discussion in 'Optometry Archives' started by GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006.

  1. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

    I just found this group, and I'm sure your answers to my question will
    help me in making an upcoming decision.

    First, some background. I am 56 years old and one eye is very Myopic.
    I wear a -12 contact lens, which is not a 100% prescritption. My other
    eye is almost perfect. My eye refraction has been fairly stable over
    the last three years; lens going from -11 to -12 two years ago. This
    last year my good eye changed very slightly to a +.5, but I haven't
    corrected it. I use reading glasses for almost 10 years, and they are
    a now at +2. Recently, it has become difficult to wear the contact
    lens. I even have trouble putting it in. Sometimes, I can wear it for
    almost two weeks and then throw it away. Other times, one or two days
    after putting it in, I get up in the middle of the night and my eye
    feels like its in a vise. Today's Dr. told me the eye was rejecting
    the lens, and it will become increasingly more difficult for me to waer
    a lens (something that has become more apparant over the past few
    years) So, the contact lens is no longer much of an option. If I could
    continue using a contact lens, then peering over reading glasses or
    taking them on and off, is not that much of an inconvenience. I am
    very athletic and play softball every week from March to October, and
    golf most weeks during the same time. I ride a bicycle. I spend a lot
    of time in front of a computer, at work and at home.

    So, while investigating possible solutions, it has been impressed upon
    me by my regular Doctor, who does cataract operations, but not lasik,
    and a Lasik/IOL doctor I went to today, that the best solution for me
    is a Clear Lens Extraction. It appears that the implantable lenses
    aren't optimized for those over 40-45 years old, and the CLE is very
    effective. Also, I am likely to get a cataract in that eye anyway, as
    I grow older. The Dr. took many measurements and pictures of my eye
    today, and commented that I have a small pupil, which he said was good.
    I have no idea why it is.

    So, I'm trying to decide whether I want to go with a Restor, which the
    Doctor today suggested, or a monovision implant, done by my regular
    doctor. As the Dr. today told me, I have a unique situation in that I
    have a very good dominant eye, and I have been, in effect, using this
    eye primarily through the years, even while wearing a contact lens in
    the other eye. I am concerned about the Halos and other drawbacks to
    using the Restor, but I'm not sure it would affect me as I would still
    be relying on my dominant eye. On the other hand, I would be okay with
    a monovision lens and the continued use of reading glasses. Still, one
    wants to get the best possible outcome, the first time with such an
    operation, so I want to seriously consider all my options. The Dr. I
    saw today seemed fairly confident that I would adjust well, in part due
    to the Restor lens and in part due to having a good dominent eye. In
    addition, as part of the contract, he would perform Lasik for free for
    the next two years, if that would help adjust the vision in the lens
    with the CLE.

    Obviously, the most important things for me are that I can continue to
    play ball without having any Depth of Field or peripheral vision
    issues. I would not like it at all if halos became a big problem. I
    would prefer the shortest period of adjustment, no matter which lens I
    chose.

    I hope I've given the experts in this group enough information for you
    to help me make an informed decision. Thanks . . . Steven
     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #1
  2. We have a detailed article about Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE, aka
    CLE) at http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-cle-iol-rle.htm that
    you may find helpful. I'll add a few observations.

    Myopia (nearsighted, shortsighted) vision is a risk factor for retinal
    detachment because the eye is elongated and this will stretch the
    retina. If your eye is more than 12.00 diopters myopic, then you are
    undoubtedly at an elevated risk for retinal detachment. RLE is
    relatively traumatic to the retina, even with today's advancements.
    You absolutely should be evaluated by a retina specialist before
    having elective surgery and discuss with that specialist retina issues
    regarding RLE.

    Before opting for a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implant, try a
    multifocal contact lens. This will give you a simulation of the
    effect.

    Before opting for monovision, try it with contact lenses (although it
    sounds like that is what you are doing now). Be sure to comprehend the
    reality of monovision rather than the concept. We have a detailed
    article about monovision surgery at
    http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-monovision.htm

    If considering a multifocal lens, understand your vision needs well.
    The ReSTOR IOL puts more emphasis on near and distance vision at the
    expense of mid-distance vision. The ReZoom more evenly distributes its
    multifocal properties, but this can provide a general reduction in
    vision quality. I recently made a detailed posting about this issue
    that you can read at http://tinyurl.com/oenlr

    Choose carefully based upon your needs, and be sure your surgeon has
    extensive practical knowledge with both types of multifocal IOLs.

    It sounds like you are wearing your contacts 24/7. Even if the
    contacts are rated for this, giving your eyes a rest at night and even
    wearing glasses on occasion may be enough of a respite that the
    irritation you are suffering may be resolved. I'm sure the
    optometrists who frequent this newsgroup will have ideas on that
    issue.

    Glenn Hagele
    Executive Director
    USAEyes.org
    Patient Advocacy Surgeon Certification

    "Consider and Choose With Confidence"

    Email to glenn dot hagele at usaeyes dot org

    http://www.USAEyes.org
    http://www.ComplicatedEyes.org

    I am not a doctor.
     
    Glenn - USAEyes.org, Jul 28, 2006
    #2
  3. GovtLawyer

    Dick Adams Guest

    "GovtLawyer" <> asked that, in message
    A doctor who is recommending a multifocal IOL with repetitive lasik trims
    would worry me (as a consumer of eyecare services).

    Best advice I got for implants was "find a surgeon who does many of
    them".

    If he is doing them right, aftercare will not be a significant consideration.
    Probably, also, he is not recommending multifocal IOLs, since his
    considerable experience by now has probably suggested they are not
    generally the best idea.

    My guy, who, incidentally does also offer lasik, corrected much of my
    astigmatism by knowing where and how to make the insertion opening.
    Aftercare was some checking, and a refraction (by an OD in the
    surgeon's office, the surgeon being too busy with surgery for that).

    Lasik surgery success is not quite on a par with IOL-implant success,
    as I understand it.
     
    Dick Adams, Jul 28, 2006
    #3
  4. GovtLawyer

    Dr. Leukoma Guest

    If distance vision is a priority, I would avoid a multifocal IOL. Most
    of the optics for the distance vision is outside of the 3 mm central
    zone. Not good for a small pupil.
    Even though your other eye is dominant, this could break down under
    certain situations.

    DrG
     
    Dr. Leukoma, Jul 28, 2006
    #4
  5. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #5
  6. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #6
  7. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #7
  8. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

    Perhaps I misstated. He is not suggesting repetitive lasik. Rather,
    he told me that IF NEEDED, as my eye might change, or I may have some
    difficulty adjusting, he would fine tune it at no charge for two years.
    The impression he gave me was that he expected the Restor to be a good
    fit for me.
    He IS recommending Multifocals, and he has done several thousand
    cataract surgeries, and thus several thousand implants. His
    credentials seem quite solid.

    I cannot have just Lasik, as it would not improve my vision enough. I
    am too far gone for Lasik.
     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #8
  9. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #9
  10. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

    The doctor told me I MUST have a consultation by a retina specialist
    before the surgery, and he would set it up for me. So, apparantlty,
    you're on the same page. He said I have a 1 in 4000 chance of RD just
    with my Myopia and a 5 in 4000 or 1 in 800 with the surgery. So, he
    made me aware that the risks are greater.
    A good idea. I should try it.
    Thank you, I'll most certainly read it.
    Thank you, I'll read that as well. While I realize each lens has some
    drawbacks, isn't my dominent and good eye going to compensate?
    We didn't discuss the ReZoom. He used to do the Crystallens, but said
    he no longer does as it loses its effectiveness.
    I do give them a rest occassionally, not always by design. I
    understand that glasses are out of the question. For one, they would
    look odd, as one eye would be thick and the other plain glass. Also, I
    understand the difference between the eyes is more disorienting with
    glasses than contacts, etc.
    Thanks for your help.
     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #10
  11. I think Mike and Dr Leukoma are both right on. The human lens is
    typically about 13-14
    Diopters of plus, and a clear lens extraction with no implant would
    make you close to emmetropic. At that point your glasses or contacts
    will be thin and much easier to wear in any case.
     
    doctor_my_eye, Jul 28, 2006
    #11
  12. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

    I'm not sure what you mean? Are you suggesting I not have a
    replacment, just a Clear lens Extraction? Then, I can wear contacts or
    thin glasses? If so, I do not intend to wear contacts again, as I
    can't tolerate them anymore, and I will only wear reading glasses,
    which is what I do now. Obviously, if I could get rid of them at the
    same time, that would be good.
     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #12
  13. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

    Yes, as the doctor explained, I have been favoring one eye for many
    years, even when wearing the lens.
    Not sure what you mean by this.
    So, it seems the doctor is saying. Basically, as I understand it, he
    is saying I'll avoid some of the usual multifocal RLE pitfalls because
    my dominant eye will continue to remain dominant. What I don't
    understand is the reading part of this. Even my dominane eye needs
    reading glasses. So, if I get a multifocal, won't my uncorrected eye
    still need reading glasses? Unless, the new implant takes over for
    reading.
    Definitely a choice, which is why I'm asking these questions. If I see
    as well as now or better than I do now with a monofocal lens, I could
    live with continued use of reading glasses.
     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #13
  14. GovtLawyer

    GovtLawyer Guest

     
    GovtLawyer, Jul 28, 2006
    #14
  15. When you go through your pre-operative examination for cataract
    surgery, the doctor does a test called a B-scan that determines the
    dioptric power of your human lens and helps him to determine what power
    you would need in an implant to achieve clear vision. Yes, when you do
    simple math in your head, a 12 Diopter myope is an excellent candidate
    for clear lens extraction with no implant. Your doctor would be able
    to do the actual math from that scan and determine if you would be a
    mild myope or hyperope after extraction of your lens. In any case, you
    would end up something between +/- 2.
     
    doctor_my_eye, Jul 29, 2006
    #15
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.