[Golfer222]

Needing cataract surgery to right eye. Meeting next week to discuss the lens options (monofocal, multifocal, tonic etc). Any advice on the lens to choose
Thanks

[villagetinker]

I just went through this for both eyes, St. Lukes, Dr. Ireland, results were great. Now you need to discuss your expectations. I have worn glasses since age 10-11, and after discussing the needs for my existing glasses Dr. Ireland explained that even if I opted for the most expensive lens, I would need glasses. SO, I opted for the standard lens (no cost), and use glasses to provide the prism and astigmatism correction that I still need. For me this was fine as I happen to feel naked without glasses.
You need to discuss this and do your own due diligence, many of the very costly new lens are great for lots of people, but can have some interested (annoying) side effects, like halos for the multifocal lens. I chose to take a very simple lens, I got 20/20 to 20/25 for both eyes with no glasses for distance (however I do see 2 of everything). The glasses take this to 1 and improve reading to 20/20 and 20/15.

[kathyspear]

If you search the forum (not sure how well the search function works) there have been other threads on this topic in the last year, just FYI.

I had multifocal lenses implanted when I had my cataracts removed 8 years ago and no longer need glasses. Prior to my surgery I had been wearing bifocals with a prescription in the lower portion of the lens for close up vision. Insurance and Medicare pay for a standard lens (either close or far vision). If you want multifocal you pay the difference. I was told multifocal lenses were about $1500 extra per eye. Turned out to be more like $3000 per eye (in Philly suburbs). There is an additional charge for the lens itself and the doctor and the facility both charge extra. That said, I am thrilled with the outcome and grateful I was able to afford to get them. Yes, I do see slight halos around lights at night but since I seldom drive at night this is not a problem for me. Also, blended bifocals are not cheap so I figure over time I'll end up spending about the same amount of money.

Your doctor will tell you if you are a good candidate (medically) for multifocal. Some people are not. Some people get standard lenses but do close up in one eye and far vision in the other in order to avoid wearing glasses. Some people, like VillageTinker, have always worn glasses and prefer to continue doing so.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

kathy

[manaboutown]

It is not a one size fits all situation. Both lifestyle and physical eye conditions need to be considered.

My suggestion is do a few internet searches as there is a lot of information out there.

Recently I was going with a multifocal at the recommendation of my ophthalmologist who does not do surgeries. My surgeon thought otherwise and I went with a monofocal, a new one (Tecnis Eyhance DIB00 by J&J) which provides a little depth of focus. He gave me a questionnaire to fill out and based his recommendation on my needs and desires. So far so good for me. It has been eight days. On my first post op a day after surgery my eye tested 20-20. I had worn glasses since age seven due to severe myopia in that eye so great distance vision was at the top of my list. The surgeon told me that a multifocal would cause loss of contrast. I had worn glasses all my life so I told him I wanted the best possible vision even if I had to wear glasses and that distance vision was important to me.

I also paid an extra $100 for an ORA (laser) and $1,000 for the FS laser to reduce astigmatism.

What is the ORA System for Cataract Surgery? | Diagnostic Eye Center

What is Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery?

[manaboutown]

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