Cataract refractive balance preservation?
Hello Doctor: I have -800 diopters in my left eye and -400 diopters in my right eye.
The left eye has cataracts, while the right eye is normal, and the OCT of the optic nerve is normal.
The doctor suggested that I could retain -200 diopters in my left eye for balance.
1.
If I undergo surgery in the future, will I need to wear traditional glasses with -200 diopters for my left eye and -400 diopters for my right eye, using multifocal lenses to see both far and near? However, I read online that with monofocal intraocular lenses, near vision can only be fixed at a certain distance, and anything closer or farther will be blurry.
Is that true, or is it manageable? I am willing to wear glasses, but I am not old yet; I am still working, using a computer, driving, and taking care of children.
I do not want to wear thick reading glasses or constantly switch glasses, as it may affect my professional image.
I hope that after the surgery, I can continue to wear my current multifocal glasses for my myopia, allowing me to maintain a professional appearance with just one pair of glasses.
2.
Am I unsuitable for multifocal intraocular lenses?
3.
If financially feasible, would you recommend femtosecond laser surgery? Thank you!
Lao Wang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/28
Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, there are actually quite a few options for prescription selection, and it mainly depends on individual needs.
It is best to discuss this with the surgeon.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Reply Date: 2019/08/28
More Info
When considering cataract surgery options for eyes with different degrees of refractive error, such as your case with the left eye at -800 degrees and the right eye at -400 degrees, there are several factors to weigh in terms of vision correction, lifestyle needs, and the types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available.
1. Post-Surgery Vision Correction: After cataract surgery, if your surgeon recommends leaving the left eye with a -200 degree single-focus lens, you would likely need to wear glasses for distance vision. This means that for your left eye, you would have a lens that allows you to see clearly at a distance but would require additional correction for near vision tasks, such as reading or using a computer. The right eye, with -400 degrees, would also require glasses for distance vision. If you choose single-focus lenses, you would indeed need to wear glasses for both distance and near tasks, which may not be ideal for your lifestyle, especially since you mentioned working on a computer and driving.
2. Single-Focus vs. Multifocal Lenses: Single-focus lenses provide clear vision at one distance (either near or far), while multifocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances. If you opt for multifocal lenses, you may be able to see well at both near and far distances without needing to switch glasses frequently. However, multifocal lenses can sometimes lead to visual disturbances, such as glare or halos, especially at night. Given your active lifestyle and desire to maintain a professional appearance, multifocal lenses could be a suitable option, provided you are a good candidate for them.
3. Suitability for Multifocal Lenses: Your suitability for multifocal lenses depends on several factors, including the health of your eyes, the degree of astigmatism, and your personal visual needs. If you have significant astigmatism, some multifocal lenses may not provide the best visual outcome. It’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your ophthalmologist about your specific situation, including any concerns you may have about visual quality and lifestyle needs.
4. Laser Surgery Considerations: If your economic situation allows, you might consider laser-assisted cataract surgery, such as femtosecond laser surgery. This technique can enhance precision in the surgical process, potentially leading to better outcomes. However, the decision to proceed with laser surgery should be made in consultation with your eye care professional, who can assess whether this option is appropriate for your specific case.
In summary, while single-focus lenses may provide clear vision at one distance, they may not meet your needs for a dynamic lifestyle that includes computer work and driving. Multifocal lenses could offer a more versatile solution, but they come with their own set of considerations. Discussing your options thoroughly with your ophthalmologist will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your visual needs and lifestyle preferences.
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