cataract surgery

[t55ddy]

hi - I am healthy & 65. Very myopic (-10 & -9) with glaucoma in left eye). I have just dropped below DVLA driving limit so consultant is recommending cataract surgery in both eyes (NHS). My question is would it be worth it in terms of quality of vision improvement to go private as I understand that various lens options are available or would I go standard route to have eyes corrected to c -2.5 so I can continue to read without glasses whilst using a lower lens for driving?

[Pley]

I've had the same operation in both my eyes because of Closed angle glaucoma. I've needed Vari Focal glasses for reading and long distance for a while. The operations were done in 2018 and 2023 by the NHS, so I have 'standard' lenses put in. Because of cost I wasn't able to choose Vari Focal lenses and because when my right eye was operated on, they hoped my left eye would not need it. I now have the same lens in both my eyes. Which means I now have amazing long distance sight. I still wear Vari Focal all the time, mainly for convenience. I've got used to wearing glasses and found just having glasses just for reading inconvenient.

I know you can have different lenses in each eye. One for short and one for long distance. Or a more expensive option is Vari Focal in both eyes.

If you really don't like wearing glasses and can afford it, Vari Focal lenses could be your answer!

Hope this helps.

[t55ddy in reply to Pley]

I’ve worn glasses all my life so I’m relaxed about needing them after cataract surgery. It’s more about what gives me the best outcome after. It sounds like most people still need glasses after surgery and that especially with my prescription I would probably end up still needing varifocals even if I have the Bari-focal implants. With that in mind I will go for about -2.5 correction so I can still read without glasses & use driving glasses. Thanks

[Sorshup]

Obviously you must proceed with cataract surgery. You must not drive so your NHS wait is unacceptably long that would be a reason to go private, if quicker. Choice of focussing; with your current refraction you probably have a good depth of field - with your distance correction you can also see quite close to. If your new correction (both eyes done) is for perfect distance objects even as close as 2m will be unclear and you will need either to wear varifocal specs as well or accept intermediate and near specs, on and off as needed. Multifocal implants are a compromise - vision is not perfect at any distance but with your historical experience as a high myope, probably no worse. Discuss all carefully with your optometrist first.

[Littlesnowflake]

I was in a very similar situation to you. I have glaucoma in both eyes which are both very myopic. I hated wearing glasses and wore contact lenses from the age of 18. When my close (reading) vision started to deteriorate, I used mono-vision for many years, that being one lens for distance and one for reading which worked extremely well for me. As I got older (60+) I tried varifocal contact lenses but found them useless as they weren't satisfactory at any distance really. So when I had both cataracts removed I elected for the best distance vision I could have and to use varifocal specs for the rest. It's wonderful to be out and about and be able to see it all clearly. I just need my sunglasses!I would definitely think very carefully with regards to having implanted varifocal lenses.

[t55ddy in reply to Littlesnowflake]

Thanks and I have definitely decided against varifocal implants as my sense is that I would probably end up needing glasses also. I read a lot and mostly without glasses which I would miss so I’m I’m happy to wear long distance glasses …