Begonias

[begonias]

I have glaucoma and need to have my cataracts removed. I would like advice on the best lenses for my distance and peripheral vision.

[Vich81]

I’ve had both eyes done now and was lucky enough to have them covered under my health insurance. I don’t think I got to ‘pick’ the kind of lens as such. It was more just recommended that I have the standard lens and not the toric as I don’t think that would have been suitable in the long term. I don’t think you get much of an option with NHS either. Although I have a standard lens in each eye, they were done at different hospitals at different times so it’s not the same brand of lens

[begonias in reply to Vich81]

Thanks for your response, Vich81. Did you find having your cataracts done helped with the visual field test for the DVLA?

[Vich81 in reply to begonias]

I’ve not actually had to do one for the DVLA for years. I did tell them about my glaucoma and I think I did the test after my trab in 2011 but they never wanted any kind of follow up. The hospital has never instructed me to go get one done either, in recent times and they know I drive. I guess my sight is good enough

[begonias in reply to Vich81]

I've had a DVLA test every three years since I was seventy and up to now I've passed. My next one is due in March and I'm concerned about it because my vision has deteriorated. That may be because of my cataracts. Thanks for your response.

[Dougalldoo in reply to Vich81]

Depends on your age. I had to have DVLA eye test at age 70 and do so every three years. I’ve had Glaucoma for over 50 years and notified DVLA many years ago. It was only as I reached 70 that I was notified to have this test. Hope that answers for you.

[Sorshup]

From your response to the other reply I understand you re concerned about driving. The new clarity of the implant lenses should improve all aspects of your vision including visual field sensitivity, but if you have already been a DVLA fail there is no guarantee it will make enough difference. What specs do you currently need? You can ask your consultant to select the implant lenses to make both eyes good for distance, or for near, or one eye of each. Whichever, you will have to get specs to optimise the other needs. Best to discuss with the optometrist who knows your history first before your pre-op hospital assessment.

[begonias in reply to Sorshup]

You're very knowledgeable, Sorshup. I wonder if you think it will be possible to do the DVLA visual fields test with single vision long-distance replacement lenses or whether it's better to wear close-up glasses as well.

[Sorshup in reply to begonias]

I recommend the advice of 24Artebus regarding the refractive plan for your implants, and as a C/L wearer you should ask your optometrist to give you a weker strength trial lens to provide a chance to try one eye for reading. (I am a retired optometrist, diagnosed with glaucoma 40+ years ago, and a long time C/L wearer).

There have been lots of posts on the subject of the DVLA test and I submitted some advice a week or so ago, if you can find it. Ideally all VF tests should be conducted with your focussing at the machine's working distance, about 30cm, so close work specs are best despite the DVLA stipulating distance specs to be used !

[begonias in reply to Sorshup]

I'm lucky to have your advice. Thank you. I was considering having multi-focal lenses but have read that they're not good for contrast in cases of glaucoma - I wonder what your opinion is on that. I also have astigmatism. Is that a consideration when choosing the type of implants?

[Sorshup in reply to begonias]

Because multifocals overlay the near and distance images neither is perfect - so you are correct. Only your consultant will be able to advise you how he/she intends to correct the astigmatism. As, I said before, it would help to speak with your optometrist too.

[begonias]

I forgot to mention that I'm short-sighted. I usually wear contact lenses but I have glasses for long-distance

[24Arbutus]

I have my right eye for reading and left for long distance. The brain adjusts and it’s never been a problem. I’m had my lens implants with cataract surgery over 10 years ago. I continue to pass DVLA tests and I’m really happy that I don’t need glasses.

[begonias]

Thanks for your answer, 24Arbutus. When you do the DVLA distance sight test is it a problem when your right eye doesn't meet the criteria?