High Myopia Cataract Surgery advise - 42 years old

[trips11]

Hi All

Need some advise and guidance. Have been detected with Cataract in my left eye. Both my eyes have high index -16 R and -17 L. Have had conflicting advise from doctors. Some are asking to manage as much as possible before surgery while others are suggesting surgery with IOL implants.

Would be great if anyone who has gone through a similar situation could share their experiences. Will help in forming a judgement.

[StokeySue]

I had cataract surgery with high myopia (-13) and macular degeneration, aged about 64.

Can't say I enjoyed it, but for me it was worth it, because first I hadn't appreciated how much the cataracts were affecting my vision directly; with the other issues it was quite hard to work out what was causing me problems, and I couldn't afford any correctable vision loss. Second, for me, the implanted lenses almost justified the surgery, I could see so much better than I could without them - I do still (age) need reading and computer glasses, but it's nice knowing what the inside of the shower looks like!

If you drive or cycle on roads, you probably need them done sooner rather than later based on my own experience and anecdote, gets rid of a lot of dazzle and glare from street lighting and headlamps

[trips11 in reply to StokeySue]

Thanks for your detailed reply. It's very helpful. Only thing that worries me is getting Cataracts early. The right eye has also started getting it. But thanks once again for sharing your experience.

[StokeySue in reply to trips11]

I know a family 2 of whom had cataracts done before they were 21 due to a genetic condition, they are fine now about 15 years on. High myopia does tend to be associated with early cataracts

[trips11 in reply to StokeySue]

Thanks. That's what I also read abt high myopia early cataract risk. But my doctor says it's not necessary.