topic Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES in Wellness

CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:43:44 GMT

I'm having cataract surgery in August. I have severe astigmatism in the eye to be operated on, and am VERY, VERY nearsighted in that eye as well, and I've been wearing Progressive eyeglasses for decades.

I know what my choices are as far as intraocular lens implants - the ordinary lens that means I'd for sure have to keep wearing glasses, the toric lens for astigmatism, or the lens that is equivalent to Progressive.

I want to hear comments from anyone who has either the toric or the all-distance (progressive) lens. Which do you have, and why are you glad you got it or sorry you got it? Good points/bad points. I've done the reading, but I want real-world opinions. Thanks!

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Dorothy11 — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:47:18 GMT

My husband is having toric lenses put in next week. They are very expensive, as insurance won't cover them. I can report back after he recovers.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 00:58:30 GMT

Thank you, pas. I know about the expense :-( My doctor's office quoted $1500 for the toric and $2800(!) for the progressive. After I've had my measurements done in 3 weeks my doctor will make his recommendation. If he thinks I'd be pretty well off with the toric, it certainly would be cheaper! Yes, I'd love to know what your husband thinks - good luck :-)

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Nicecupoftea — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:05:12 GMT

I had the lens implant for astigmatism in my left eye last September. I paid a lot of extra for this lens. Unfortunately Medicare refused to pay for my new glasses. They normally pay for new glasses after cataract surgery, but chose to refuse in my case. I think it has improved my vision in that eye but I can see the edge of the lens, which is distracting. I have been told this would improve but after nine months I am doubtful. I had the ordinary lens implanted in my right eye a few years ago and was and still am very pleased with that result. Medicare did pay for the new glasses after that surgery. If I could go back in time I would have the ordinary lens implanted in my left eye.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:19:53 GMT

Thank you, nicecup. I am super nearsighted and super astigmatic in the eye, and have worn glasses since I was six, so the idea of only wearing distance glasses is very attractive to me - but yes, being "aware" of the lens all the time would not be so great. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Carolm — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 02:29:56 GMT

I, too, had an astigmatism. When I had cataract surgery in 2011, on both eyes, I chose to go with an ordinary lens for both eyes and I am glad I did. I can see well at a distance 20/25 and only need reading glasses. Good luck with your decision.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

azqfan — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 02:47:09 GMT

I had severe nearsightedness and astigmatism and went for the toric lenses. Best thing I ever did! I had 20-20 vision as soon as I woke up from surgery. I do wear reading glasses. I had Blue Cross at the time and they authorized the second eye to be done 3 weeks later because there was too much difference in the fixed eye vs the non fixed eye and glasses weren't working. I paid $700 additional for each toric lens.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 03:09:16 GMT

Wow, azqfan, you had a good price on those lenses! Your input is valuable to me, as once I have surgery on this eye I too will have a huge difference in prescriptions between the eyes. I know the other eye is percolating a cataract as well but I probably have a year to go before I "need" surgery on that one. I don't think I'll have 20/20 but might have 20/25 if lucky.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 03:12:19 GMT

Thanks, carolm. I would prefer to not need glasses for close and middle distance but am okay with needing them for far distance, like driving. My final decision will be based on what my surgeon recommends (he specializes in cataract surgery), but every single experience from real wearers, good or bad, is helping me make an informed decision.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

hckynutjohn — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:46:21 GMT

I wore bifocals for years and then had to move to tri-focals for many more years. I also had astigmatism in my left eye. Had my left eye done first and decided to go with a Multi-focal iol lens.------------ I had to pay $1700, out of pocket for this choice. My doctor told me this would allow me to see all distances, sans any glasses, and he was right. Went with Mono-focal iol lens in my right eye. Since then I am able to see distances clearly and also read very small print without using "cheaters". I am very happy, and satisfied that I made the right choices for my eyes.-------- hckynut(john)

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:10:00 GMT

No question I'm leaning towards that lens being my most desired, hckynut, but my cost for it, with insurance (which doesn't pay for it) would be $2800. I'd be happy to pay $1700 :-( I suppose it depends on where one lives, which makes me angry.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

shoptoomuch — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:20:29 GMT

How fortuitous I just saw this because in the last six weeks, I have had cataract/toric surgery on both eyes and am very happy I did. I have been near-sighted since a child and at 16 years old, I started wearing contacts (I am 68 years old). My sister and I hated wearing glasses because that time, no child wanted to wear glasses. Anyway, I developed astigmatisms in both eyes which progressively got worse and was told if I got the toric lense, Medicare would not pay for it but would pay for the cataract lense. If I decided not to get the toric lense, I would have to wear glasses. The cost of the second toric lense is $975 each eye and considered by insurance as "cosmetic". Of course, I questioned this but went for it anyway since going for the surgery was to see without glasses and that was important to me. Long story shorter, I am happy I did. I get up in the morning and going to bed seeing almost perfectly. At this age, I am almost positive, most would need reading glasses, as do I. I can live with that. I am extremely happy I had the surgeries two weeks apart. I was nervous about it, but even though it didn't take long, I didn't feel anything and it was over fast. That is my experience and hope it helps with your decision.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

hckynutjohn — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 18:10:50 GMT

Hi moonchilde------------------- Part of my decision to spend the $1700 for the Multi-focal lens was this. I know in the future I would have to continue to pay hundreds of $$$$$ for new prescription lens glasses and that cost would probably be more than the above amount(depending on how long I live). That mentally and in practicality made my decision easier to make.--------- As for the $$$$ cost difference? I know relatives and friends, that live in my city as well, paid differing amounts for the same procedure. Some was because the doctors charged a different amount, and like me, my Secondary Insurer paid more/less. I am sure the area of country makes a $$$$ difference, but I also believe that some doctors charge more/less, and a person can ask around to those in your area that have had this done. My Secondary Insurer(I have as part of my retirement package), picked up $800 of the cost over what Medicare paid. It wouldn't hurt to ask around. My best to you.------- hckynut(john)

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

shoptoomuch — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 22:37:26 GMT

One additional comment regarding my post and in favor of putting out the money for the toric lense: I live In New York proper so understandably, my cost was a bit higher than other parts of the country and possibly different insurers could get some of that money back, but mine maybe not. I feel it is ridiculous for Medicare not to pay for the lense because it is far less expensive than my getting prescription eyeglasses with frames every couple of years. I realize the insurance companys pay portions of what is paid, but realistically, I feel the toric lense(s) is a better choice financially and practically - for me anyway.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:19:06 GMT

Thank you, shoptoomuch. I hate the idea of paying the outrageous fees, but we only get the one chance for this so we kind of have to bite the bullet and go for it I guess.

I have been extremely nearsighted since childhood. For my lifestyle, I'd love to have close up and middle distance vision without glasses, and wouldn't mind wearing glasses for farther vision like driving. But I will see what my doctor says. Can't wait!

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:23:00 GMT

Thank you John. Definitely, if my doc and I think it's the best option for me I'd go for it. I'm used to paying $800 for a pair of glasses ;-( i am still working so my Blue Cross through work is paying for this, not Medicare. It's possible my other eye will end up with Medicare/secondary.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Tyak — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:55:38 GMT

I had the expensive lenses put in last fall and after 50 years of wearing glasses every waking minute of the day, it's so wonderful to not have to wear them! My eyesight now is 20/25 distance and 20/20 close up.

Re: CATARACT INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Moonchilde — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 01:44:22 GMT

That's what I'm hoping for, Tyak. I think I would laugh out loud with joy at just being able to get up in the dark in the middle of the night and *see.*