Wellness

[Moonchilde]

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.

[shoptoomuch]

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.

[hckynutjohn]

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)

[shoptoomuch]

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.

[Moonchilde]

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!

[Moonchilde]

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.

[Tyak]

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.    

[Moonchilde]

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.*