Wellness

[Moonchilde]

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!

[Dorothy11]

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.

[Moonchilde]

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 :-)

[Nicecupoftea]

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.

[Moonchilde]

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.

[Carolm]

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.

[azqfan]

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. 

[Moonchilde]

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.

[Moonchilde]

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.

[hckynutjohn]

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)