Cataract surgery with Adjustable Lens implant - Huge Success

[JasoninDenver]

Recalling an earlier thread discussing options for cataract surgery and people’s range of outcomes, I thought I would provide an overview of my recent experience with implantation of a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL).

I have been nearsighted for most of my early life until undergoing RK surgery at 22. I then had 25 years of great vision until the RK results begin to deteriorate, as it apparently does. Fortunately, people having Lasik will not experience this regression.

In any event, my vision continued to deteriorate for several years before stabilizing at a level requiring glasses once again and then presbyopia gradually reared its ugly head as well. Bifocal lenses were mandatory and I could not tolerate contacts due to my astigmatism.

At my last annual exam, my Dr. saw very, very small cataracts in each eye. Initially I was bummed about yet another sign of aging until the Dr. mentioned that the new lens implants could solve much of my vision problems.

These LAL lenses are ideal for post RK patients because they are adjusted after the surgery by a targeted UV light device. Whereas most implanted lenses are a set shape and power requiring an educated guess by the Dr as to which lens to put in, these can be changed up to three times before a final set of “lock in” sessions.

In normal people without RK, these LAL implants let someone realize optimal vision up to 95% of the time versus non adjustable lenses. My doctor said I could experience optimal distance vision (requiring readers) or better close in vision and having to rely on glasses for distance vision. There was a very small chance that I would not need either. This would mean a perfect result that he could not ethically promise.

Well, after the procedure, I have dang near perfect vision. With RK, one’s vision can fluctuate during the day and it continues to do so now. However, my vision fluctuates between 20/20 and 20/25. The best part is I do not need readers at all for the first time in 15 years. My astigmatism has even been corrected.

The two downsides of the LAL lenses are the additional cost over and above what insurance pays (between $3,500 and $4,000 per eye) and the requirement that you have to wear specific (goofy) UV light blocking glasses until the final lock-in treatment which can be between 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery. However, the ability to get such spectacular results makes all of this worthwhile. Of all the people I have known who have had cataract surgery, I am the only one who has had a perfect result and I was a less than ideal candidate.

I may not look any better, but I see great.

[RichardBartlett]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Recalling an earlier thread discussing options for cataract surgery and people’s range of outcomes, I thought I would provide an overview of my recent experience with implantation of a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL).

I have been nearsighted for most of my early life until undergoing RK surgery at 22. I then had 25 years of great vision until the RK results begin to deteriorate, as it apparently does. Fortunately, people having Lasik will not experience this regression.

In any event, my vision continued to deteriorate for several years before stabilizing at a level requiring glasses once again and then presbyopia gradually reared its ugly head as well. Bifocal lenses were mandatory and I could not tolerate contacts due to my astigmatism.

At my last annual exam, my Dr. saw very, very small cataracts in each eye. Initially I was bummed about yet another sign of aging until the Dr. mentioned that the new lens implants could solve much of my vision problems.

These LAL lenses are ideal for post RK patients because they are adjusted after the surgery by a targeted UV light device. Whereas most implanted lenses are a set shape and power requiring an educated guess by the Dr as to which lens to put in, these can be changed up to three times before a final set of “lock in” sessions.

In normal people without RK, these LAL implants let someone realize optimal vision up to 95% of the time versus non adjustable lenses. My doctor said I could experience optimal distance vision (requiring readers) or better close in vision and having to rely on glasses for distance vision. There was a very small chance that I would not need either. This would mean a perfect result that he could not ethically promise.

Well, after the procedure, I have dang near perfect vision. With RK, one’s vision can fluctuate during the day and it continues to do so now. However, my vision fluctuates between 20/20 and 20/25. The best part is I do not need readers at all for the first time in 15 years. My astigmatism has even been corrected.

The two downsides of the LAL lenses are the additional cost over and above what insurance pays (between $3,500 and $4,000 per eye) and the requirement that you have to wear specific (goofy) UV light blocking glasses until the final lock-in treatment which can be between 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery. However, the ability to get such spectacular results makes all of this worthwhile. Of all the people I have known who have had cataract surgery, I am the only one who has had a perfect result and I was a less than ideal candidate.

I may not look any better, but I see great.

Fair play to you. I desperately need this too but I have a real phobia about my eyes and I'd have to be sedated for surgery.

I also have an extremely complex prescription so it's unlikely it would have the same success.