Question:
For someone who does a lot computer work and reading, and is left handed,
what is the best solution re. choosing IOL lense replacements.
Should the left lense be for near sight and the right for distance or
vice-versa?
With a "near-sighted eye, far sighted eye" arrangement, is there any
problem in having glasses to change the far sighted eye down to near work,
and the near sighted eye to seeing at distance? Would the lenses be unusualy
thick or about normal?
Is there any type or manufacturer of IOLs that is superior re. good
outcomes and not having to need that subsequent laser treatment to "defog"
it?
Answer:
You definitely should discuss the question of focal length(s) with
your ophthalmologist, and get a second opinion. In my case I found
a mix of near and far focus ("monovision") intolerable, because it
creates a noticeable difference in the size of the images seen in
each eye. I now use a contact lens in my "near" eye to bring it
to the same focal length as my "far" (my IOL eye) eye, and then use
glasses on top of that as needed.
Before surgery, work with an optometrist to simulate monovision
for you by using contact lenses in one or both eyes. This will
give you a much better idea of what you'll end up with in surgery.
Also note that, given the uncertainty of measuring your eye and
selecting an IOL, if you try to achieve perfect far vision
(infinite focus distance, or in practical terms focus distance
greater than about ten feet), you run the risk of making that
eye *farsighted*; that means that eye would have no sharp focus
distance at all, and you would have to wear glasses or a contact
lens all the time. Consider deliberately making both eyes
focus at reading distance. Even if the final result is a little
off it will still work without glasses at about the right distance.
>Is there any type or manufacturer of IOLs that is superior re. good
>outcomes and not having to need that subsequent laser treatment to "defog"
>it?
As I recall the Alcon lens has a much better than average
record for reducing subsequent opacification. Again, discuss
this with your ophthalmological surgeon. If he says there's
no difference among IOLs, find another surgeon
