Cataract surgery update

[MandysMom]

The good news:
No surgery yet!
Eyes good! With slight RX change to glasses, I’m 20/20 one eye and 20/25 other! Very slight change to cataracts, not enough for immediate surgery. No problems with eye pressure or retina (no macular disease). A new multi-focal Lens is due on general market 3rd quarter this year. Has been used in Europe for some years. Has been FDA approved, but company is tweaking the focal rings and approval should be complete by 3td quarter. He said call him in September for a cataract evaluation and we can go from there. He said with me, like with him, our nearsightedness due to elongated eyeball, and the resulting astigmatism, makes my decision based on when I’m fed up with night glare. I’m getting there but for sure will wait on the new lens, which he said he believes will be a game changer in lens replacement.

My eye Dr, as I said told me there will soon be a new game in town that may revolutionize lens replacement. I did some research and thus might be it. Pay attention to section marked adjustable lens!

http://www.surgicaldirectinc.com/2019-c ... ry-trends/
Read the section on multifocal lenses. I know my Dr participates in research and so far in look8ng, this looks like the game changer he might be referring to.
Velda

[JudyJB]

Weird, because I was just going to post a question for those people who have had recent cataract surgery. I am going to be scheduled for sometime in late spring or summer. Obviously, I need to ask my ophthalmologist about these new lens.

Here are my questions for you and maybe others:
1) How much do these new lens cost?
2) Are they appropriate for people who are strongly nearsighted and also wear bifocals? Did your doctor talk about this?
3) I have been trying to decide whether to get new lenses set for distance, middle, or near vision. I originally thought I would go for distance vision and wear glasses for indoors and reading things. However, I got to thinking that I would need to wear sunglasses outside anyway....

[MandysMom]

Judy, the only cost I know so far is for the laser to reduce my astigmatism which is $1625 per eye. The $1000 goes to Dr and the $625 to surgery center. I have no idea on the new lenses though my research so far shows an average of $2000 per eye currently, with CA prices on higher end, of course. He estimated the new lens will be available between July and September nationwide. But as I said, it's been in use in Europe several years.
I am and have always been very near sighted. That's why he recommended waiting for the newest IOL (intra oculat lens implant). I currently wear Toric blended trifocals glasses and have for quite a few years. even with the latest polycarbonate lenses, mine are fairly heavy on my nose.
I always have a pair of the over glasses sun shield type to wear. I like them better than sunglasses as they cut the side glare. I knew when I heard about the multifocal, that can potentially give you 20/20 at all distances, that is what I want. I've worn glasses since I was 2, so about 68 years, so as I told my Dr today, I am SO done with glasses and ready to have the best he can give me.
He does not use injectable anesthetic in the eye surgery, drops only, which is a big relief factor for me. I have a friend who had cataract surgery maybe 2 years ago and her Dr used a long huge needle beside her eye to numb. Sedative or not, that's a big no thanks for me- not only is it unsettling, but it's one more risk for infection or damage with a 6 inch needle reaching behind your eye.
Velda

[JudyJB]

So, the cost is beyond what Medicare and your insurance pays? So you have a Medicare Supplement Plan?

So, that would be a total of $4,000 for lenses and $3,250 for astigmatism, right?

[MandysMom]

I have Medicare, VSP, Blue Cross Anthem, and Tricare. The Medicare, Anthem, and Tricare will cover the surgery and an amount which equals standard IOL , then I’m responsible for the rest. And yes I’m estimating between $7250 and $8000 as extra costs to get the special laser for my astigmatism and a more precise correction and the upgraded lenses. Mel and I had already set aside the $ for it, and it’s earning interest until I’m ready. I have a RV friend who will drive me. I got a real good booklet today covering details. If I can figure a way tomorrow to copy it and make it so I can email to you, would you like it? It may be available online, I haven’t checked. It’s a magazine format called Focus, by the company who make the Restor IOL. It covers several people’s situations and surgery, explains cataracts both from patient and Dr point of view.
My email is Solomon@surewest.net if you want me to try to send the booklet, send me an email so I know where to send. There are a number of good you tube videos on the Restor IOL, though that is not the name of the new lens which he said he is not allowed to mention yet. He contributes to research and is both a opthamologist and a PHD so is bound by rules until the new product is released for full market. As I said, I suspect it is the innovation in after surgery tweaking using light to bring vision to full 20/20 if it’s slightly off after healing, but guess I’ll know for sure soon enough. Now that I’ve made up my mind, I’m anxious for that day to arrive but patient enough to wait until September.
Velda

[Rufflesgurl]

Good news for you Velda. I haven't had cataract surgery as yet but most people get very good results. You're so organized, even have your
ride set up. LOL

Linda

[JudyJB]

Let me try to find it online first. Thanks.