[Leica] Leicas and Cateracts

[jhnichols at lighttube.net (Jim Nichols)]

Rei,

I had cataract surgery on both eyes, one at a time, several years ago.  
I opted for the first choice you list.  My surgeon's intention, as he 
explained it to me, was to provide me with the ability to do "most" 
daily functions without glasses, but to require reading or computer 
glasses for close work.  And he came close.  I can drive without 
glasses, if necessary, but I normally use bi-focals for general work.  I 
also find a pair of 2-diopter drugstore glasses work fine for extended 
work at the computer, because they allow me more flexibility in head 
position.

I still have a IIIf and another rangefinder, and can focus them ok, 
though I seldom use film any more.  With my Olympus 4/3 and Fuji 
cameras, I use whatever focus-assist they provide, and usually do ok.

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA

On 8/27/2016 3:56 PM, Rei Shinozuka wrote:
>
>
> First, "Hi" to the LUG and the many friends I've met here.   I've been 
> pretty quiet here as of the last few years (I switched to digest), but 
> I still get out the M9 and Noctilux from time to time:
>
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/shino/2016arizona/
>
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/shino/tedsprom/
>
> Here's my question and I hope it's not considered rudely off-topic for 
> this board (thought it involves optics and Leicas)
>
> I was recently diagnosed with cataracts in the right eye and despite 
> my love of bokeh and optical aberations, it's degraded my vision to 
> the point where I'm going to have to get the eye treated.
>
> I've read up on cataract surgery.  It looks like there are 3 types of 
> solutions on the market today.  From the web this is what I've gleaned:
>
> A. Monofocal
> PROS: Good image quality
>            Most mature product
> CONS:  Set to focus at one distance only; need glasses for near distances
>
> B. Multi-Focal (e.g. TECHNIS, RESTOR)
> PROS: Concentric lenses set at different focus distances, allows focus 
> on near/intermediate/distance
> CONS: Inferior image quality, halos at night, decreased low-light 
> sensitivity
>
> C. Accomodative (e.g. CRYSTALENS, TRULIGN)
> PROS: Dynamically focuses like the human eye, good image quality
> CONS: Limited range of focus, newest technology
>
> I'd love to keep using my RF Leicas.  Has anyone on this list 
> undergone a Cataract procedure in the last few years, and has it 
> affected his or her photography?  Has anyone tried one of the premium 
> types (bottom 2 choices in the above table).  I'd love to hear your 
> experiences.
>
> Most doctors don't quite get it when I say "But doc, will I still be 
> able to focus accurately at f1.0?" but I think many of you will 
> understand.
>
> thanks!
>
> -rei
> shino at panix.com
>
>
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