[Leica] OT: Thoughts on cataract surgery?

[Richard Clompus]

Adam, I’ve worked with multiple surgeons when I was practicing as an optometrist.  It's a bit aggressive for a surgeon to perform cataract surgery on both eyes the same day.  Most cataract surgeries go well with great outcomes but there is always the chance for complications during the post-op healing phase.  Most surgeries take about about 15 minutes to remove the cataract and insert an intra-ocular lens.  The vision choices are:
both eyes focussed for distance requiring reading glasses or progressive lenses for near vision.
one eye focused for distance and the other for near (called monovision).  Convenient but does cause some blur with night driving.
premium multi-focal implants (bifocal) - these are new with additional fees beyond basic Medicare coverage.  The optics aren’t perfect but the designs continue to improve.

All 3 choices work.  I’m a little skeptical about same day surgery for both eyes but I tend to be a bit conservative when the outcome is important.  The ability of the surgeon is paramount for good outcomes.  You want a surgeon who does multiple surgeries each week.  Repetition is good.  

I’m sure you will do great.  It's one of the most popular and successful surgeries done in the U.S. -almost 4 million per year.    

Stay healthy and be well,
Richard

Richard Clompus, OD
California

> On Aug 6, 2020, at 10:23 AM, Adam Bridge via LUG <lug at leica-users.org> wrote:
> 
> I imagine there are many on this list that have had cataract surgery.
> 
> I’ll be having both eyes done at the same time. It’s all the latest rage what with COVID-19 etc. And, says the doc, $$$.
> 
> I was given the option to have one eye properly focused for distance and one eye focused for medium distance. The thought was: one to look through the camera the other to be able to read the screen.
> 
> Have any of you made this choice? If so has it worked out for you? I know my up-close vision doesn’t allow me to read the screens on my cameras.
> 
> I’d appreciate any thoughts the group might share.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Adam Bridge
> 
> 
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