Thanks for watching! I'll be filming a cataract Q&A next week so leave your cataract-related questions down below, and I'll do my best to include it. See you in the next video ❤
In 2023 or until now , which is the best best option lenses for senior who wearing bifocal glasses and using phone and driving car some times in nights, very appreciated for answering, love your clear knowledgeable videos
dr lee, seven years ago, one optamologists at university of california san diego, did a research to reverse the cataract by using eye drop. it is possible now to reverse cataract by using eye drop alone. russia is doing similar research about this too. have you read or learned something about this too? by the way, i am from san diego, ca. thank you.
Hi Doctor Lee. I just had cataract surgery, I opted for the basic lens. I see so much clearer now. I did not see spending over 2000 dollars just to not wear glasses. Keep up the great work Dr. Lee.
I wish I had watched videos before my cataract surg😢. The surgeon suggested I get Toric lenses which were 2300. Per lense. My goal was to be glasses free. I figured for a one time surgery it was worth it. Both the surgeon and my opth said( after) I may need readers. My opth gave me a sraot for distance "driving " and readers for close.Well that didn't work. I didn't realize how often I would need readers. I now felt I couldn't see near or far. I went back and he wrote a script for bifocals with cost an additional cost of almost 300 for noline. I am still waiting to get them I also hope I can see the whole spectrum like I used to with my glasses. I wish I hadn't gotten the premium lenses. My advice is to research and have a honest conversation with both Dr's and ask they be honest what they would be best for me. And sat you thought I would still need bifocals glasses. I am so disappointed and prey these bifocals do the trick. 😢 Such a let down. Aldo my eyes are very light sensitive and my.dr just brushed it off and said I had just had surgery, so... 😢not happy and stuck here now
@@suelewis689I want to get the best lens I can because surgery will already be like 30k so I’m waiting three months and paying $3000 per eye for premium and the best lens. I’m 19.
Very informative - one suggestion to make it even better than it already is: the video cutting/editing is causing the audio to overlap - recommend trying to leave a slightly bigger audio space so that audio from two different segments aren't "on top" of each other. otherwise - best I've seen to make this complex decision-making process - more understandable. Thanks - patient with several long-term eye problems - near-sighted/far-sighted, astigmatism, light sensitivity - and cataracts - - about to under go the procedure [and as a retired audio archivist, Library of Congress] I really need my eyes to continue my work.
Thank you Dr. Lee. I got a better understanding from your videos than I did with one visit to my eye doctor. I’ve decided to go for 2 more consults before proceeding with cataract surgery.
Hubby had cataract surgery in 2015 after recovery from a detached retina. He chose to pay $3200 extra (beyond standard care of Medicare allowance) that included a toroid adjustable lens to help correct astigmatism & help to give varied focus without glasses. He had to do eye exercises to get the adjustable lens to perform. Thankfully it did. I'm sure there are many more lenses available now. He has been very happy & can work at the computer without wearing glasses. His other eye is super nearsighted (no cataract in it yet), so he uses that eye to see things up close. If he wants to drive, then he puts in one contact lens in his nearsighted eye. The lens inside his other eye after cataract surgery adjusts & he can drive using that one eye if need be. -- My sister & brother have both had cataract surgery & both were advised & opted to get just the standard lenses. My brother thus has to wear trifocal lenses. He's happy too. -- I'm hoping technology makes even more improvements to lenses by when it's my turn, as I plan to keep living to older age! -- I think my hubby had some top notch eye doctors! They saved his sight after the retinal detachment!
I had premium Cataract surgery including the toric lens and it went south. I am still wearing glasses and at night I see rings around lights. Though I had a slight astigmatism I never saw the rings! I am fighting the Provider for not clearly going over my options. And the fact I had to pay for it even though my insurance said they would because of a genetic syndrome I have. I only wish I saw you before going to have this done.
I had surgery last year with the younger Dr. Tozer! Best money I ever spent. I am 54 and no more reading glasses or contact lenses. My eyes started to fail in my early teen years. We put lenses in that cost extra but, no more reading glasses and no longer need contact lenses. I am 20/15 now!
I'd been wearing reading glasses over 15 years. Then about ten years ago I needed glasses for driving and intermediate vision. I'm now 58. So when I developed a cataract in my left eye, I chose to go with the premium multi-focal lens. I wanted to be independent of glasses so made the decision to also have the right eye done which did not have a cataract. It's now been one week since I had surgery on my right eye and two weeks for the left eye. I'm completely free of glasses. The one and only downside is the haze around lights which is more noticeable at night. For me it's an acceptable trade off. I'm an electrician and my work involves reading prints and performing detailed work plus loads of driving. I can't describe the freedom of being free of glasses. It was the best $7100 I'd ever spent.
Same for me. I had good vision until around age 50, and then I’d have to get out reading glasses to see anything close, and of course you can never find them when you need them.
@@u4riahsc Lol. So true. I had reading glasses all over my house and in my 3 vehicles. I also had the prescription glasses that I only wore while driving so that I could see the road and the dashboard.
I had cataract surgery in both eyes in 2019. I wanted to get PanOptix IOLs but my doctor would not let me and insisted on the standard Tecnis monofocal lenses because I have a "lumpy" retina in my left eye. I wish more videos on this topic would discuss in more detail about eye conditions that make premium lenses not a viable option for many people.
hi i too was not given the option of a multifocal in my riggt dominant eye. i had retina tears lazered and my doctor only saud my eye was not good enough for a premium iol he did use a toric lens thou
Absolutely worth it to me. Low level astigmatism (below CYL 1.0) may not need a toric lens. Just got my 2nd multifocal PanOptix 4 days ago and I can see how I'll make my money back before long just due to my own increased productivity.
Very simple ,but in depth! Do the math , research,options! Trouble for us seniors the best available options on Medicare and you only have one set of eyes! The price of vision! Thank you for your public health service and years of knowledge/ experience!
Great topic. Speaking specifically on the latest trifocal premium IOL's, the first rule is that they should not even be considered in any other preexisting ocular disease where there is potential for added aberrations which will be compounded after implantation and near impossible to resolve thereafter without explanting them. Post premium IOL LASIK theoretically sounds good, but practically it is a thumb suck and should not be discussed as rescue except in extreme cases. Trifocals do indeed achieve very specific quantitative visual targets very well but it comes at the sacrifice of qualitative visual traits that we may take for granted in our daily lives. Contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness, motion blur etc important only for flat screen TVs and photographic recapturing of the moment now become tested in reality and all of a sudden the patient becomes shocked on its importance which is tested to the maximum. It must be understood that trifocal lenses are actually a compromise in overall visual functioning reserved only for those who are the business of being correction free. This must be explained fully from the start with the "How badly do you want it" tone. Ophthalmologists must not fall into the marketing hype of the brand which promises vision beyond the patients dreams and saddles the ophthalmologist with the burden of broken promises. Just as you can have cataracts which impair your sight but you do not notice it because you have lived with it for so long, so too do the manufacturers of these lenses rely on you getting used to poor eyesight after 9 months for a poor performing lens. They then attribute your surrender to the lens to "Neuroadaptation" which is akin to using touch and sound to get around - you may navigate better but it does mean you have better vision. The reality is that they work spectacularly well for a very small percentage of cataract patients which if applied correctly would not be feasible to manufacture the lenses. It is also unfortunate that in the USA lens selection is limited by the FDA and the generation of premium trifocals available to you are outdated and not really used in other countries. If you are serious about your sight, consider researching lenses like the Hoya Gemetric and if it sounds good consider a medical holiday to get the sight you deserve.
Another excellent video. Thank you. Dr. Lee, some things have changed since I was a kid. For example that black device behind you that's now used to cover the eye during the eye chart test. I understand why you have patients cover 1 eye at a time, but the shutter with the holes in it, what is that testing? Also, they used to do left, right, then both eyes. The both eyes test does not seem to be done any more (with at least 4 ophthalmologists I've been to in the past 10 years). Since many of your patients are older, it might be of interest to explain how/why things have changed over the past 60+ years. Just a thought. Regards.
Blind in one eye for 50 years (trauma), diabetic, and cataract presently forming in the other eye, with astigmatism. I INSIST on glasses for their protective shielding from foreign objects! Additionally, having enjoyed 20/12 correction for all these many years, I am loathe to surrender or risk a bit of it. Vision is more than precious to me. Though I will never see it and can only visualize it in part, my wife and I enjoy stereo (3D) photography, and we have no problem spending whatever it takes to obtain a sharper image. We are partners in this, as she is experiencing macular degeneration. Vision is a miracle, a gift beyond price. I tell my avuncular family members it is worth more than their lives to me. Yes.
Could you do a follow-up on possible downside risk of premium lenses besides insufficient correction of astigmatism and higher cost? For example the "rings of light" mentioned above.
@@MicheleLeeMD Thanks. That would be helpful. I see some people considering premium lenses from a perspective "Are they worth the higher cost?" and not aware that there are pros and cons for each type of lens. I don't think that it's a one-way street, that premium is always better than basic (just costs more).
Hello Dr Lee, I had LAL surgery in both eyes in Jan 2024. I am scheduled for my 2nd adjustment in a couple of days. My goal is to never need glasses except for in extreme "up close" fine print situations. My understanding is that this is achieved thru monovision, (one is set for near to mid and the other is set for mid to far). What I was NOT told was that not everyone is well suited to monovision. I guess it all depends on how your brain processes the information sent by your eyes. Fortunately for me it has been successful and I am happy with the results. I would caution people that are considering a goal of monovision through lens replacement to make sure that they are good candidates for it. Your brain must be able to naturally choose the eye which is sending the clearest image. This is just my observation as a patient and I'd be happy to be educated further.
I've had monovision naturally most of my life. My distance eye is much worse now & both eyes have cateracts. I'd like to find a dr skilled in blended vision but so far Im hearing light-adjustable is the only way they'll do that. It's hard when these lenses are $5,000 each.
Not a big fan of Multifocal implant options. I got a lot of complaints from my patients because they don't provide clear vision. The vision also fluctuates a lot throughout the day. As for the toric, if you need it, then it might be worth it to get it as long as your surgeon put it correctly.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree that not every patient does well with a multifocal, but it is an option for those who really hate wearing reading glasses, as long as there is an understanding of the possible pitfalls.
Thank you for validating that they do not always have a good outcome. Unfortunately, I need to have my tri focal implants replaced , as they have blurred my vision terribly!
I looked into the multi focal lenses. They are not without there problems. I just did the long distance single focus and use reading glasses now. It’s really no big deal. No complaints.
I thought I wanted multifocal lens but my Dr. educated me that the multifocal were like camera lens, what you look at is clear but surrounding things will be blurry just like using a camera. I got Symfony lens and everything is clear. Best decision ever.
Hey Doc, I got RxSight lenses and I'm pretty happy with them, with the post op UV adjustments I got to 20/15 for distance, which is mind blowing. I would say that these are not for everyone, just because of the extra expense and hassle of several weeks of UV treatments (eyes dilated on every visit) and having to wear the UV blocking glasses during that period. But for some folks who are really keen to dial in their distance vision as much as possible, definitely a good choice. I'm using light readers (1.25 or 1.5) for computer work and reading, which I don't mind. [Edit] I might actually be able to get by with 1.0 readers, I just haven't found them locally yet, I need to order a pair from Amazon to try them out.
hi Jim ive had a toric alcon lens put in my dominant eye and i have slightly better than 20/20 but now have to wear sunglasses as im super sensitive to bright light.
@@rhett7716 I think this is a general thing, after you replace your clouded lenses with new clear ones, a lot more light is getting in than was before.
@@jimfoye1055 hi Jim thanks for your reply. I have also developed dry eye bletharitus ? Post op and apparently this can highten brightness sensitivity. Trying yo work out what to do re shortsighted left eye -8.5 Whether to go monovision or not
Yes, it worth it, I have restor multifocal toric iol in my right eye and panoptix multifocal toric iol in my left eye, my distance vision is about 20/20 (about 100%) and my near vision is J1+ (120%)
Hello I had refractive eye surgery for my astigmatism about 20 years ago. Then in my late 30s helped my vision and didn’t need to wear glasses. Now I’m in early 60s and have cataracts. Is there anything I need to worry about now? Enjoy your informative video tutorials
I got premium adjustable implants after I went blind in one eye. It cost $2000 extra per eye over my insurance and worth every penny. I now see better than ever with 20/15 vision and still read and do most close work without glasses. I can drive at night with no problems. Friends and relatives that didn’t or couldn’t spend the extra money are not that happy.
Glad it worked for you. I know a few people that it didn’t, same with Lasik. One was done on my mother in law by a welfare doctor and a couple of others were done on people that I know always bargain shop and weren’t about to spend $4000 extra on something they could get almost free from insurance
I had no vision insurance and wasn’t on Medicare. I had to pay the full price per eye and it was worth every penny. Luckily I was aware of premium lenses and could afford the full price. I had to go to a different doctor since mine didn’t offer premium lenses. That was on of the best decisions of my life. I would borrow money to be able to get premium lenses if that were my only option. They are that much of a game changer for me. I have had Symfony lenses for several years and I can’t say enough good things about them. As long as I have good lighting I can read small print and see as well as I did when I was a child without any other glasses. I don’t use any reading glasses now.
@@12011954s I keep telling people this but with some money is everything. They will spend a fortune on tattoos but not any added expense for their eyes. I’m glad your eyes are working so well. The premium surcharge and the research of finding a competent doctor really paid off for me. More money always comes but you only get one chance on cataract surgery. As George Carlin said” Some Doctor graduated at the bottom of his class and someone has an appointment to see him in the morning.
Doctor Lee what's going on with the technology of this simple eye drop I saw 7 yrs ago to dissolve the cataract? I saw the video on RUclips like 7 yrs ago and they said it looked very promising using on dogs. Inside Science: Dissolving Cataracts with a Drop.
Are there any special considerations or complication associated with patients that have DRS in the eye? Doses the constant movement of the eye cause issues? Thank you.
So how does one see after having the first eye done before the second is done. I poked a lens out my glasses but did not get the results I expected. Seem like my original trifocals still gave the best results, both lenses. Putting in the eyedrops seems easy but not if you have not done it before, and its about $.75 a drop when you miss. Does not sound like much but when you have to buy another bottle for $125 for the other eye since you ran out on your second eye cuz you missed a few times.
Hi Michele could you talk about the new lens IC-8 which has just been introduced to the American market. How does it fare against Vivity. I believe they are both EDOF lenses. Also could you discuss if you know of any other lenses that may be introduced into the market within the next 18 months. Thank you.
Hello Dr. Michelle, I just have my cataract surgery with trifocal premium lens. It's almost two months now but my left eye is experiencing a little bit cloudy. Why is that?
Thanks for your question! It would be hard to answer this without knowing what your eye looks like. When you go for a cataract surgery consultation, your surgeon and/or their staff should discuss options with you, including recommended options, based on your goals for surgery and the health of your eye. Best of luck!
Glaucoma /premium lenses Thank you for the clear information. You talked at one stage about some premium lenses not being an optimum in case of glaucoma . April ‘25 I am scheduled for lens replacement in order to create more space inside my eyes by implanting a flat lens in stead of the natural more ball shaped lenses ; and by doing so structurally lowering my eye pressure rather than taking medicines Could you pls. indicate which type of premium lenses will likely be no option for me? Thank you in advance ! Peter
I had my left eye done the 29th of March and my right eye done April 10 with a toric lens, of course I’ve had dry eye for years that was pretty much under control until this surgery, OMG my vision is so blurry it’s scareing me, my doctor is saying that dry eye can cause this kind of blurriness but it’s giving me so much anxiety. I got the toric for distance and all I can make out is stuff arms length from me, everything else is so blurry. My question is does dry eye cause your vision to be this blurry, I’ve been checked already about 4 times because I’m always calling to see the doctor again, then since day one I’m seeing flickering lights in my peripheral vision, he says that’s normal too.. Please help ease my mind doctor..
Another great video. I had a single vision toric lens implanted in left eye my last year. When its time to replace my dominant right lens, would it be a problem to use a multifocal lens in order to get that closeup vision?
Hi! It really depends what is going on with your dominant eye. We usually try to achieve sharp distance vision with the dominant eye. You could talk to your eye doctor about possible options. Best of luck!
Hi Dr. Lee, are you familiar with the Juvene lenses? I know they have been used in a number of trials and give good vision at all ranges. Are they available to everyone yet? Could you do a video on them?
You should be fine, just let your surgeon know about your allergies. Most lenses are made out of acrylic, and they can guide your lens type and brand based on that information.
What happens if you don't have glaucoma when you're choosing your IOL, so you choose a glaucoma unfriendly premium lens, but you develop glaucoma years later?
Very informative, thank you. Is there a lens implant on the market that performs a similar correction as the Bausch & Lomb Ultra Multifocal for astigmatism? I have been wearing these since they came out and the correction is better than any multifocal or monovision solution I have tried. If such a product exists, how does it perform on dry eyes?
Have cataracts with only personal problem is starbursts from oncoming car lights at night. Have some central drusen and some map dot dystrophy causing opthamologist who does not do surgery to state cataract surgery may not provide as good a result as hoped for. I can read a computer screen now without corrective lenses and ophthalmologist said I could almost pass a driving test w/o lenses. Refraction: R sphere +0.75 Cyl -1.25 Axis 090. L Sphere +0.50 Cyl -1.25 Axis 080. What is % of night vision halos with multifocal IOL? My research shows high and my thoughts are they are not an option. Any thoughts? Thank You for an excellent overview.
Not a fan of the underlying assumption that everyone wants or seeks “freedom from spectacle dependence.” A recent study out of the UK reveals that majority of seniors have no problem with the idea of wearing glasses. Doctors should tube into this more rather than assume all patients think like them
Very well explained, thanks. Is a progressive iol available? Is it different from multi focal lens? Do progressive lenses also lead to glares and night driving difficulties?
Hi Dr Lee, I love your videos. I had a Crystalens AO put into my left eye probably 10 years ago or more for a traumatic cataract. It was never right. Z syndrome, basically, I only use that eye to read. Beyond reading distance everything is blurry. I have mono vision. Right eye is for distance. Now I have an age-related cataract in my right eye, it is getting bad. I want the Crystalens removed and a new lens put in before I address my right eye. Do people get both eyes done at the same time? Is it dangerous to remove a Crystalens? I can't risk another bad result with my only good eye. Your thoughts would be amazing.
@MicheleLeeMD Do you know if some lenses let in more light than other lenses? I have the panoptic multifocal and after 4 months of having surgery the brightness is still significant.
30 years post-op RK surgery. No medical records available. I currently wear contacts (vision returned to almost pre-RK status). What questions should I ask about different lenses? About the surgery? (8 RK incisions).
I am having cataract surgery next week and I opted for laser because I have some astigmatism. I also have very very high myopia and several doctors suggested femtolaster would be less traumatic on the eye and lower the risk of retinal detachment. Is that true?
Hi. I'm going to have cataract surgery in both eyes. I'm 50 years old and my cataracts is a result of prolonged steroid use (we believe). I'm on the fence about whether or not to get a premium lense, or if I should just do the standard lense. My vision is -1.75 and +2 for reading. It's a significant investment and I generally have good eyesight. My doctor says I have several years to reap the benefits but I also feel like the technology is pretty sophisticated and may be an overkill for me needs. Interested to hear any opinions. It would be about $6K for monofocal with astigmatism correction, for both eyes. Plus I'm unsure if my vision will change in the future. I know my vision is priceless and I'm happy to pay the money, but I also think there's no perfect solution and I generally don't have a problem with wearing glasses.
We can use it for all situations! I usually package the intraoperative abberometer with my premium lenses, but this is honestly helpful for every type of lens.
Can you address the issue of light sensitivity and glare and which lenses will be best to reduce this effect, don’t mind if I need to wear glasses afterward. Currently need 1 cataract fixed and wear bifocals.
Hi Dr.Lee, I was reading about a new type of lens. I believe it is called a juvene lens and is under development. Could you explain what the advantages of this lens might be?
Dr.Lee I’m 54 and had a retinal hemorage in my right eye a year ago. I had a successful surgery knowing that cataract surgery was imminent. I now am going to have a cataract consultation,I have astigmatism in both eyes . Can you tell me possible options and how surgery on only one eye will affect my overall vision
@@rhett7716 So my Dr. says I’m a canadiate for premium lens replacement which possibly will allow me to no longer need glasses or contacts .Surgery with the premium lens at the end of the month.
Imgetting my surgery in november and wondering which is better monofocal or multifocal and does everybody get halos with multifocal also they are using baush laumb should i get their newest iol
Excellent information. Wondering if you made a video on secondary cataracts. In other words after the initial cataract surgery the new implanted lense starts to cloud or a new cataract forms.
Dear @MicheleLeeMD , please would you be kind to please would you be kind to tell me what does mean model of IOL : Phaco + multifocal TORIC IOL / Synergy TORIC/; MODEL DFW100 ? I cannot find it anywhere 😔
If you value your close-in vision...i.e. seeing your watch, doing DIY work, seeing instruments or people inside your car, seeing your phone (texts, etc.)? Please DO NOT opt for the Toric Lens. Since October 2023 my Toric Lens from Johnson & Johnson has left me CRIPPLED. Yes...I can read a license plate at 2-blocks, However, this morning I fell down 8 concrete stairs, head-first, because I no longer have depth perception OR balance. I was shamed into paying $1700 extra for the Toric Lens with the medical staff making me feel like a "cheapskate" for not choosing the so- called "premium lens." The worst medical decision of my life.
Question: I have heard that the mono-vision choice may cause some problems when driver’s license renewal eye test. Any advice on how to avoid that barrier?
We don't know if it's worth it because the cost is like a mistery and nobody's will give you a straight answer. Oh but depends on how much correction you need! Like,whats the difference? A thousand millimeter in the lense?
Agree after multifocal $4000(doc,surgery center, anaitisiology) per eye they charge one $125 for eyedrops per eye. Like a car dealer tactic. Plus they get the Standard Medicare reimbursement.
Thanks for watching! I'll be filming a cataract Q&A next week so leave your cataract-related questions down below, and I'll do my best to include it. See you in the next video ❤
In 2023 or until now , which is the best best option lenses for senior who wearing bifocal glasses and using phone and driving car some times in nights, very appreciated for answering, love your clear knowledgeable videos
dr lee, seven years ago, one optamologists at university of california san diego, did a research to reverse the cataract by using eye drop. it is possible now to reverse cataract by using eye drop alone. russia is doing similar research about this too. have you read or learned something about this too? by the way, i am from san diego, ca. thank you.
I have extreme astigmatism in my left eye. I had a toric lens put in and I improved 20/800 to 20/30. Worth every penny.
Hi Doctor Lee. I just had cataract surgery, I opted for the basic lens. I see so much clearer now. I did not see spending over 2000 dollars just to not wear glasses. Keep up the great work Dr. Lee.
Thanks for your kind words ❤️
I wish I had watched videos before my cataract surg😢. The surgeon suggested I get Toric lenses which were 2300. Per lense. My goal was to be glasses free. I figured for a one time surgery it was worth it. Both the surgeon and my opth said( after) I may need readers. My opth gave me a sraot for distance "driving " and readers for close.Well that didn't work. I didn't realize how often I would need readers. I now felt I couldn't see near or far. I went back and he wrote a script for bifocals with cost an additional cost of almost 300 for noline. I am still waiting to get them I also hope I can see the whole spectrum like I used to with my glasses. I wish I hadn't gotten the premium lenses. My advice is to research and have a honest conversation with both Dr's and ask they be honest what they would be best for me. And sat you thought I would still need bifocals glasses. I am so disappointed and prey these bifocals do the trick. 😢 Such a let down. Aldo my eyes are very light sensitive and my.dr just brushed it off and said I had just had surgery, so...
😢not happy and stuck here now
@@suelewis689I want to get the best lens I can because surgery will already be like 30k so I’m waiting three months and paying $3000 per eye for premium and the best lens. I’m 19.
How sad
Very informative - one suggestion to make it even better than it already is: the video cutting/editing is causing the audio to overlap - recommend trying to leave a slightly bigger audio space so that audio from two different segments aren't "on top" of each other. otherwise - best I've seen to make this complex decision-making process - more understandable. Thanks - patient with several long-term eye problems - near-sighted/far-sighted, astigmatism, light sensitivity - and cataracts - - about to under go the procedure [and as a retired audio archivist, Library of Congress] I really need my eyes to continue my work.
Thank you Dr. Lee. I got a better understanding from your videos than I did with one visit to my eye doctor. I’ve decided to go for 2 more consults before proceeding with cataract surgery.
Best of luck with your consultation and surgeries!
very smart. I wish I had looked around. I just truste mt opthomoligist. Foolish me
Hubby had cataract surgery in 2015 after recovery from a detached retina. He chose to pay $3200 extra (beyond standard care of Medicare allowance) that included a toroid adjustable lens to help correct astigmatism & help to give varied focus without glasses. He had to do eye exercises to get the adjustable lens to perform. Thankfully it did. I'm sure there are many more lenses available now. He has been very happy & can work at the computer without wearing glasses. His other eye is super nearsighted (no cataract in it yet), so he uses that eye to see things up close. If he wants to drive, then he puts in one contact lens in his nearsighted eye. The lens inside his other eye after cataract surgery adjusts & he can drive using that one eye if need be. -- My sister & brother have both had cataract surgery & both were advised & opted to get just the standard lenses. My brother thus has to wear trifocal lenses. He's happy too. -- I'm hoping technology makes even more improvements to lenses by when it's my turn, as I plan to keep living to older age! -- I think my hubby had some top notch eye doctors! They saved his sight after the retinal detachment!
Thank you for that, Miss. May I ask; how is your husband's eye working now still, nine years later? Thx!
I had premium Cataract surgery including the toric lens and it went south. I am still wearing glasses and at night I see rings around lights. Though I had a slight astigmatism I never saw the rings! I am fighting the Provider for not clearly going over my options. And the fact I had to pay for it even though my insurance said they would because of a genetic syndrome I have. I only wish I saw you before going to have this done.
I'm so sorry to hear about your symptoms. I hope that your quality of vision improves ❤
I had surgery last year with the younger Dr. Tozer!
Best money I ever spent. I am 54 and no more reading glasses or contact lenses. My eyes started to fail in my early teen years.
We put lenses in that cost extra but, no more reading glasses and no longer need contact lenses. I am 20/15 now!
Thank you for sharing your experience with cataract surgery with Dr. Tozer :)
How much was the surgery?
hows yr distance vision?
I'd been wearing reading glasses over 15 years. Then about ten years ago I needed glasses for driving and intermediate vision. I'm now 58. So when I developed a cataract in my left eye, I chose to go with the premium multi-focal lens. I wanted to be independent of glasses so made the decision to also have the right eye done which did not have a cataract. It's now been one week since I had surgery on my right eye and two weeks for the left eye. I'm completely free of glasses. The one and only downside is the haze around lights which is more noticeable at night. For me it's an acceptable trade off. I'm an electrician and my work involves reading prints and performing detailed work plus loads of driving. I can't describe the freedom of being free of glasses. It was the best $7100 I'd ever spent.
Same for me. I had good vision until around age 50, and then I’d have to get out reading glasses to see anything close, and of course you can never find them when you need them.
@@u4riahsc Lol. So true. I had reading glasses all over my house and in my 3 vehicles. I also had the prescription glasses that I only wore while driving so that I could see the road and the dashboard.
Out of pocket?
@@lazluz It sure was. In Canada basic cataract surgery is covered for those who don't want to pay for the premium lens.
I had cataract surgery in both eyes in 2019. I wanted to get PanOptix IOLs but my doctor would not let me and insisted on the standard Tecnis monofocal lenses because I have a "lumpy" retina in my left eye. I wish more videos on this topic would discuss in more detail about eye conditions that make premium lenses not a viable option for many people.
That’s a great video idea. I’ll make that video in the future. Thanks for sharing your experience!
hi i too was not given the option of a multifocal in my riggt dominant eye. i had retina tears lazered and my doctor only saud my eye was not good enough for a premium iol he did use a toric lens thou
Absolutely worth it to me. Low level astigmatism (below CYL 1.0) may not need a toric lens. Just got my 2nd multifocal PanOptix 4 days ago and I can see how I'll make my money back before long just due to my own increased productivity.
Very simple ,but in depth! Do the math , research,options! Trouble for us seniors the best available options on Medicare and you only have one set of eyes! The price of vision! Thank you for your public health service and years of knowledge/ experience!
Great topic. Speaking specifically on the latest trifocal premium IOL's, the first rule is that they should not even be considered in any other preexisting ocular disease where there is potential for added aberrations which will be compounded after implantation and near impossible to resolve thereafter without explanting them. Post premium IOL LASIK theoretically sounds good, but practically it is a thumb suck and should not be discussed as rescue except in extreme cases.
Trifocals do indeed achieve very specific quantitative visual targets very well but it comes at the sacrifice of qualitative visual traits that we may take for granted in our daily lives. Contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness, motion blur etc important only for flat screen TVs and photographic recapturing of the moment now become tested in reality and all of a sudden the patient becomes shocked on its importance which is tested to the maximum.
It must be understood that trifocal lenses are actually a compromise in overall visual functioning reserved only for those who are the business of being correction free. This must be explained fully from the start with the "How badly do you want it" tone.
Ophthalmologists must not fall into the marketing hype of the brand which promises vision beyond the patients dreams and saddles the ophthalmologist with the burden of broken promises.
Just as you can have cataracts which impair your sight but you do not notice it because you have lived with it for so long, so too do the manufacturers of these lenses rely on you getting used to poor eyesight after 9 months for a poor performing lens. They then attribute your surrender to the lens to "Neuroadaptation" which is akin to using touch and sound to get around - you may navigate better but it does mean you have better vision. The reality is that they work spectacularly well for a very small percentage of cataract patients which if applied correctly would not be feasible to manufacture the lenses.
It is also unfortunate that in the USA lens selection is limited by the FDA and the generation of premium trifocals available to you are outdated and not really used in other countries.
If you are serious about your sight, consider researching lenses like the Hoya Gemetric and if it sounds good consider a medical holiday to get the sight you deserve.
Another excellent video. Thank you. Dr. Lee, some things have changed since I was a kid. For example that black device behind you that's now used to cover the eye during the eye chart test. I understand why you have patients cover 1 eye at a time, but the shutter with the holes in it, what is that testing? Also, they used to do left, right, then both eyes. The both eyes test does not seem to be done any more (with at least 4 ophthalmologists I've been to in the past 10 years). Since many of your patients are older, it might be of interest to explain how/why things have changed over the past 60+ years. Just a thought. Regards.
Blind in one eye for 50 years (trauma), diabetic, and cataract presently forming in the other eye, with astigmatism. I INSIST on glasses for their protective shielding from foreign objects! Additionally, having enjoyed 20/12 correction for all these many years, I am loathe to surrender or risk a bit of it. Vision is more than precious to me. Though I will never see it and can only visualize it in part, my wife and I enjoy stereo (3D) photography, and we have no problem spending whatever it takes to obtain a sharper image. We are partners in this, as she is experiencing macular degeneration.
Vision is a miracle, a gift beyond price. I tell my avuncular family members it is worth more than their lives to me. Yes.
It's nice to see you are back posting another great video! Good stuff. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! I'll try to post videos regularly :)
Could you do a follow-up on possible downside risk of premium lenses besides insufficient correction of astigmatism and higher cost? For example the "rings of light" mentioned above.
Hi! Yes I can definitely address that. I touch on this a bit on my other lens videos (linked down below)
@@MicheleLeeMD Thanks. That would be helpful. I see some people considering premium lenses from a perspective "Are they worth the higher cost?" and not aware that there are pros and cons for each type of lens. I don't think that it's a one-way street, that premium is always better than basic (just costs more).
Hello Dr Lee, I had LAL surgery in both eyes in Jan 2024. I am scheduled for my 2nd adjustment in a couple of days. My goal is to never need glasses except for in extreme "up close" fine print situations. My understanding is that this is achieved thru monovision, (one is set for near to mid and the other is set for mid to far). What I was NOT told was that not everyone is well suited to monovision. I guess it all depends on how your brain processes the information sent by your eyes. Fortunately for me it has been successful and I am happy with the results. I would caution people that are considering a goal of monovision through lens replacement to make sure that they are good candidates for it. Your brain must be able to naturally choose the eye which is sending the clearest image. This is just my observation as a patient and I'd be happy to be educated further.
I've had monovision naturally most of my life. My distance eye is much worse now & both eyes have cateracts. I'd like to find a dr skilled in blended vision but so far Im hearing light-adjustable is the only way they'll do that. It's hard when these lenses are $5,000 each.
Not a big fan of Multifocal implant options. I got a lot of complaints from my patients because they don't provide clear vision. The vision also fluctuates a lot throughout the day. As for the toric, if you need it, then it might be worth it to get it as long as your surgeon put it correctly.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree that not every patient does well with a multifocal, but it is an option for those who really hate wearing reading glasses, as long as there is an understanding of the possible pitfalls.
Do your patients have complaints about the light adjusted lens? Thanks.
Thank you for validating that they do not always have a good outcome.
Unfortunately, I need to have my tri focal implants replaced , as they have blurred my vision terribly!
I looked into the multi focal lenses. They are not without there problems. I just did the long distance single focus and use reading glasses now. It’s really no big deal. No complaints.
I thought I wanted multifocal lens but my Dr. educated me that the multifocal were like camera lens, what you look at is clear but surrounding things will be blurry just like using a camera. I got Symfony lens and everything is clear. Best decision ever.
Hey Doc, I got RxSight lenses and I'm pretty happy with them, with the post op UV adjustments I got to 20/15 for distance, which is mind blowing. I would say that these are not for everyone, just because of the extra expense and hassle of several weeks of UV treatments (eyes dilated on every visit) and having to wear the UV blocking glasses during that period. But for some folks who are really keen to dial in their distance vision as much as possible, definitely a good choice. I'm using light readers (1.25 or 1.5) for computer work and reading, which I don't mind. [Edit] I might actually be able to get by with 1.0 readers, I just haven't found them locally yet, I need to order a pair from Amazon to try them out.
Thanks for sharing your experience with LAL lenses!
hi Jim ive had a toric alcon lens put in my dominant eye and i have slightly better than 20/20 but now have to wear sunglasses as im super sensitive to bright light.
@@rhett7716 I think this is a general thing, after you replace your clouded lenses with new clear ones, a lot more light is getting in than was before.
@@jimfoye1055 hi Jim thanks for your reply.
I have also developed dry eye bletharitus ? Post op and apparently this can highten brightness sensitivity. Trying yo work out what to do re shortsighted left eye -8.5
Whether to go monovision or not
Some people won’t part with the money no mater what
Upcoming cat surgery,enjoy you very informative videos,thanks for your dedication to help people!!
Yes, it worth it, I have restor multifocal toric iol in my right eye and panoptix multifocal toric iol in my left eye, my distance vision is about 20/20 (about 100%) and my near vision is J1+ (120%)
Thanks for sharing your experience!
And I have had cataract surgery in both eyes. Distance only correction and ended up with more astigmatism than before surgery
I’m an optician and my experience is there are some cases where it’s worth the money but the majority are coming back to me for glasses
Thank you so much Dr. Lee. This information is really important to me.
Hello I had refractive eye surgery for my astigmatism about 20 years ago. Then in my late 30s helped my vision and didn’t need to wear glasses. Now I’m in early 60s and have cataracts. Is there anything I need to worry about now?
Enjoy your informative video tutorials
I got premium adjustable implants after I went blind in one eye. It cost $2000 extra per eye over my insurance and worth every penny. I now see better than ever with 20/15 vision and still read and do most close work without glasses. I can drive at night with no problems. Friends and relatives that didn’t or couldn’t spend the extra money are not that happy.
I love my AOL eyes! In my 70s, I do not need glasses for anything, well I do use sun glasses.
Glad it worked for you. I know a few people that it didn’t, same with Lasik. One was done on my mother in law by a welfare doctor and a couple of others were done on people that I know always bargain shop and weren’t about to spend $4000 extra on something they could get almost free from insurance
I had no vision insurance and wasn’t on Medicare. I had to pay the full price per eye and it was worth every penny. Luckily I was aware of premium lenses and could afford the full price. I had to go to a different doctor since mine didn’t offer premium lenses. That was on of the best decisions of my life. I would borrow money to be able to get premium lenses if that were my only option. They are that much of a game changer for me. I have had Symfony lenses for several years and I can’t say enough good things about them. As long as I have good lighting I can read small print and see as well as I did when I was a child without any other glasses. I don’t use any reading glasses now.
@@12011954s I keep telling people this but with some money is everything. They will spend a fortune on tattoos but not any added expense for their eyes. I’m glad your eyes are working so well. The premium surcharge and the research of finding a competent doctor really paid off for me. More money always comes but you only get one chance on cataract surgery. As George Carlin said” Some Doctor graduated at the bottom of his class and someone has an appointment to see him in the morning.
Doctor Lee what's going on with the technology of this simple eye drop I saw 7 yrs ago to dissolve the cataract? I saw the video on RUclips like 7 yrs ago and they said it looked very promising using on dogs.
Inside Science: Dissolving Cataracts with a Drop.
Are there any special considerations or complication associated with patients that have DRS in the eye? Doses the constant movement of the eye cause issues? Thank you.
So how does one see after having the first eye done before the second is done. I poked a lens out my glasses but did not get the results I expected. Seem like my original trifocals still gave the best results, both lenses.
Putting in the eyedrops seems easy but not if you have not done it before, and its about $.75 a drop when you miss. Does not sound like much but when you have to buy another bottle for $125 for the other eye since you ran out on your second eye cuz you missed a few times.
Hi Michele could you talk about the new lens IC-8 which has just been introduced to the American market. How does it fare against Vivity. I believe they are both EDOF lenses. Also could you discuss if you know of any other lenses that may be introduced into the market within the next 18 months. Thank you.
Hello Dr. Michelle, I just have my cataract surgery with trifocal premium lens. It's almost two months now but my left eye is experiencing a little bit cloudy. Why is that?
What is best for lightning strike in the eye and blurry close vision for a 71 year old person and wearing glasses for distance also?
Thanks for your question! It would be hard to answer this without knowing what your eye looks like. When you go for a cataract surgery consultation, your surgeon and/or their staff should discuss options with you, including recommended options, based on your goals for surgery and the health of your eye. Best of luck!
Great video. How much astigmatism is required for a Toric lens?
Glaucoma /premium lenses
Thank you for the clear information.
You talked at one stage about some premium lenses not being an optimum in case of glaucoma .
April ‘25 I am scheduled for lens replacement
in order to create more space inside my eyes by implanting a flat lens in stead of the natural more ball shaped lenses ; and by doing so structurally lowering my eye pressure rather than taking medicines
Could you pls. indicate which type of premium lenses will likely be no option for me?
Thank you in advance !
Peter
I had my left eye done the 29th of March and my right eye done April 10 with a toric lens, of course I’ve had dry eye for years that was pretty much under control until this surgery, OMG my vision is so blurry it’s scareing me, my doctor is saying that dry eye can cause this kind of blurriness but it’s giving me so much anxiety. I got the toric for distance and all I can make out is stuff arms length from me, everything else is so blurry. My question is does dry eye cause your vision to be this blurry, I’ve been checked already about 4 times because I’m always calling to see the doctor again, then since day one I’m seeing flickering lights in my peripheral vision, he says that’s normal too.. Please help ease my mind doctor..
are you better now?
Another great video.
I had a single vision toric lens implanted in left eye my last year. When its time to replace my dominant right lens, would it be a problem to use a multifocal lens in order to get that closeup vision?
Hi! It really depends what is going on with your dominant eye. We usually try to achieve sharp distance vision with the dominant eye. You could talk to your eye doctor about possible options. Best of luck!
@@MicheleLeeMD Thankyou Dr. Lee. Will do when the time comes, thought there might be a simple answer. Looking forward to your upcoming QandA vid.
Hi Dr. Lee, are you familiar with the Juvene lenses? I know they have been used in a number of trials and give good vision at all ranges. Are they available to everyone yet? Could you do a video on them?
dr lee, i am allergic to sillicon rubber, can still use premium lenses for cataract lens replacement? please reply to my question. thank you.
You should be fine, just let your surgeon know about your allergies. Most lenses are made out of acrylic, and they can guide your lens type and brand based on that information.
@@MicheleLeeMD tks for replying promptly.
What happens if you don't have glaucoma when you're choosing your IOL, so you choose a glaucoma unfriendly premium lens, but you develop glaucoma years later?
Very informative, thank you. Is there a lens implant on the market that performs a similar correction as the Bausch & Lomb Ultra Multifocal for astigmatism? I have been wearing these since they came out and the correction is better than any multifocal or monovision solution I have tried. If such a product exists, how does it perform on dry eyes?
hi joe i had an alcon toric iol in my dominant eye and its range is pretty good
@@rhett7716 Thanks for the real-time feedback. Much appreciated 🙏
I am 82 years old and have dry AMD and medium level astigmatism. Would premium Toric lenses be beneficial for me?
As i am waiting for my doc and consult thanks for the info...
Are there glasses you can wear that work well to counteract glare and halos while driving at night with multifocal lenses?
Is standard lens the same as a monofocal lens???
Yes, a standard lens is a monofocal lens. Thanks for your question!
Have cataracts with only personal problem is starbursts from oncoming car lights at night. Have some central drusen and some map dot dystrophy causing opthamologist who does not do surgery to state cataract surgery may not provide as good a result as hoped for. I can read a computer screen now without corrective lenses and ophthalmologist said I could almost pass a driving test w/o lenses. Refraction: R sphere +0.75 Cyl -1.25 Axis 090. L Sphere +0.50 Cyl -1.25 Axis 080.
What is % of night vision halos with multifocal IOL? My research shows high and my thoughts are they are not an option. Any thoughts? Thank You for an excellent overview.
Not a fan of the underlying assumption that everyone wants or seeks “freedom from spectacle dependence.”
A recent study out of the UK reveals that majority of seniors have no problem with the idea of wearing glasses. Doctors should tube into this more rather than assume all patients think like them
Yes!
Very well explained, thanks. Is a progressive iol available? Is it different from multi focal lens? Do progressive lenses also lead to glares and night driving difficulties?
Hi Dr Lee, I love your videos. I had a Crystalens AO put into my left eye probably 10 years ago or more for a traumatic cataract. It was never right. Z syndrome, basically, I only use that eye to read. Beyond reading distance everything is blurry. I have mono vision. Right eye is for distance. Now I have an age-related cataract in my right eye, it is getting bad. I want the Crystalens removed and a new lens put in before I address my right eye. Do people get both eyes done at the same time? Is it dangerous to remove a Crystalens? I can't risk another bad result with my only good eye. Your thoughts would be amazing.
is Lucidis edof ioL better than vivity edof ?..or is Lucidis more advanced new technology than vivity?
Tks Dr for doing these videos. I wasn't clear for the LALs are they good for correcting an astigmatism of 1.5? If not can they still be used?
Yes, the LAL can correct up to 2 diopters of astigmatism. Thanks for asking!
@MicheleLeeMD
Do you know if some lenses let in more light than other lenses?
I have the panoptic multifocal and after 4 months of having surgery the brightness is still significant.
30 years post-op RK surgery. No medical records available.
I currently wear contacts (vision returned to almost pre-RK status). What questions should I ask about different lenses? About the surgery? (8 RK incisions).
someone has scars in the eyes can use premium lenses?
I am having cataract surgery next week and I opted for laser because I have some astigmatism. I also have very very high myopia and several doctors suggested femtolaster would be less traumatic on the eye and lower the risk of retinal detachment. Is that true?
Hi. I'm going to have cataract surgery in both eyes. I'm 50 years old and my cataracts is a result of prolonged steroid use (we believe). I'm on the fence about whether or not to get a premium lense, or if I should just do the standard lense. My vision is -1.75 and +2 for reading. It's a significant investment and I generally have good eyesight. My doctor says I have several years to reap the benefits but I also feel like the technology is pretty sophisticated and may be an overkill for me needs. Interested to hear any opinions. It would be about $6K for monofocal with astigmatism correction, for both eyes. Plus I'm unsure if my vision will change in the future. I know my vision is priceless and I'm happy to pay the money, but I also think there's no perfect solution and I generally don't have a problem with wearing glasses.
Would using intraoperative abberometer help to install a multifocal lens, or is it the case that this abberometer is used only for monofocal lenses?
We can use it for all situations! I usually package the intraoperative abberometer with my premium lenses, but this is honestly helpful for every type of lens.
@@MicheleLeeMD Thank you so much for your helpful response!
Great video!
Thanks Jason!
Can you address the issue of light sensitivity and glare and which lenses will be best to reduce this effect, don’t mind if I need to wear glasses afterward. Currently need 1 cataract fixed and wear bifocals.
Hi Dr.Lee, I was reading about a new type of lens. I believe it is called a juvene lens and is under development. Could you explain what the advantages of this lens might be?
Hugh volume optical with 20 years experience
Dr.Lee I’m 54 and had a retinal hemorage in my right eye a year ago. I had a successful surgery knowing that cataract surgery was imminent. I now am going to have a cataract consultation,I have astigmatism in both eyes . Can you tell me possible options and how surgery on only one eye will affect my overall vision
hi Kent any more progress on this situation?
@@rhett7716 So my Dr. says I’m a canadiate for premium lens replacement which possibly will allow me to no longer need glasses or contacts .Surgery with the premium lens at the end of the month.
Hi. Can one use multi-focal lense if one also has astigmatism?
Great info
Imgetting my surgery in november and wondering which is better monofocal or multifocal and does everybody get halos with multifocal also they are using baush laumb should i get their newest iol
Excellent information. Wondering if you made a video on secondary cataracts. In other words after the initial cataract surgery the new implanted lense starts to cloud or a new cataract forms.
Dear @MicheleLeeMD , please would you be kind to please would you be kind to tell me what does mean model of IOL : Phaco + multifocal TORIC IOL / Synergy TORIC/; MODEL DFW100 ? I cannot find it anywhere 😔
If you value your close-in vision...i.e. seeing your watch, doing DIY work, seeing instruments or people inside your car, seeing your phone (texts, etc.)? Please DO NOT opt for the Toric Lens. Since October 2023 my Toric Lens from Johnson & Johnson has left me CRIPPLED. Yes...I can read a license plate at 2-blocks, However, this morning I fell down 8 concrete stairs, head-first, because I no longer have depth perception OR balance. I was shamed into paying $1700 extra for the Toric Lens with the medical staff making me feel like a "cheapskate" for not choosing the so- called "premium lens." The worst medical decision of my life.
Question: I have heard that the mono-vision choice may cause some problems when driver’s license renewal eye test. Any advice on how to avoid that barrier?
Go to your eye doctor and they will fill out the form for you as long as one of your eyes see 20/40 or better.
Yes I agree! We fill these forms out all the time. Many people can drive safely & legally wiht monovision
We don't know if it's worth it because the cost is like a mistery and nobody's will give you a straight answer. Oh but depends on how much correction you need! Like,whats the difference? A thousand millimeter in the lense?
There should only be "premium" eye care. Thank Supply Side Economics and the Powell Memo for fucked medical care.
Imagine if we had a president who could THINK this clearly ... let alone, speak this clearly,
Medicare and insurance companies do not cover cost of premium lenses.
This sounds like a car dealer and all those profit making add on sales. I now know where I won't go.
Agree after multifocal $4000(doc,surgery center, anaitisiology) per eye they charge one $125 for eyedrops per eye. Like a car dealer tactic. Plus they get the Standard Medicare reimbursement.