Reading vision after lens implant/laser surgery? (bifocal lenses)?

Question

I'm thinking of getting a lens implant for myopia but am wondering if this will cause reading problems?

Will I need reading glasses earlier?
Can I still use bifocal lenses if needed?
Is there a maximum difference between the two powers of the bifocal lenses which is possible?
Can you get bifocal lenses for example with a +2 part for reading?

thanks!

Answer 1

Note that a lens replacement disables any accommodation capability you may have had. (Accommodation being the ability to focus at varying distances.) However, some replacement lenses minimize the drawbacks of accommodation loss (see ref. 1). There is hope that an accommodatable lens may be developed someday (see ref. 2) but it isn't clear to me how the connection would be made between the lens and the eye muscles that deform it in the accommodation process.
So, currently, if your replacement lens corrects your eye(s) to focus at infinity you may need reading glasses right away, depending on the lens type you have implanted (ref 1). You should be able to use bifocals but may not need them. You should consult with a lens replacement expert. Some recommend getting corrected to some intermediate point between way too close and infinity -- something like 1/2 meter or thereabouts. Then you can read and compute comfortably and only need a -2 diopter lens (i.e., not a very strong one) to obtain good distance vision. Another option is to correct one eye for distance and the other for intermediate distance. I'd think that would take some getting used to.
I'm facing the same choice (due to cataracts and myopia) and am wondering what would be the best strategy. One benefit of correcting both eyes to infinity is that you would only need cheap nonprescription reading glasses for closer distances, especially if you have no astigmatism or the replacement lens can correct it.
I am interested to see what other answers to your question come up. You can also search the web; try "intraocular lens replacement" to avoid all the sites dealing with replacement contacts.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

DT you are bound and determined to know my age ..LOL But yes been wearing glasses since i was 10( oh me what an age to start anything) And now I have to have bi's too. My eyes are extremely sensitive to the sun and wear some clip-ons. Cant wear contacts, as i have tried them 2 times. Putting them in wasnt the prob. or taking them out.. I have dry eyes. So that's me and my eye problems. At least I can see and not blind which I am greatful.Oh and I have impressive brown eyes..