Eye Lens Replacement | GTAMotorcycle.com

Eye Lens Replacement

LBV

LBV

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So last autumn I met someone (around my age) who had both her eye lenses replaced and could now see perfectly and ever since then it's been on my mind as a quality of life thing to do. My close-up vision is deteriorating so it's got me thinking more about it.

Anyone on here do it and can comment?

It seems like it's the same procedure as cataract surgery so I'd think the results of that would be the same.

I was going to resurrect the laser eye thread but figured I'd start a new one just on this topic. The lens is a tri-focal type that allows you to see from close-up to midway to far off. I assume I'd have 20/20 in all 3 scenarios but will ask at my consultation next Wed ... actually, will reach out to the person I know too.

Background info: in my mid-50's and got Lasik done back in 2005 and no history of cataracts in the family.

Thanks all.
 
This isn't laser like I got back in 2005 - this is a lens replacement where your natural lens is replaced with a permanent tri-focal contact lens if you will.
 
@LBV I had the cataract surgery. I should have done the trifocal/ progressive lens.
If there is a possibility, I would see if you can have a trifocal contact lens made and see how you like it.

That being said, not needing cataract surgery, I'm not sure if I would do the surgery.

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Dad had cataract surgery years ago and it fixed his vision for several years. He's back to needing cheaters now.
 
Joe Bass said:
@LBV I had the cataract surgery. I should have done the trifocal/ progressive lens.
If there is a possibility, I would see if you can have a trifocal contact lens made and see how you like it.

That being said, not needing cataract surgery, I'm not sure if I would do the surgery.

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I've tried contact lenses in the past and always hated them but just for the sake of seeing with them on (ignoring the irritability they gave me) that's a good suggestion. I'll have to ask.
 
Baggsy said:
Dad had cataract surgery years ago and it fixed his vision for several years. He's back to needing cheaters now.
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What do they replace your natural lens with when they do cataract surgery?
 
LBV said:
What do they replace your natural lens with when they do cataract surgery?
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They insert a lens like a contact lens.

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LBV said:
What do they replace your natural lens with when they do cataract surgery?
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No idea. The topic kind of grosses me out.
 
Baggsy said:
No idea. The topic kind of grosses me out.
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Anything to do with eyeballs is faux pas for me. I’ll go up to my elbow in someone’s guts but if it’s eyeball related I’ll run away screaming like @Lightcycle
 
I had multi-focal lens replacements in both eyes about three years ago due to cataracts. I'm very pleased with the results as I no longer require glasses which to me is a great benefit for riding and helmet wearing. BUT personally, I would never have had it done if I hadn't needed cataract surgery anyway and that satisfied my risk threshold. There are other issues as well, particularly driving at night where oncoming headlights and other lighting create a bright star-like effect. If you're a rider your surgeon may not even do the surgery for you based on this alone. My vision also deteriorated over the last year or so and I had to go in for a laser treatment to remove cloudiness on the lens which is common as your body reacts to the replacement lens. Finally, it will not produce perfect results for everyone and you may still need glasses afterwards. Your eyes are one of your most important assets so if you decide to do it, don't skimp and get it done by the best. I won't recommend anyone or comment further since in my opinion, it's a very personal decision.
 
I just had that surgery on my left eye. I had a cataract and the lens was replaced. The doctor performs a battery of tests on the eye with sophisticated equipment to design the perfect lens. There are several lens options to choose from :
- simple mono-focal lens covered by OHIP. This option is a bad choice.
- bi-focal lens that allows for close up or distance, extra cost. You may still need glasses.
- continuous focal lens is most natural, super expensive

If you have a cataract, you can also choose to have a cataract broken up manually or with laser at extra cost. If you don't have a cataract, then you don't need this step.

The procedure is out patient and takes about 10 minutes for the laser to break up the cataract and 15 minutes for the lens replacement. You are fully awake for the entire procedure but you have slight anaesthetic during the surgery. I have to say, the psychedelic kaleidoscopic light show you experience while they replace the lens is the best you can have without dropping acid. And you are just comfortable enough not to care that all this machinery and instruments are messing around in your eye. It's totally weird to see the tiny tools manipulate the lens while you just lie there. After surgery, there is a 4 week recovery but you can use your eyes almost immediately after surgery.

I'd recommend spending that extra coin on the continuous focal lens. You won't regret it but it will hit your wallet at about $3000 per eye. I'd also recommend getting one eye at a time done because there will most likely be follow up laser treatment several months to 5 years after the surgery. This is because the sack into which the lens is placed will most likely cloud over and need to be cleared up. This is factored into the cost of the surgery so you don't pay extra. My eye has this problem already and I'll need this extra treatment in about 4-6 months from now.
 
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Excellent review @robmack and yes, it's about $6k+ for both eyes.
 
That was the cost for my eyes but then it just occurs to me that I had the laser work for the cataract so you can drop about $1500 - $2000 from that $6K price. It would probably be closer to $4K-$4.5K for both if you don't have cataracts.
 
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robmack said:
The procedure is out patient and takes about 10 minutes for the laser to break up the cataract and 15 minutes for the lens replacement. You are fully awake for the entire procedure but you have slight anaesthetic during the surgery. I have to say, the psychedelic kaleidoscopic light show you experience while they replace the lens is the best you can have without dropping acid. And you are just comfortable enough not to care that all this machinery and instruments are messing around in your eye. It's totally weird to see the tiny tools manipulate the lens while you just lie there. After surgery, there is a 4 week recovery but you can use your eyes almost immediately after surgery.
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just reading this is making me :sick:
 
Spoke to the person who had it done and she'd do it all over again. She herself worked with someone who recommended it to her. Outside of eye drops she says she put in twice a day, it's been life altering for her.

My appt is on Wed so will see. They may make the decision for me.
 
Had a chat with the optometrist again about laser. Said not to bother because in 5 years I’ll need glasses anyway :( and I’m only 40.

as for this lens surgery. Interesting stuff. Never heard of it until now.

good luck OP let us know how it goes.
 
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