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Andy Z

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Due to cataracts and astigmatism, Dr recommends toric intraocular replacement lens. There are a couple options, surgery done with scalpel by hand or by laser. The other decision, toric or toric with extended depth of field. I am told that I would still need readers. Anyone gone either route? Happy with outcome? Enjoy shooting trap, skeet, and some handgun. The more advanced options keep raising the price. Dream gun, K-80 trap combo is getting pushed out a little farther.
I am leaning towards the toric edof with laser. Thanks, Andy Z.
 
#3 ·
Got the cataracts done by laser. Chose the distance vision option which made a big difference even though I still need glasses to read up close. Got bifocals with the bottom half for reading and the top without any prescription for shooting (acting as safety glasses). Another benefit is I no longer need glasses for driving and that requirement has been removed from by driver's licence. Best of luck with what ever option you choose!
 
#4 ·
I took the same route as senorric and it has worked out well. The procedures were a piece of cake and the laser is a superior tool compared to the human hand.
 
#5 ·
Had mine done last Sept and Oct, didn't like reviews or extra cost of toric or multifocal lens. I have astigmatism both eyes. Went with distance only in both eyes. I could shoot ok but left eye had some other issues, can drive with no problems but still need readers. I did get inserts for shooters and with the astigmatism adjustment see perfect when shooting. I had the scalpel method and everything turned out good, I think. Good luck with your choices.
 
#9 ·
JFinch…….sameo for me. Very happy and I still wear glasses (trifocals) for computer work, close up stuff and for the protection as I’m not the most graceful guy. Surgeon said my visual acuity was still good thus Medicare wouldn’t cover the operation but then when I mentioned the glare especially at night when trying to drive….bingo. All fell in place. Best medical procedure I’ve had done.

Ernie
 
#10 ·
A fellow trapshooter and good friend had the expensive multifocal IOLs put in and was very disappointed in the results. Based on his experience I opted for the distance only lenses and I am very happy. I still wear bifocals because of astigmatism but not a problem since I have worn glasses from age 15.
 
#12 ·
I agree with griz above. Toric reviews not great and expensive.

Went with distance and small rx for astigmatism. Have to wear glasses anyway to shoot, so no big deal.

I buy 5 pairs of readers from Amazon for $20 bucks and put a pair everywhere needed.

Best thing I ever had done. Like giving you your youth back.

Shoot well.
 
#13 ·
mallard2 said:
I agree with griz above. Toric reviews not great and expensive.

Went with distance and small rx for astigmatism. Have to wear glasses anyway to shoot, so no big deal.

I buy 5 pairs of readers from Amazon for $20 bucks and put a pair everywhere needed.

Best thing I ever had done. Like giving you your youth back.

Shoot well.
Click to expand...
How well can you see sights on a pistol with that method ?

I'll be in the need soon to have something done but my astigmatism is so bad the Doc said I need new lenses sewed on my corneas after they remove the cataract and I'll still need a light Rx for glasses, not readers. mine are +.425 and thats a boatload of astigmatism
 
#14 ·
I had the old fashioned cataract surgery during which a slit is made in the side of the cornea through which the cloudy lens is removed and a new lens is implanted. My eyes were done about 8 years apart. I opted for distance vision in both eyes as I did not like the number of negative reviews I saw for multi-focal lenses. At my age then (about 50) I already needed readers so having distance correction in both eyes seemed the right choice. Between the two cataract surgeries I had lasik on both eyes which gave me 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other with my astigmatism corrected. Here's the kicker.

I recently noticed that my right (shooting) eye vision was less acute than my left eye. A trip to my local opthalmologist and optometrist reveals that I now suffer from asymetric astigmatism. They tell me this is a fairly common occurence years after lasik because the cornea starts to bulge out in random ways. So now I am awaiting a hard contact lens for my right eye to correct this condition.

The bottom line for me is, I think, that the KISS principle works better for eye surgery given the current state of the art.

FWIW,
 
#15 ·
K-GUNS said:
How well can you see sights on a pistol with that method ?

I'll be in the need soon to have something done but my astigmatism is so bad the Doc said I need new lenses sewed on my corneas after they remove the cataract and I'll still need a light Rx for glasses, not readers. mine are +.425 and thats a boatload of astigmatism
Click to expand...
At arm's length, a pistol is fine. Sounds like you may need more than I did. My astigmatism was slight.

After you have it done, you will be amazed at the difference.
 
#16 ·
I had conflicting advice from two different ophthalmologists. One said have toric lenses implanted in both eyes, the other recommended distance only and use glasses to correct the astigmatism, and for reading. He also suggested having only one eye done at this time. That doctor was from Mayo and I went with his advice. I now use Ranger glasses with a prescription, and it works fine. Part of the reason was I would still need shooting glasses for eye protection whether I had toric lenses or not, and he felt that not only would I save money, I would probably get better results. The procedure was done by laser and there was nothing to it. I am happy with the results.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I had cataract surgery in 1977 and 1979. I was too young for implants so I need contacts. Over the years I’ve tried them all and I’m most comfortable with single-vision gas permeable lenses (hard) for distance and reading glasses. My vision still tests out at 20/20.
Any contacts or spectacles with multiple focus lenses drive me nuts.
The gas perm lenses last a long time. My current set is well over ten years old.
I have often wished I was able to get the implants but I remain satisfied with the contacts plus a box of readers.
 
#18 ·
My Toric lens has worked out quite well. My Dr was not a fan of the multifocal IOLs. I went with distance only. I'm left eye dominant so I had the left eye lens set a little weaker than 20:20, so I can read with it. It's interesting because after about a year, my right eye will become dominant when I am a little tired, or have a beer . I am a one eyed shooter, If you use two eyes, I'd suggest going for the best distance vision possible in both eyes and going with readers.
 
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