lklebauskas wrote:
> Thanks for your quick response. I don't think toric lenses were
> mentioned to me (admittedly I was a little over-whelmed during the
> initial consultation and after all those tests). What is the
> perceived advantage?

I think they correct astigmatism, where the regular lenses do not. I
gather they are similar to toric contact lenses, but since I don't have
much astigmatism, I know nothing about them.

> Lens exchange was mentioned during a consultation, and that sounded
> good as it would prevent future cataract surgery. However the Dr.
> did not see that as a viable option right now. And I'm hoping to
> have the least invasive surgery possible!

Lens exchange seems scary to me, especially since I know someone who
didn't have success with that surgery. Stuffing an extra lens in there
seems pretty clear-cut to me. But putting in a brand new lens, and
still having it able to work the same seems impossible. I'm surprised
anyone who gets that surgery can still focus!

I suspect you've probably got 20 years before you're going to experience
cataracts. Personally, I wouldn't do lens exchange, yet. My doctor
says I'll probably get a lens exchange some day, but not for quite a while.

"Will I die with these things in?"
"Oh, no. Eventually, you'll get cataracts, and we'll pull all the
lenses out and replace them with a single implant."

The Visian (and maybe the Verisyse) lens is made with a UV protectant,
which might actually prevent cataracts. On the other hand, I get the
impression that if the lens touches your natural lens, it will CAUSE an
immediate cataract.

> I can't believe I'm even considering this as only a month ago I never
> even knew it was an option. It sounds too good to be true.
> Especially since my vision is so bad. From what I've quickly read
> today it doesn't sound like anybody wishes they hadn't done it.

For me, it WAS a dream come true. It HAS been too good to be true. I
only hope everybody else has the same great experience. I'm actually
quite crushed that there are people on this list who are even the
slightest bit unhappy with their lenses -- I have a really tough time
fathoming it.

I have to try really hard not to get all jingoistic about it. It might
not work for you. You might have complications. You might go blind!
But for me, at least, the odds sounded good, and the outcome has been
amazing.

> Thanks for forming this list.... it makes it much easier to consider
> this surgery knowing what others have experienced.

A thanks goes out to Ken and the other people who contacted me before
the list was set up. They convinced me to open up our isolated
conversations to a wider audience.