Cataract surgery

[michaelmiami656]

I had cataract surgery on left eye due to a traumatic cataract. I am very myopic. The cataract surgeon suggested prior surgery to go plano in the left eye in order to correct myopia. I was more leaning in leaving the eye somewhat myopic, because the other eye has only a very small cataract and I didn't know when the cataract surgery on that eye would happen. He (surgeon) told me that I could wear a contact lens in the other eye and most likely the other eye would develop a more stronger cataract since there is a moderate cataract present now. Now I went to see him for the 6 months follow up visit. It turned out that I dont get accustomed to the contact lens and now I have one eye plano (left eye) and the other one -10 ( right) myopic. He told me that he wont do surgery for cataract on the right eye becuase cataract is too small and there could be many years before it get worse. Now I am left feeling bad becuase I am force to wear contacts and my eye gets dried I cant wear glasses and now if I push for the surgery on the other eye then there is a risk When all could have been avoided if I left the left eye slightly myopic.  Can someone give me an advice?

THanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[JodieJ]

You might be much more comfortable wearing a different brand/model of contact lens while you're waiting for your second opinion appointment.  There is a huge difference in comfort level among contact lenses.  I suggest that you try a 1-day contact, such as 1-day Acuvue moist or Acuvue TruEye.  Both come in the power that you need.  See if your eye care provider can get you some samples.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

great place for another opinion.  By the way BP is celebrating I think its their 40th Anniversary this year.
JCH MD

[michaelmiami656]

Thanks Dr Hagan. I made an appointment at Bascom Palmer. Again thank you so much  for your help.

Michael

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I suggest you get a second opinion on surgery on the right eye. Even if you had been left somewhat myopic in the left eye they would not work well together. Even if the RE only has a microscopic cataract if you are having trouble with contacts and the eyes are not working well together it IS an indication to go ahead and remove the microscopic cataract in the RE.  You have too much myopia for lasik.

Get some more opinions.

JCH MD