Near & intermediate vision with Monofocal IOLs

[Bill61949]

I am considering the AcrySof IQ asheric IOL monofocal lenses for my upcoming cataract surgery. I am a 60 yr. old male & have worn soft contact lenses my entire adult life. My current perscription is left eye 20/450, right eye 20/900. My contact lenses (monofocal) correct me to 20/20 in both eyes, in addition I wear reading glasses powered at +2.50 for reading and computer work. My intermedite vision has been pretty good, so I havent needed glasses for those activities like golfing.  My question is with full distance powered monofocal IOLs implanted in each eye if i should expect the same level of near and intermediate vision that I currently experience with my contact lenses? My opthamologist suggested i consider maybe knocking the right eye down by -.75 to enhance the close up vision, but i dont see the wisdom in that if I have been happy with my current set up of full powered contacts and reading glasses.  Any feedback would be appreciated. I did briefly consider the AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Multifocal IOls but was a little leary of the halos, contrast issues, and adaption timeframe. Thanks.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I would not change if you are happy with your current distance correction with both eyes.

Dr. O.

[JodieJ]

I wore contact lenses for distance vision before cataract surgery, and progressive glasses with plano tops for near/intermediate vision.  After cataract surgery the same glasses worked just fine without the contacts.

Your ophthalmologist is suggesting a little monovision, which would give you a slightly wider range of focus without glasses.  If this doesn't interest you and you're happy with your present correction, then I'd recommend sticking with what you're accustomed to.