I am 47 year old woman - wore contacs 18 hours a day without problem. One year or so ago I developed severe dry eye and I am unable to wear contacs virtually at all (am on Restasis which has not helped). I am severe myopic (-12R, -10L) so wearing pretty thick glasses - even the expensive "thin" ones. As I like to swim, hike, etc., I really can't stand glasses so I decided to have Phakik IOLs implanted (after consulting with a local expert). 4 months after initial visit, I went back for the pre-op appointment, where the doctor discovered I have a developing cataract in each eye. This really threw me and I am unsure what to do.
For one thing, I do not use reading glasses now (single corrected glasses and I can read and see computer fine - although I know that day will come soon). My doctor recommended ReSTOR since I am on computer all day at work, and read as well, but I have read many horror stories and am fearful of the side effects. However, I really do not want to lose the ability to see near - like the person across the table from me, or my feet when I am hiking through rocks. It seems like monofocal lenses will be great for distance, but intermediate and near tasks will be impossible without glasses - and the thought of taking on/taking off/searching for glasses is not appealing. I also read about Crytalens, which might be a better option as it supposedly has good intermediate vision - which is my main concern.
I am considering sticking with my original plan - and having the Veriseye IOL implanted now - then dealing with the cataract down the road in the hopes the accommodating or multi-focal lenses might improve (I read online about the "NuLens" which won't be in US for years). The financial aspect is not important (I put money in a Health FSA to pay for it). I just want to make the best decision for me and my 5 year old son for whom I am doing this so I can be active with him. I am meeting with my doctor again before the surgery, but would appreciate any thoughts.
Thank you. (Apologies for long post)