IOL removal and Rezoom questions

[johnnypro]

Just 2 questions please.
1. How long after implanting is it safe to have an ION removed. My doctor wantes to replace the ReZoom he implanted almost 4 mos ago and says we need to take it out before it "adheres" too much to the eye. I have not had any laser treatments.

2. What is a reasonable amount of time to expect one's eyes to adapt to a ReZoom implant. I'm having trouble with glare and haloes at night, but see pretty well during the day with glasses. It's taken me a while to get used to the implant during the day but I'm almost there. I also had open heart surgery in the middle of this and have no idea if that might have slowed down my time getting used to the IOL. I need to see my Cardiologist to see if it is safe for me to have surgery so soon after my Heart surgery.

ReZoom says to go with what the doctors say to do, I've seen other posts on here that say it can take 6-12 mos to get used to one of these and that eye drops can help the glare problem. Whadya think???

I left this short. If anyone wants the long version do a search on johnnypro for my last posting.  Thanx!!!  :-) JP

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

I'm not being evasive but it varies. Some IOLs are exchange the day after surgery when its obvious things are out of wack while others may be replace year(s) later.

JCH MD

[johnnypro]

I agree about riding in a car not being too safe: I had a '99 Mustang try to push me off a suspension bridge on the way home from my pre-surgery checkup!!!! OUCH!!!!

But still, is there a time frame for replacing the IOL?? I'd like to give it a bit more time, but I don't want to be stupid about it. Also, my doctor's staff pushed me into doing the multi-focus lens (was supposed to be a Crystalens), and I don't want to get pushed/rushed into taking it out. The husband of my doctor's receptionist had the same problem and it fixed itself after 3 months. I'm at almost 4 months, but spent a while in the hospital for heart surgery and have had a 7 week recovery so far.

Thanx!!!  JP

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

1. It is never completely safe to put a IOL in the eye or take it out. This is surgery and surgery (like riding in an automobile) always involves risk.  Get a second opinion on your problem.

2. Very rough statistics at a year 10% of multifocal IOL patients have not and will not adjust to their problem. Many are unwilling to wait that long before yanking the IOL out.

JCH MD