Multifocal Contact Lens for a one-eyed high myope

[ccbc]

Does anyone have any experience using a multi-focal contact lens in only one eye.  I have severe myopia in my best eye -17.0, myopic macular degeneration, and lattice dystrophy.  Have had previous pvd and two retinal tears associated with the pvd.  Have increasing problems with near and mid vision. Also have cataracts in both eyes.
Legally blind in one eye so two contacts are not an option.

Please respond.

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

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[JodieJ]

The Gelflex contact I mentioned above is soft, and it is available in different materials

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

I personally would not recommend contacts to a one eyed person:

1. the risk of a corneal ulcer, scar, abrasion and damage is much higher than with glasses
2. You lose the protective effect of having frames and plastic lens protecting your eye from the unexpected injury

JCH MD

[ccbc]

Thanks for your input.  I wear soft lenses and will not return to a gas permeable lens.  They were too uncomfortable and also experienced corneal abrasions.

[JodieJ]

Although the soft multifocal contact lenses I tried were supposed to have different prescriptions for dominant and non-dominant eyes, my optometrist told me that she had better luck fitting both eyes with the distance contact.  In her office, I could read the 20/20 line on both the distance and near vision charts.  However, I did not feel comfortable either driving or reading with these contacts--my vision seemed too impaired.

Given your macular issues, I don't think you'd do well with any contact lens that has multiple vision zones.  I'd suggest that you try a bifocal contact (like Gelflex), which has a design similar to a bifocal glasses lens.  With the correct prescription, it will give you your best vision at distance and near.  The downside is the loss of sharp intermediate vision, but you could learn to adjust your viewing distance.