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Near vision

I need cataract surgery. I have been nearsighted for many years and thought I would get the near vision replacement lenses because i enjoy the option of being able to read without glasses . My doctor at first suggested the far-vision lenses. After reading other comments I get the impression that near-vision lenses for both eyes are not popular. Any reason why not?
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Avatar universal
Pattywhite,

I have the same question you do although I won't be having cataract surgery for a few years (cataracts are mild right now).

Having been really, really nearsighted for a long time, it seems like being a -2.5D or similar after cataract surgery (so I could read and use the computer, but would need distance glasses for TV watching or driving etc) would be awesome.  Just pop in a cheap contact, put on thin glasses and you're good to go.  

Dr Hagan on the other eye forum mentioned that he felt 20/20 distance vision post-cataract means patients need reading glasses to clearly see anything closer than 8-12 feet.  Of course this varies by patient, but if that were true then walking around and risk of falls would be made worse with the distance vision rather than better.

I'd be interested in hearing any more anectdotes you turn up about whether patients are happy or unhappy with near-vision-targeted cataract surgery.  I think it's perfectly viable depending on your lifestyle.  

If you golf every day and don't want to wear distance glasses or contacts, 20/20 makes sense.  If you spend more time doing close work and have limited time driving or doing distance tasks, maybe 'nearsighted' would work better.  It's a tough decision.  But, if you try for nearsighted and don't like the results, you could consider LASIK later to put you closer to 20/20.  I'm not sure what the options are if you start w/ 20/20 vision after cataract surgery and don't like the outcome.

Also, I assume you are not considering multi-focal or accommodating implants.  Most doctors on this forum (esp Dr Hagan) as well as many patients don't seem to like them, although I have seen the occasional post from someone who is happy.
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2078052 tn?1331933100
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This is an individual choice.  Many myopic patients like the option of being able to read without glasses after cataract surgery, and do not mind wearing glasses for distance such as TV and driving.  Others want the reverse, and we implant the lens for distance and they wear reading glasses.  I think the concern with correcting the eyes for near is the risk of falls as people age, if they walk around their home without their distance glasses on.  
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