I have read many of the queries here and wanted to thank you for all the time and care you take. I'm not as keyed into the terminology as others here but I wanted to ask a question.
I am getting a cataract surgery in both eyes, and have seen two eye doctors thus far. Both have suggested that there are two basic options: a Symfony and a monofocal. But I am having trouble deciding. I am 60 years old. I am a professor and spend a lot of time reading and at the computer. I typically read a book or other printed matter at around 17 inches and the computer screen from about 24 and toggle between the two. I am on the computer for about 7-9 hours per day. I like to read without glasses but now often have to take my glasses off and put a book about 6 inches from my eyes to read effectively. I have worn glasses all my life and do not mind wearing them. In fact, I'd probably prefer to continue wearing them after the surgery anyway. My vision has gotten quite a bit worse in the last two years and my last eyeglass rx was unable to correct my vision to 20/20 and I was told this was due to cataracts. My current Rx as of 4/2015 was
D.V OD spherical -5.00 -125 Cylindrical, and Axis is listed as 120
OS speherical -7.00 -050 Cylindrical, and Axis is listed as 045. Under this chart is a note: Add -1275.
One eye doctor suggested: the monofocal set to distance or close.
OR: the Symfony with the following notation: Offset left eye. Mini Mono vision (-0.50 -0.75)
I have been told the following and just wanted to clarify: that the monofocal will perform better than the Symfony, at near (reading) and at computer distance than the Symfony, which typically will correct distance. There will be more haloing with the Symfony.
I do not do much driving or night driving as I live in nyc, so the haloing is not particularly relevant, at least in terms of driving. Is there any thought as to which of the two lenses would work better for me: I am leaning toward a monofocal , and then would wear glasses (progressives ) for distant vision as I do now. Is this the best solution?
I have a few queries:
is near and computer vision better with the Monofocal? Would it work better with my scenario as described above?
Can the symfony be set so that it provides better near and computer vision, so that if I do need to wear glasses, it would be for distant vision? and the near and computer vision would be basically glasses free?
If I get the monofocal, will I need glasses for either reading or computer use? If I get the Symfony will I need to get glasses for either reading or computer use?
There is one additional element, but is not primary, Insurance covers the monofocal lens but not the Symfony. The surgery itself is covered in both cases. Thanks very much!