extreme myopia dilemma

[bad eyes]

My correction is -16 left eye and -17 right eye (still have excellent accomodation at 38 years old). I am unable to wear glasses as they greatly distort my vision, and became intolerant of contact lenses due to dry eye.  I opted for Visian ICL surgery, but after 4 months, still have dysphotopsia, photosensitivity, and strange optics (i.e., vision is blurry around edges of visual field).  I have obtained four different opinions as to what to do (including teaching university) and have received four different answers.  I cannot tolerate the Visian implants - they greatly restrict my activities and quality of life.  So, it appears I'm left with either getting lasik to correct 8 diopters and using thick glasses for the rest, or obtaining clear lens exchange.  Disadvantages of lasik for me would include increased dry eye and risk of visual distortion for that much correction.  Major disadvantages of clear lens extraction would include increasing my risk for retinal detachment (already at increased risk), and again, risk of visual distortion, dysphotopsia, and loss of accomodation.  I am so at a loss as to what to do.  Although myopia is not technically considered a "disease," for me, it has been a real struggle.  Any direction would be immensely appreciated.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Here are some options:  Seek advice from a superb contact lens specialist and consider at least a trial of appropriate contacts (after having your dry eyes aggressively treated.)  If no luck - consider clear lens extraction with aspheric monofocal lens implants.  You will lose your accommodation - but you could have outstanding distance vision.  You would have to wear reading glasses for near work - but join the millions of other healthy Americans who do the same - and get by just fine. To me - you don't seem to be a good candidate for multifocal/accommodating lenses.

MJK MD

[Winterpeg]

Hi Bad Eyes:
I am NOt a medical professional but, my correction, 12 years ago when I was 42 years old was -15 in both eyes. I had Lasik done in 1995 and I was corrected to -.50 and -.75 after the surgery. Not certain why they are saying they can only correct 8 diopters. The reason must be the thickness of your conrea.
Because of my near sightedness, I just had a maculat hole appear that was corrected with vitrectomy surgery. Vision is not that great in that eye after 3 months but it is due to a cataract that has developed.
I wish you luck in your journey with your eyes. Get a couple of opinions.
Have a great day;