I had cataract surgery 6 days ago, had monofocal IOL implanted in left eye; on day after I realized I had made a mistake having distance lens inserted. I am 59, have been nearsighted my whole life, wore glasses since 12, don't have problem wearing glasses. Had surgery due to some ghosting in left eye, which appears to be due to cornea problem. I work mostly intermediate, at computer and speaking with people 5-10 feet away. Quite used to having glasses for driving (42 years). I wish my MD had asked me what distance focus would be best for me; she said, "well most people have distance lens, then use readers for anything close." Yes, I know I was told about it, but I hate the reality now that I can no longer see my hands clearly with L. eye. I have been so upset all week, and confused about what to do. Supposed to have second surgery done tomorrow, but two days ago I cancelled this, felt I needed more time to get information and make a non-hurried decision. I called MD office, was told I could not talk with an MD, would have to come in to consult (but there was no time prior to second surgery, also why I postponed it). Another BIG of my situation is that in four weeks I am starting a new job. I told MD this when I first met with them. I will be working about 1.5 hours away, will need to do distance driving until I can move there, hopefully within a month of starting. I did this surgery so my vision would be in good shape for new position, now it's messed up. (By the way, if I had been told I would not get new glasses for 6 weeks after surgery I would have never even tried to have the surgery prior to job change.) I am hoping that getting eyeglasses for the interim can correct enough for disparity between eyes, just to help me function well enough (does not have to be perfect, but want to make sure I have adequate vision for driving and computer). I am wondering if an optometrist can make glasses that will accommodate enough for difference between the eyes (not sure of my diopters, was never given that info by MD, will ask for it when I see her in two days for consultation), so I can get through a transition period of a few months at new job/moving, then when settled can consider having second surgery in rt eye (nearsighted), for which I am considering mini-monovision which, from what I have read, best fits my needs; however, I am guessing right eye is dominant, and that was not first operated on. Would relying on glasses alone for correction, for a few months, cause any damage to eyes? I am NOT trying to be glasses-free (by the way, MD said I would still probably need glasses for distance anyway, after surgery). I am willing to have a pair of glasses for close/computer work, and a second pair for driving. I just don't want to lost close vision completely in rt eye. I would also be open to having another pair of glasses for prolonged close reading. Since surgery, the halos at night have almost doubled in left eye, and I am also scared to have anything done to right eye, as I would like to keep at least one good eye for night driving. I feel like my current MD has made assumptions about what would be right or tolerable for me, really hope to have some dialog on my needs with her, and I am hoping for some information from this discussion list that can leave me better informed before meeting with MD/surgeon in two days.
I have been beating up on myself for not thinking this through more; I know at this point that will not help, so what I need to do is look at the situation and figure out what will give me a solution, even temporarily.
Thanks for reading, and for any help you can offer.