Impact of Lens Replacement Surgery

[SuffolkColin]

I am considering having Natural lens replacement surgery on my eyes to stop the deterioation. The consulatant has said that these lenses result in peiple seeing Haloes, Glares, Ghosting and, Starbursts, possibly all of the time but more so at night or in darker light. I asked whether it would impact using a computer, particulalrly editing images and they dont know. So I thought I would ask if anyone on here as undergone this surgery and whether there were any implications from a photography and editing perspective. Thanks.

 

[HarveyM]

I have had operations on both my eyes (one at a time) on the NHS because of cataracts. For the first time in my life I was able to drive without using glasses, especially useful as I also ride motorcycles and had issues with the glasses misting in the rain. I have not experienced any issues with halos, glare or ghosting at all, even for night driving.

Before these operations, I noticed that each eye perceived colours differently, that was a real problem editing photos. This is no longer the case, both eyes perceive colours just the same. However, I have to wear reading glasses for any close up work, including reading or using a computer screen. It is difficult to observe camera settings on a DSLR without using glasses, but not an issue using a mirrorless camera and observing settings through the diopter corrected viewfinder. I have no issues editing photos using my desktop computer provided I use suitable strength reading glasses for the eye to screen distance. Overall, I'm very happy with being able to see really well for distance work and can live with the requirement for glasses for close up activity.

 

[Peter123]

I've had cataract lens replacement in both eyes. None of the problems you outlined. I still need glasses though - for distance and reading - as I did before.
You don't say if this deterioration is caused by cataracts. If it is you have little choice other than to slowly go blind.
The operations themselves were not much different than going to the dentist. No pain involved.

 

[gramps]

Cataract surgery on one eye and none of the problems you mentiion.
However is that the surgery you are talking about, or something else?

 

[drounding]

I've had cataract lens replacement surgery on both eyes and like others no longer need to wear glasses for distance but must wear glasses for reading and close up. Not being able to squint to read close up takes some getting used to. I do see some starbursts, small mind you, but they do not affect my night vision at all and it also doesn't affect any computer work. The benefits of being able to see without glasses is amazing. I have implanted aspherical lenses to correct both my vision and astigmatism. Very quick surgery and very short convalescence. I could see much better within 24 hours and it got gradually better and better over the following couple of weeks. I had my eyes done a week apart.

 

[Petrochemist]

I was getting multiple images at night from a single eye (a series of lights in a ring around each streetlight with the other eye closed). Investigation showed I had small cataracts, which have been dealt with on the NHS. Since then I've not needed glasses for everyday use - which I'd previously needed since primary school.
My vision is not perfect now but it's very much better than it was. I benefit from reading glasses for close work now but can just about read most books etc. with out glasses.

The issues your consultant reported are just the things that triggered my surgery. I've never heard of it causing such problems.

 

[SuffolkColin]

I have had operations on both my eyes (one at a time) on the NHS because of cataracts. For the first time in my life I was able to drive without using glasses, especially useful as I also ride motorcycles and had issues with the glasses misting in the rain. I have not experienced any issues with halos, glare or ghosting at all, even for night driving.

Before these operations, I noticed that each eye perceived colours differently, that was a real problem editing photos. This is no longer the case, both eyes perceive colours just the same. However, I have to wear reading glasses for any close up work, including reading or using a computer screen. It is difficult to observe camera settings on a DSLR without using glasses, but not an issue using a mirrorless camera and observing settings through the diopter corrected viewfinder. I have no issues editing photos using my desktop computer provided I use suitable strength reading glasses for the eye to screen distance. Overall, I'm very happy with being able to see really well for distance work and can live with the requirement for glasses for close up activity.

Thank you for your reply, helpful and much appreciated. I have astigmatism in both eyes and a cataract just starting in one but my overall vision is poor and getting worse.

 

[SuffolkColin]

I've had cataract lens replacement in both eyes. None of the problems you outlined. I still need glasses though - for distance and reading - as I did before.
You don't say if this deterioration is caused by cataracts. If it is you have little choice other than to slowly go blind.
The operations themselves were not much different than going to the dentist. No pain involved.

Thank you for your help, really appreciated. My porblem is astigmatism in both eyes and eyesight deterioating. There is an early sign of a cataract and so I think lens replacement may help with both issues.

 

[SuffolkColin]

Cataract surgery on one eye and none of the problems you mentiion.
However is that the surgery you are talking about, or something else?

Thank you for replying, much appreciated. I think the lens replacement is similar to that for cataracts as it stops me getting cataratcs in future. Glad you had no problems.

 

[SuffolkColin]

I've had cataract lens replacement surgery on both eyes and like others no longer need to wear glasses for distance but must wear glasses for reading and close up. Not being able to squint to read close up takes some getting used to. I do see some starbursts, small mind you, but they do not affect my night vision at all and it also doesn't affect any computer work. The benefits of being able to see without glasses is amazing. I have implanted aspherical lenses to correct both my vision and astigmatism. Very quick surgery and very short convalescence. I could see much better within 24 hours and it got gradually better and better over the following couple of weeks. I had my eyes done a week apart.

Thank you very much for your help which is really useful as you have specifically answered the computer work question. Thank you.

 

[SuffolkColin]

I was getting multiple images at night from a single eye (a series of lights in a ring around each streetlight with the other eye closed). Investigation showed I had small cataracts, which have been dealt with on the NHS. Since then I've not needed glasses for everyday use - which I'd previously needed since primary school.
My vision is not perfect now but it's very much better than it was. I benefit from reading glasses for close work now but can just about read most books etc. with out glasses.

The issues your consultant reported are just the things that triggered my surgery. I've never heard of it causing such problems.

Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

 

[Graham W]

We're all assuming you mean cataract surgery. If this is the case and the surgeon feels you would benefit from it then I would take his advise.
Everyone I know who has had it has been delighted with the results...the thing with failing eyesight is you don't know how bad it's got until it gets corrected.

 

[lionofjudah]

Thank you for your help, really appreciated. My porblem is astigmatism in both eyes and eyesight deterioating. There is an early sign of a cataract and so I think lens replacement may help with both issues.

lens replacement surgery will remove your existing lens and replace it with an implant, hence actually removing the current cataract. Depending on how much astigmatism you have a toric lens replacement may be an option for you. In terms of what the consultant is highlighting, these are possible scenarios which may happen however they aren't as common and it is their duty to highlight these to you. You may experience some lens ghosting at night though this is dependent on your pupil size. As long as you understand all the risks and benefits, then you're good to go...

 

[hunnymonster]

My old man had his first one done about 18 months ago - while his remaining eye had a +3 prescription, the replacement lens was +0... Left him with no depth perception. No plans to do the other eye for 18 months to 2 years.

The mixed eye power gave him splitting headaches & nausea... As I found out later.

When I took him for his last post-op check, he stumbled as he entered into the consultant's office... Consultant was extra concerned at the risk of a fall... Booked him in the next week to get the other one done. As we left I said to him "didn't realise it was that bad" "it's not, but I'm b*****ed if I'm waiting 2 years to get it done"

He still thinks it's the best thing he ever did in his life to get the op.

 

[Peter123]

lens replacement surgery will remove your existing lens and replace it with an implant, hence actually removing the current cataract. Depending on how much astigmatism you have a toric lens replacement may be an option for you. In terms of what the consultant is highlighting, these are possible scenarios which may happen however they aren't as common and it is their duty to highlight these to you. You may experience some lens ghosting at night though this is dependent on your pupil size. As long as you understand all the risks and benefits, then you're good to go...

A couple of years ago I had an op. (sort of serious - nothing to do with eyes - under general anaesthetic). The surgeon spoke to me immediately before to get me to sign the consent form and also outlined the risks.
He went through quite a long list and at the very end said "there is also a risk of death". Are you OK to go ahead?
I survived!