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kimknapp wrote:
I did find a simplified explanation about how Alcon's Vivity works.
Thanks for the link, interesting.
There is a study in progress on the Vivity that is supposed to end in July. I can wait for that. 
I looked at the Alcon Vivity site and to me it appears to be a multi element multi focal lens where they say ”two smooth surface transition elements that work simultaneously to stretch and shift light without splitting it.” and “A slightly elevated smooth plateau that is about 1 micron in height, which helps stretch the focal range”. On an animated image it shows 2 elements cemented on/or encapsulated within the main body of the implantable lens that overall simulates a gradient-index (Refractive index) optic.
These types of lenses work by stacking different focus distant images on top of each other that in turn is interpreted by a person’s Visual Neural Adaptation (your brain) that sort of blocks out and ignores out of focus imaging while recognizing the sharp parts of the stacked layers in-focus detail.
Perhaps the difference that sets this lens apart from others is by going further with reducing optical artifacts to make things easier for ones brain to clean up and sort out the image as compared to other types of multi focal implantable lenses like the Diffractive technology that the Alcon Vivity lens is purported by them to replace.
  
Moving on:
My right eye had gotten bad enough where I had to switch to my left side to manually focus my DSLR which of course was inconvenient to say the least.
I reached a point where even though the cataract in my right eye was not interfering much with driving as my left eye was good, while knowing that this can be fixed, I felt that it should be fixed. Finally, when I was getting fed-up with the situation ~4 years ago, my upcoming New Year’s resolution was to get my right eye fixed however California DMV beat me to it by my choice. I’ll explain, I could have just renewed my Driver’s License by mail with a small fee however I wanted the get the newfangled “Real ID” version that required applicants to show-up in person with a bunch of documents that prove I was born in order to acquire that version of license. Basic logic suggested to me that they would likely check my vision and perhaps administer their written multiple guess test if I showed-up there in person to renew. Knowing that I would totally and thoroughly fail the DMV eye chart and their next step additional optical test on my right eye I finally gave in a few weeks before the chorus of Auld Lang Syne sounded off. I did a refresh study-up for the multiple choice/guess test before going in. It turns out they only did the eye test whereupon , in spite of my remaining good eye, I was summarily declared legally blind in the right eye demanding some type of medical resolution in order to complete my license renewal process. Since it was obviously fixable my decision was very easy since I . . . like . . . to . . . drive. Note that if whatever is wrong with one eye is not correctable in any way still leaving you with one good eye will they will go ahead and renew your license.
I had laser assisted cataract surgery with a Toric implant tuned for distance in my right eye only about 4 years ago. I decided to avoid the new high-tech optical wonders available back then so I don’t have any opinion as to which is better since I didn’t test drive them for a comparison however I am happy with my result. Hmm, Ignorance is bliss? The surgery was a breeze with a quick recovery! The end result is 20/20 for distance in that naked eye augmented by the existing somewhat near sightedness of my left eye which helps with the close vision somewhat. If/when I get the left eye done I plan to leave it as close focusing to some degree TBD then as this is what I’m already used to or go with a future established focus accommodating version.
My ophthalmologist said he could see a minor indication of a cataract in my left eye however surgery was not needed at that time and added that it may never need it. Never say never as I’m starting to see faint symptoms in my left eye that resembles what I first noticed on the right side ~8 years or so ago when I knew I was in the very early stage of cataract development.
I put off my surgery for as long as I could and now that I’ve had it done I agree with others that I should have not waited so long. The morning after the surgery I woke up early, jumped out of bed and removed the protective eye cover and went for a walk, inside and outside the house, while first covering one eye then switching to the other with my hand for comparison. I was completely blown away by the result.
I will not let my left eye get as bad before doing something about it.
I’ve had glasses for distance in the past however rarely used them as my prescription was weak. I’ve used close-up/desk/ reading glasses for half of my life and still use them which is a must as I’m miserable if I can’t find them thus I usually keep an old pair as backup. After the cataract surgery I didn’t bother getting distance glasses since the left eye prescription is minor and the new right lens would be plano (PL/no correction).
For photography my right eye is now better while focusing manually then it ever was. I feel that this would be the case regardless if I was correcting for distance or close vision since my camera has dioptric adjustment.
I had several of the predicable minor visual side effects of post cataract surgery like peripheral reflections, image jitter and dryness of that eye that either went away completely or my brain learned to ignore all in a matter of a few months.
As a side note, you’re doing the right thing by thoroughly researching your choices to arrive at the right decision for you. When it comes down to the type of lens, method of surgery, if/when you use eye glasses, cost and perhaps other medical considerations the right choice is subjective to your needs as to what’s important to you along with the guidance of your doctor(s).
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