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Cataract surgery and photography

kimknapp
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Cataract surgery and photography

Although not yet severe, my cataracts are bad enough that I have gone to an ophthalmologist for tests and consultation.

My BIG concern is whether one of the "higher end' replacement lenses work as well as advertised, especially since I enjoy photographing birds and other wildlife and I enjoy working on the photos, using my computer.

So, after agonizing for a long time, it hit me. Where else could I find a large number of older photographers then right here at my favorite photo website (I know, not everyone here is that old, ...yet).

So, my own options are:

Update my eyeglasses to the latest prescription. While doing the eye tests, I could see that a significant part of my problem was the old prescription, going from 20/40 or worse to better than 20/20 and the chart was, then, really sharp. This does not cure the effects of cataracts, but helps with general vision.
Going with Monofocus replacement lenses. Since I have always been near-sighted, I would go with near focus and continue to wear glasses with graduated lenses, but I would no longer be suffering from the mild to mid de-contrasting effect of cataracts.
Go with a new product that was recommended by the Dr., called Acrysof IQ Vivity, which uses a "wave-front shaping technology" to get a larger DOF, so that most people don't need glasses from distance to as close as a computer screen. They saw "over 90% reported that they were satisified with their vision". From their data, it they say that about 94% reach 20/25 or better, but I question what the percentage would be at 20/20 or better. They also say that it is just about as good as monofocus lenses at the focal point that they are made for. From what I have read and what the Dr. said, they are significantly better that the previous generation that uses different light paths to split up the incoming image into three focal planes. These result in 1/3 the amount of light and some small aberrations. I am a little worried about bleeding edge products.

The level of cataract-effect I have is enough to make it uncomfortable, but not debilitating to drive at night and I find that i use the rim of my baseball hat to help reduce glare when looking for birds on a sunny day. Most times I can see birds as well as my wife, but with not as much detail. Looking through the view finder, I see no effect of cataracts (evf).

I am currently considering updating my eyeglasses and waiting another year or two.

Anyone have any experience they can share? Thanks in advance.

Kim

Feb 23, 2021 at 09:13 AM

cortlander
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Cataract surgery and photography

I did have laser assisted cataract surgery in both eyes. That was a couple of years ago. I have one eye corrected for distance, one for close. I do a lot of computer work (IT) as well as post processing photos (hobbyist). I do have one pair of glasses just for the computer distance. I am able to drive without glasses in the daylight, but usually I do wear prescription shades, and another for night time. And a fourth one - variable length transitions.
When doing photography I do not need glasses. As a matter of fact at 78 I am having a good time with the R5, 100-500 and 28-70.
Having said all this, I would say listen to your doctor - he knows you better. Good Luck.

Feb 23, 2021 at 09:42 AM

gregfountain
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Cataract surgery and photography

I can't speak to the corrective lenses and other "technology" you you may be considering, but I've had cataract surgery on both eyes, and I opted for the standard distance intraocular lenses that my health plan provides, mainly because I was already using glasses to read. I have zero issues using my camera without glasses.

Just an FYI: The surgery was painless - they simply numb your eye with drops, you stare at a light in their scope, and ten minutes later, they roll you into recovery. The improvement in my vision was startling. I did one at a time and the second surgery required a single stitch to close the incision, which was removed a week later - again, a painless experience.

Feb 23, 2021 at 09:43 AM

jrhoffman75
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Cataract surgery and photography

My wife had both eye cataract surgery. Medicare/insurance would pay for the "basic" replacement lens. A custom lens to get back to 20/20 and avoid needing glasses was considered a "cosmetic" process and was not covered. We paid $1200 each for custom lenses (I think product was Toric). Worked great; she now has 20/20 vision. She does need reading glasses but nothing for camera or computer.

Feb 23, 2021 at 09:47 AM

Bruce n Philly
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Cataract surgery and photography

Been there.... coupla items:

1- Get the surgury!!!

Cataracts have a color to them.. I was going nuts re-callibrating my monitor, posting questions here on FM about an odd color cast I was getting.. It was my eyes!!!! No cht. Whites don't look quite white and you loose the blues. You will not believe how good a blue sky will look after your repair.

2 - Lenses

There are a few different ones on there. My surgeon had quite a business removing/replacing the ones with the hooks in them. As I understand it, they improve the connection between the lens and the muscles and therefore improving focusing control. For some reason, they can go "bad" after a bunch of years. He did not recommend them (put in the regular round ones), but he did recommend using a laser to do the cutting out of the old lens. However insurance does not cover the use of the laser for cutting. Additional cost for the laser cutting was something like $1,500 so no issue really. He recommended the laser for me because I had Lasik before and for some reason, he gets better results. The regular way is to poke a hole, and then insert a tool to chunk up the old lens, then pull it from its anchors on its circumference. The laser makes a perfect cut.

Today, about three years later, I no longer need reading glasses and have perfect distance vision... just tested last week. Unbelievable..... seriously, my vision is perfect for the first time in my life (both eyes!). .... actually it was perfect after my Lasik but I then needed reading glasses in a few years after that, something that happens earlier than normal when you get Lasik.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Feb 23, 2021 at 09:52 AM

lighthound
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Cataract surgery and photography

I don't have cataracts but I have considered Lasik surgery to correct my nearsighted vision many many times. I would love to be able to drive and shoot without glasses. I have a tendency to peak over the top of my glasses when looking through the VF which rarely allows me to get a complete full view.
The only reason I've never gotten it done is the fear of something going wrong and the inability to see both near and far after the procedure. My brother (had coke bottle glasses) had Lasik done about 25 years ago and had one eye done for near and the other for far. He said it took his brain a long time to adjust and had troubles bumping into things at first. His vision is still way better than mine without glasses. I don't think I'd want that done though. I'd rather have to wear reading glasses and be free of glasses for anything further than a computer screen.

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:13 AM

Jeff
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Cataract surgery and photography

I was thrilled at my last eye appointment, as my doctor informed me she could see the very beginning of cataracts forming (not unusual here in CO at my age). Technology is moving pretty quick with this stuff these days, and I look forward to finally having perfect vision (hopefully a result like Bruce had).

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:25 AM

sjobesl
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Cataract surgery and photography

My 2 cents. (As of 4 years ago)
Unless your prescription is constantly changing (which is an indication it’s time for surgery) just upgrade your glasses. The claims made in all the ads are very misleading. You’ve got old eyes and there’s really nothing you can do to change that. My doc, who has the equipment to do either laser or basic, lens replacement recommended the basic as there were no complicating circumstances like astigmatism. The main decision were the lenses. Mono-vision or other options. I went with one far (20/20) and one medium. The medium actually allows me to read most things without glasses. For photography I can do critical focus using the VF but not with the screen without glasses. I still have a pair of progressive lens glasses but could probably do with just reading glasses. All that said listen to your doc.

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:30 AM

Sy Sez
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Cataract surgery and photography

I had Cataract Op's. in both eyes, "years ago", prior to the current lens's that incorporate "close-up" vision; so though I have 20/20 distance vision, my close-up vision requires +250 Reading glasses, and +125 at the Computer Monitor, as I'm further away then when with typical reading.

While I'd obviously rather have my natural close-up vision, the use of "cheater glasses" works fine, and does not hamper vision any more than wearing any other quality glasses; and as to Camera Viewfinder, the Diopter adjustment works very well, & for the screen I I use my cheater glasses, or my Hoodman Loupe.

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:38 AM

kimknapp
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Cataract surgery and photography

Bruce n Philly wrote:
Been there.... coupla items:

1- Get the surgury!!!

Cataracts have a color to them.. I was going nuts re-callibrating my monitor, posting questions here on FM about an odd color cast I was getting.. It was my eyes!!!! No cht. Whites don't look quite white and you loose the blues. You will not believe how good a blue sky will look after your repair.

Thanks Bruce and others,
I am pretty sure I am not at that point, yet. I corrected my work-flow several years ago and the results (and the blue sky) really look good

(And, no one has said "why did you print it in such weird colors

).

I am not surgery-squeamish (in other words, I don't worry about surgery), but I just want to make sure that, when I do it I'll get the best results. Just perused a vision forum and the general consensus there was that monofocal replacement lenses still have the best contrast over edof (extended dof) lenses. The Vivity I mentioned in the first post seem to be latest state of the art for edof, but still have a bit less contrast than monofocal lenses.

So, I guess I am mainly looking for photogs that have experience with non-monofocal lenses.

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:40 AM

kimknapp
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Cataract surgery and photography

sjobesl wrote:
My 2 cents. (As of 4 years ago)
Unless your prescription is constantly changing (which is an indication it’s time for surgery) just upgrade your glasses. The claims made in all the ads are very misleading. You’ve got old eyes and there’s really nothing you can do to change that. My doc, who has the equipment to do either laser or basic, lens replacement recommended the basic as there were no complicating circumstances like astigmatism. The main decision were the lenses. Mono-vision or other options. I went with one far (20/20) and one medium. The medium actually allows me to read...Show more →

Good input.
Do you agree that, if I eventually do go for mono-focal lenses, it might be best to do them for close vision (i.e., just get rid of the cataracts) and continue wearing glasses, since I am totally comfortable with them?

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:44 AM

Karl Witt
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Cataract surgery and photography

Contact Eric directly, forum member name ‘Eyelaser’😎

Karl

Feb 23, 2021 at 10:59 AM

mikeinctown
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Cataract surgery and photography

I don't have personal experience but I have two people I work with both have cataract surgery in both eyes in the last 3 months. Both say huge improvement. Both opted to continue wearing glasses and not opt to get their eyes lasered or have lenses implanted.

I had Lasik last fall and while not the same, it was worth it to me. The only downside is that I wish I had gotten a pair of cheap prescription glasses to see how I would like the one eye near and one eye far thing. I opted for both eyes the same and so I wear reading glasses. When looking at the viewfinder it is perfect but things are slightly fuzzy on the rear of the camera when I look. Once on the PC and with my readers on I can see how sharp everything is in the photos.

Feb 23, 2021 at 11:13 AM

sector99
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Cataract surgery and photography

Without hesitation, you should get basic Medicare covered IOL implants. 40% of males in general are color impaired (compared to women) AND those over 50 are to some extent suffering from cataract-impairment and aren't aware of either deficiency.

I'm 77 and (1) your color vision especially in the blue spectrum, will improve dramatically (2) the results will improve over time and (3) I'm at 20/15 and my results aren't that special. Yes you still wear mild reading Rx glasses but distance w/o glasses is primo.

Resist the push for astigmatic correction lens implants–they add yet another surgical variable (lens orientation) and of course more cash for the provider.

Choose ONLY a clinic group that does nothing but IOL implants. Moreover, don't shy away from a vacation to get the procedures from an experienced provider (The surgeons do one at a time with a week between). Many ophthalmologists will claim expertise but few multiple clinics devoted to this kind of surgery. The middle West Coast of Florida is a good place to start a search.

With early cataracts, your native crystalline lens has deteriorated to the point where it is similar to a yellow B&W filter.

This is one surgery that will change your life.

Feb 23, 2021 at 11:29 AM

smpetty
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Cataract surgery and photography

I had the extended focus (aka multifocal) Symfony IOL implants done earlier this year for cataracts in both eyes. The results are miraculous. For the first time since elementary school, I can see well at all distances. Also, the colors that you've been missing while peeping through those yellow-brown lenses will amaze you once they're removed. I sometimes use readers at night when my eyes are tired, but reading from menus or labels during the day is no problem. I read Voigtlander lens serial numbers yesterday without aid

The two main extended focus IOLs in the US today are the older Johnson & Johnson Symfony and the newer Alcon PanOptix. My surgeon had done thousands of the Symfony IOL implants and hundreds of PanOptic IOL implants. The PanOptix gives you a better chance at excellent near vision compared to the Symfony. They both do well with mid (2 feet and beyond) and far vision. My ophthalmologist steered me away from the PanOptix IOL because of his experience with breakdown of the lens acrylic that he has noted in removed PanOptix IOLs but never in Symfony IOLs. This is a known problem, but it is not clear if vision is negatively affected. Ask your doc...

Easiest surgery, 20 minutes with some Versed and out the door.

I do have some ring artifacts around bright lights at night - this is to be expected with all of the multifocal IOLs. Otherwise my vision is stellar, the best that it has been since childhood. No contacts or glasses with great vision is a serious life upgrade. Hasn't affected my photography at all other than improving the view through the viewfinder and at the computer while processing images.

Feb 23, 2021 at 11:29 AM

sjobesl
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Cataract surgery and photography

It’s a big decision as they are permanent. Personally I had mono vision (one near and one far sighted) prior to cataract surgery so was comfortable with replacement lenses that somewhat duplicated that.

Feb 23, 2021 at 11:40 AM

Jim McCann
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Cataract surgery and photography

I just had both eyes done this past November. I no longer wear eyeglasses. I paid $6,000 for the do-it-all lenses. My left eye is still less than perfect although I test 20/20 each time. A big problem for me is my chronic dry-eye. Living in interior Alaska and going through another very dry winter season does nothing good for my dry-eye condition, but I use lots of Oasis Tears drops. I can see up close and intermediate distance well, but not as good at very long ranges. But I'm also 71 and don't expect to have the vision of a 21-year-old regardless of how much I paid for those lenses. I can see my camera settings fine.

Feb 23, 2021 at 12:23 PM

jrtriebe
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Cataract surgery and photography

I had cataract surgery 10 years ago and I wish I would have been able to do it earlier. I was extremely near-sighted (my uncorrected vision was 20/200) and since age 5 had worn glasses, then hard contacts and finally soft contacts until the cataract surgery. I had been mono-vision (right eye distance and left eye close) since wearing contacts and opted to go monovision with my new lenses. The doctor was reluctant to make my close up vision too strong, but made it so I could work on the computer without any optical assistance. However to read the fine print such as on a medicine bottle or stock prices in the WSJ, he suggested a mild +1 adjustment for the close up eye. So now I pop in a +1 soft contact in my left eye in the morning and I'm good to go for the entire day. One other observation is the difference in color perception after the surgery. Removal of the cataracts was like taking a yellow filter off my eyes.

Feb 23, 2021 at 12:34 PM

sirimiri
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Cataract surgery and photography

Wow, this is interesting to read. My vision is changing (slowly) and I can "see" the writing on the wall...

Thanks for sharing anecdotes, all.

Feb 23, 2021 at 01:03 PM

Zplusc3
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Cataract surgery and photography

My mom was worried about getting the cataract surgery and was putting it off for a while. She finally got one eye done and she was so happy that got the other eye done right away. She used to wear glasses with a pretty heavy correction but she doesn't need them any more. After the surgery she kept saying she should have done it earlier.

Feb 23, 2021 at 01:14 PM

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