Annual check-up entering year 5
As I start into Year 5 of having ICLs, I get more concerned about early onset cataracts given what I've read and heard on the internet. Then again, it is the Internet. I'm hoping that I will be a lucky one.
Saw an Ophthalmologist for my annual eye exam at a LASIK/ICL center in New York. This new doctor was not as thorough as the one I usually have and I will a) be following up with a retinal specialist and b) going back to my regular doctor next year (he seemed rushed like he needed to go somewhere).
That being said, my results are good! 15/20 and 20/20 in each eye and pressure of 11 and 12, which is normal.
I asked specifically about a concern that has been raised here and is high on my mind: the narrow(ing) vault in my left eye -- something that puts me at risk of developing early onset cataracts (as the ICL gets closer to touching the natural lens).
The doctor said I have 150R and 124L. Vaults should be >100, so I am good, but the aim is usually for 200. So I'm right in the middle where I should be, though the L eye is narrower. He did say that every eye chamber is different and ICL surgeons need to make a call about how much space there is and where the lens gets placed. He assured me that I'm fine - but my concern remains. As I've mentioned before, I have very dry eyes and unconsciously rub them at night and that is not good since it pushes the ICL into my natural lens, further increasing risks of cataract formation.
So that's my update! All good for now. I'm trying to land a retinal specialist appointment so I'll post again when that happens. :)
Saw an Ophthalmologist for my annual eye exam at a LASIK/ICL center in New York. This new doctor was not as thorough as the one I usually have and I will a) be following up with a retinal specialist and b) going back to my regular doctor next year (he seemed rushed like he needed to go somewhere).
That being said, my results are good! 15/20 and 20/20 in each eye and pressure of 11 and 12, which is normal.
I asked specifically about a concern that has been raised here and is high on my mind: the narrow(ing) vault in my left eye -- something that puts me at risk of developing early onset cataracts (as the ICL gets closer to touching the natural lens).
The doctor said I have 150R and 124L. Vaults should be >100, so I am good, but the aim is usually for 200. So I'm right in the middle where I should be, though the L eye is narrower. He did say that every eye chamber is different and ICL surgeons need to make a call about how much space there is and where the lens gets placed. He assured me that I'm fine - but my concern remains. As I've mentioned before, I have very dry eyes and unconsciously rub them at night and that is not good since it pushes the ICL into my natural lens, further increasing risks of cataract formation.
So that's my update! All good for now. I'm trying to land a retinal specialist appointment so I'll post again when that happens. :)
Hey ICLer, thanks for your blog and updating it over all these years--I read all of your entries before I had PRK in my right eye 4 months ago and an ICL in my left eye about a month ago, and now I have my own blog I hope to update over the years. I don't have the white line issue, but did have some white fog in the ICL eye, I believe from light entering the iridotomy, that was pretty bad for the first month. I'm pretty happy with the ICL so far, but like you am concerned about long-term effects. I'm hoping I can enjoy good, uncorrected eyesight for as long as possible! I'll be following your blog in the coming years!
ReplyDeleteThanks EB! I'm glad you found it helpful. I am hoping the same for both/all of us!
DeleteThanks again and again ICLer! This blog is amazing and it's helping me find out more about the post operation.
ReplyDeleteI'm scheduled to get my first ICL implanted on 2nd May 2017. My brother had LASIK abut 5 years ago and he is very happy with it but my pupils are too big. I need to ask my doctor what lenses they'll use; I know they are by STAAR and I hope they are those new EVO+.
Do you or any of your readers know about halos/cataracts or other problems regarding these?
Thank you!
Those definitely sound better than having to go through iridotomies. Definitely find out if they are any less of a risk for early onset cataracts -- I doubt it, since it's still a lens that sits very close to you natural ones... Readers? Any experience with EVO+?
DeleteHello there, I'm 26 years old and had ICL surgery 8 months ago, primarily due to astigmatism and myopia, I couldn't read every of your posts but wanted to ask you a few questions.
ReplyDelete1) My surgeon told me strictly not to rub my eyes ever again, he didn't tell me the reasons but I'm quite sure it's related to the lens moving inside the eye and making some injury.
2) Did you have any problems with halos and glares? I have these specially at night or in dark places, throughout the day i'm perfectly fine, but what bothers me the most is while driving at night, every single light makes an annoying halo that makes seeing difficult, also while watching tv, for example, under the subtitles I can see a chain of halos that become glare and are really annoying. I think I'll get used to it over time, I asked my surgeon about drops to make my pupils smaller and he says I could try it, but my ophthalmologist is against it because these change how the eye naturally works. Did you have any experience with these?
The only thing that makes me slightly regret ICLs over LASIK are halos, but I'm really hoping I'll get used to and learn to live with it.
Thanks
i just had my surgery two weeks ago, my vision is clear as a new born, much better than glass of course!! everything is more clear and its just amazing i have never imagined that it would give me this comfort!!
Deletebut still I'm getting these (halos) around lights, (i didn't have this issue with glass) its only showing with street light or in dark rooms. the doctor said its just temporarily because the eyes are dry.
That's great, saad! I had halos before my surgery, so there was no noticeable difference. Are you experiencing white line glare? hopefully not!
DeleteHow did you find your surgeon in Canada? Do you have recommendations? Can you do follow up visits with a different ophthalmologist? I am located in US and not inclined to wait for FDA approval any longer. Thanks!
ReplyDelete