cataract surgery and shooting sports

[OttoBurgess]

first, thanks for reading, and any response provided

i am a shooter, photographer, and aspiring high performance track driver

i also work on computers every day

i am 55 years old and faced with early onset cataract in my right eye, and developing in the left eye

my lady is bugging me to have something done

i would like know of other shooters experience with either standard lens replacement or 'premium' multi-vision replacement lenses

i fear making a bad choice

thanks

otto

[Swampman]

I'm 57 and have had both eyes done. Never heard of the premium lenses, so just had the standard implants.

First thing I noticed is the clarity is astounding! I still wear glasses (bi-focals), mostly due to astigmatism. I have to have two pair, one for distance and one for the computer. Your eyes will no longer be able to focus with the implants. I have to hold printed pages a certain distance from my eyes to be able to read, and generally speaking must read through the bi-focal portion of my glasses.

I have noticed a distinct difference at the range. Normally, you focus on the sights, then the target, line things up and shoot. Iron sights are a problem because they are too close and I have trouble focusing on them. Sights with dots help a lot. Scopes make things more normal.

You shouldn't have any problem driving and seeing things around you. The dashboard can be a problem as it is typically too close for the distance glasses I wear while driving. I am able to drive without glasses, but can't read any signs. On long interstate runs I don't wear glasses and have the luxury of wearing regular sunglasses! Otherwise I wear "fit-overs" and look like a stodgy old fart.

Wish I would have known about the premium lenses.

Good luck. If I were you, I'd go someplace for a second opinion. You might consider the Wilmer Eye Clinic at John Hopkins in Baltimore. It's a hike, but you only get one chance to do this right.

[SHMIV]

As to the question presented, I have nothing to contribute, but I wanted to mention that GF went to Virginia Eye Institute for some examinations in relation to a possible eye surgery, and we were greatly unimpressed.

Their communication and follow up skills are lacking to the point of virtual nonexistence, and they seemed to misplace files and test results. GF got fussed at for missing an appointment that she did not miss. And, some of the staff were just plain impolite.

Just figured I'd throw that out there for consideration.

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[jmax]

I got multi-focal lens implanted early this year and with the exception of computer screens and some reading i cannot be more pleased. I have been an iron sight shooter for many decades and the clarity of the front sight is astounding. I can recommend them without hesitation to any and all. I have had to wear glasses for 55+ years and now only wear 1 diopter reading glasses for very limited use.

[FiremanBob]

Ask your opthalmologist to consult with a colleague who is a shooter. I have heard that there is someone in Richmond who is a triple-distinguished competitive shooter, but I don't know his name.

[OleMan]

As to the question presented, I have nothing to contribute, but I wanted to mention that GF went to Virginia Eye Institute for some examinations in relation to a possible eye surgery, and we were greatly unimpressed.

Their communication and follow up skills are lacking to the point of virtual nonexistence, and they seemed to misplace files and test results. GF got fussed at for missing an appointment that she did not miss. And, some of the staff were just plain impolite.

Just figured I'd throw that out there for consideration.

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In the Richmond area, Richmond Eye Associates seem to have a good reputation and were recommended by my family doctor. I'll likely have them perform cataract surgery this coming fall/winter.