Can an IOL exchange occur successfully longer than 1 year after it is implanted ?
Ideally 6 months, but as long as you haven’t had a YAG a good surgeon with lots of experience can likely do the exchange a year or 2 out from surgeries. Check with Julielyn as I think her exchanges were done beyond 6 months.
I’ve talked to 2 surgeons who are willing to do lens exchanges for my situation. Both of them said that the sooner it’s done, the better. But they also both didn’t seem overly worried about it and said that there isn’t really a time limit. One of them said that he successfully did a lens exchange 10 years after the initial surgery. (That last one also said that he did a total of 18 lens exchanges in his 5+ years of being in practice … and that he hasn’t done an unsuccessful lens exchange yet. But that doesn’t mean it can’t/won’t happen at some point). So for whatever that’s worth, it can be done.
I am wondering too. Also I am wondering if anyone doing the exchange gave the name of the surgeon that may have made a mistake and insists nothing is wrong. How can these records be helpful to the new doctor?And why can I not get an independent evaluation if my first surgeon says everything is perfect my my vision is not?
elizabeth, until you have a refraction from an optomotrist i wouldn’t even consider an IOL exchange. what is the delay in getting that done?
mady i am curious too why you haven’t gone to see someone for full refraction test to see where your vision actually is. I would get that before deciding on next steps.
I was wondering, do I have to give the doctor that will check my eyes for the IOL exchange whatever the first surgeon records I get?
Because my retina doctor insisted I had to wait two weeks after I got my Eylea shot and now I have an appointment I cannot move with the second opinion doctor a day before the refraction test. i do however have a refraction test from December 2019 as well as the lens prescription of that doctor and the lenses placed at the time or surgery. I am so overwhelmed. Both the surgeon and retina doctors work in the same same small building and use each other for referral so its complicated.
I am just going for consult and since the doctor is not that far, I will return for the procedure. I thought I can do the test the end of the week and forward it to the doctor and then set the date.
Forgive my ignorance, how do I contact Julielyn? We have similar cases..Please explain, I do not know how to contact her.
Go to cataract forum home page and scroll to her thread entitled IoL Exchange.
Elizabeth you can go yo any optometrist for a refraction test: Costco and WALMART do them. You do not need a referral or wait -unless tour surgery was less than 6 weeks ago then I’d suggest you wait 6 weeks for complete healing.
Sometimes a surgeon will do a full refraction test - mine got me to read a chart off the wall at 24 hours but asked me to see my own optometrist at 6 weeks. They should give you a slip of paper with your exact prescription on it if full test was done. If you have doubts about your results or your surgeon you should go see an optometrist. Often prescription glasses still needed after cataract surgery and even if you don’t need glasses you should have a baseline of where your eyesight is after surgery.
My surgery was 6 months ago and I m happy that my retina doctor provide my latest refraction done in April. Thanks
Thanks a lot.
so what were the results of that refraction test. Would you post those results? With that we can tell how near or far sighted you are and if there is much astigmatism. often surgeons have you read the chart on the wall and hand you something to read which doesn’t tell the full story.
my astigmatism remains on that eye. Turns out we have a plan that until I have more tests is not final. I want an IOL exchange but the fact remains that they have to run more tests and then I will know and of course tell you.
I think whoever is advising more tests first is being prudent. Although sometimes needed and necessary it should only be last resort.
So if you received a refraction test that determined there is still astigmatism would you post those results? Many here will be able to weigh in on suggestions. Perhaps if not a big amount a laser tweaking would be better? But would like to know what your current prescription is first.
elizabeth, Sue An is right…maybe ladik. or, astigmatism correction can be fixed with glasses or a contact lens. i am still not understanding why you are insistent on a riskier IOL exchange. what are your refraction numbers? Some one here will be able to weigh in on options.
Not sure, I have seen some message of people that have, how long ago was your surgery? I have seen people say they have . You need to consult with someone you are sure really can be trusted.