I have had cataracts for a while, but until now I have been able to correct my vision to 20/20. Now I have no choice but to have surgery, and soon, since I no longer hold a valid medical and can't work.

Has anyone had cataract surgery? If so, which type of lenses did you have implanted, and what has your experience been with them? Based on my research thus far, I am torn between monofocal lenses set for distance (which will definitely require I wear reading glasses for near and intermediate vision), and the Crystalens accommodating lens, which is supposed to provide better vision from near to far, but might require I use glasses (or have LASIK) since a certain percentage of recipients have some lens shifting during surgery recovery.

On the subject of LASIK, can anyone comment on their experiences with LASIK surgery?

Sky Kitten..I had cataract surgery several years ago..procedure is swift, painless, and safe..my doc recommended mono vision lenses for best distance vision..also feds require a shorter waiting period with mono vision implants vs multi focal implants..if you wear contacts, for best possible results, it's important to discontinue wear a minimum of 3-4 weeks prior to the date your doc takes measurements of your eye..I was extremely nearsighted prior to cataract surgery and now my distance vision is around 20/25 uncorrected.. I wear prescription trifocals only while flying.. for me that surgery corrected not only my cataract condition but also my distance vision at the same time..I have no personal experience with lasik..I think you'll be very happy with the results of your cataract surgery..good luck..

Thanks, Petras52. I really appreciate your input.

You mentioned you only wear your glasses when flying. An acquaintance of mine had monofocals set for distance vision, and he said he can't see the dashboard of his car without reading glasses. Have you experienced this as well? About how close in do you think you can focus without readers/trifocals?

Hi Sky Kitten..I also have trouble reading the dash gauges w/o readers..my uncorrected intermediate/near vision is around 20/70 so focus length depends a lot on print size, lighting conditions, etc... jeppesen size print is impossible to read even at arms length w/o readers..also I found that as I got older my reader's prescription strength gradually increased..bottom line is each person's vision situation is different and you may be a good candidate for the multifocal implants whereas I wasn't.. also you might want to get 2nd opinions from other eye docs..good luck..

LASIK works well! As any medical procedure, it has a very low rate of failure and complications

I am also facing cataract surgery in the spring and I'm gathering information on what to expect from the FAA. From other reading I inferred that a 90 day evaluation period is required after cataract surgery before you can reapply for your medical, (assumng it has lapsed), otherwise a standard eye exam with those results documented on an FAA-provided form to your AME and you're back in the saddle. Does this sound accurate?

What kind of evaluation period is required for multi-focal implants? And once you have cataract surgery, do you have to go through the Special Issuance letter routine every year after?

Thanks in advance for all input.

I am looking for recent accounts of working pilots that have had cataract surgery. How long was it until you were flying again? Did you have it done so that there were several weeks between each eye? Any other nuggets of wisdom?

Thanks
RR

I'm not a pilot (FA) and am facing cataract surgery sooner rather than later. Doc told me recovery ISN'T 3 days like regular folks. More like 3 WEEKS for each eye, due to pressurization.

If someone who's had the surgery has different info, please let me (us) know. Thanks!

Ten or more years ago I had cataract surgery, had one long lens and one short lens. (Before multi focal) Left for seeing out, right for the panel. Always the possibility of split vision, however, everything is hunky dory so far.Still had the glasses near and far on the medical. Never wear 'em.

Forgot, great on dates, you can squint her to a 7 or 8........