Cataract Surgeon in DFW Area

[Ichi]

Latest visit to optometrist revealed that I need to have cataract surgery for my right eye. Bummer since I just bought a ZC527.

Can anyone recommend a cataract surgeon in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

If you've had an IOL implanted, what type of lens did you get? Any issues or anything that you would do differently?

 

[Modoc]

I can’t comment on a surgeon, but when I had my left eye done in 2008, they mapped the lense before deciding what type was appropriate.

 

[Caveman.]

Latest visit to optometrist revealed that I need to have cataract surgery for my right eye. Bummer since I just bought a ZC527.

Can anyone recommend a cataract surgeon in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

If you've had an IOL implanted, what type of lens did you get? Any issues or anything that you would do differently?

In what part of town do you live?

 

[Ichi]

In what part of town do you live?

Fort Worth. But also drive all over the metroplex and Dallas.

 

[Darryle]

I had mine done in 2020, last patient before covid lockdowns

Nethery Eye Associates
On Harris Parkway by Hulen Mall

Still have 20/15 distance and still need the same power readers as day one.

They have technology now that wasn't available or affordable enough when I had mine done

Nethery Eye Associates · Fort Worth, Texas

maps.app.goo.gl

Gratuitous old blind man picture

 

[Darryle]

Latest visit to optometrist revealed that I need to have cataract surgery for my right eye. Bummer since I just bought a ZC527.

Can anyone recommend a cataract surgeon in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

If you've had an IOL implanted, what type of lens did you get? Any issues or anything that you would do differently?

These are what he implanted.

I would use gel eye drops from the start before bed, used a regular saline and then went to the gel, much better experience on wake up, no dry eyes during the day. I would also get the best polarized sunglasses you can afford. I have had less strain since switching to glass Costa, Maui Jim and Wiley X.

 

[Caveman.]

Fort Worth. But also drive all over the metroplex and Dallas.

I am more acquainted with the Dallas options. The only Fort Worth practice I am familiar with is Nethery Eye and they are a well-oiled machine, although I am sure there are plenty of other excellent choices in that area. The biggest thing you need to research and determine is what type of intraocular lens you want implanted. Insurance covers the standard monofocal option. Monofocal toric lenses are great for astigmatism (if you have astigmatism), but cost extra. Then there are even more expensive options (Multifocal Lens, Light Adjustable Lens) which provide extra depth of focus/range of vision and can correct for astigmatism, but they have some drawbacks and you may or may not qualify for them depending upon your ocular health and anatomy.

If you want to splurge and you qualify, I would select the Light Adjustable Lens and avoid the Multifocal. If you decide to go that route, call around the different practices for price quotes beforehand.

 

[Darryle]

Co-worker just had Nethery implant the multi-focal adjustable, covered by our medical 100%, he was as blind as me and doesn't need readers or corrective lenses of any kind. Kinda wished my cataracts would have held off 5yrs .

 

[Ichi]

The IOL technology has changed a lot over the last few years.

I hate wearing reading glasses, but I don't plan on getting the multifocal lenses due to many reports of halos and starbursts around light sources. That said, the Tecnis PureSee seems to offset the negative issues with multifocals. Unfortunately they are not available in the US.

The light adjustable lenses would probably be the most accurate, but they are also one of the most expensive at $5k to $8k per eye. They also take a few weeks to have all the adjustments made. During this time, you have to avoid all UV light sources.

There are some enhanced depth of field monofocal IOLs that are promising. But I would still need reading glasses.

 

[Caveman.]

The IOL technology has changed a lot over the last few years.

I hate wearing reading glasses, but I don't plan on getting the multifocal lenses due to many reports of halos and starbursts around light sources. That said, the Tecnis PureSee seems to offset the negative issues with multifocals. Unfortunately they are not available in the US.

The light adjustable lenses would probably be the most accurate, but they are also one of the most expensive at $5k to $8k per eye. They also take a few weeks to have all the adjustments made. During this time, you have to avoid all UV light sources.

There are some enhanced depth of field monofocal IOLs that are promising. But I would still need reading glasses.

Yeah, I wouldn't get a multifocal either. I would not tolerate the reduced contrast sensitivity and increased nighttime glare and halos. The enhanced monofocals are very nice and they have toric options available for astigmatism if needed. They provide excellent distance and intermediate vision and the non-toric version does not cost extra. The two most common are probably the Technis Eyhance and the Envista Aspire, although the Aspire just got recalled last week.

 

[penguinofsleep]

Not a patient, not an eye surgeon, not in the IOL industry, so I can't provide much "actual feedback". But some very general things because I haven't seen it mentioned yet:
1) Just like rifle optics, there's the equivalent "higher grade" ones like a ZC, TT, etc. and the like as well as "normal consumer grade" ones (think $500 scope) - except here you can't look through the optic first before deciding.
2) There are ones that allow for non-invasive / non-surgical adjustments AFTER they are implanted to correct for the tiny errors and "misalignments" that are very likely to occur due to both stuff happening during the surgical procedure to natural stuff beyond anyone's control such as the way the eye heals. A good idea if you think minor imperfections or distortions will bother you after the fact.

 

[carbonbased]

@Ichi are you nearsighted? How bad are your eyes? Any eye health issues?

Just wanted to know before I suggest some things.

 

[blackblue]

Good info here, after turning 40 the eye sight started going down hill. I'll deal with glasses when I need them for now but will get my eyes done eventually.

 

[Ichi]

@Ichi are you nearsighted? How bad are your eyes? Any eye health issues?

Just wanted to know before I suggest some things.

I have mild farsightedness with some astigmatism. I usually shoot without prescription glasses. I can also drive without glasses. I can see the dash gauges and radio/navigation screen well enough, with a minor amount blurriness.

Due to age, I have to wear reading glasses. Depending on how small or far away the objects is, I'll choose from +1.75, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00, +4.00 or even +8.00. I've got reading glasses in almost every room in the house and in the garage. As much as I hate them, I don't want to go with multifocal IOLs.

I'm cursed in that I can easily tell when objects/signs are not in focus. When looking at something, my attention is immediately drawn to imperfections.

The cataract in my right eye has made it very difficult to get fitted for a good eyeglasses lens. My optometrist says that the particular type of cataract changes quickly and a prescription that works today probably won't be good after a month. As a result, my left eye is starting to take over. With glasses on the distance vision in my left eye is near perfect. While my right eye is a bit fuzzy.

 

[Mongo68]

I just had cataract surgery ( after a year long retinopathy process, still get to do that). I can see distance 20/15 and 20/40. Need readers for anything close- +1.5 or +2. I still suck finding distance targets and can’t read dope card without readers. It’s an interesting adjustment so far but overall not like we get a choice as we age.
Good luck to you and hope your results are good and what you’re looking for!

 

[carbonbased]

I have mild farsightedness with some astigmatism. I usually shoot without prescription glasses. I can also drive without glasses. I can see the dash gauges and radio/navigation screen well enough, with a minor amount blurriness.

Due to age, I have to wear reading glasses. Depending on how small or far away the objects is, I'll choose from +1.75, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00, +4.00 or even +8.00. I've got reading glasses in almost every room in the house and in the garage. As much as I hate them, I don't want to go with multifocal IOLs.

I'm cursed in that I can easily tell when objects/signs are not in focus. When looking at something, my attention is immediately drawn to imperfections.

The cataract in my right eye has made it very difficult to get fitted for a good eyeglasses lens. My optometrist says that the particular type of cataract changes quickly and a prescription that works today probably won't be good after a month. As a result, my left eye is starting to take over. With glasses on the distance vision in my left eye is near perfect. While my right eye is a bit fuzzy.

Worst Value Optic?

OT a bit but does anyone have a opinion on the Zeiss S3 vs their S5? Nobody replied? Personally, I'd rather buy the Tract Toric ELR 4-25x50 ($1494.00 regular price or 10% off December sale or 15% off LE/Military any time) and Vortex Razor Gen 3 6-36x56 (2k from Liberty or next time they go on...

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Above is my post on the subject. There’s some more posts by me on that thread too.

Mine worked out pretty well; as good as I could reasonably expect. I started with -10/-11 nearsightedness, which is pretty off the charts bad. Like 20/20,000?

Anyway, decided on a monovision setup (see the link). I still need very low RX glasses to drive comfortably, especially at night. I can still do it sans glasses, but longer distances and esp darkness magnifies the effect of the monovision, which tires me out a little. But I can use my phone, PC, watch TV, and read books no problem with my naked eyes.

 

[Darryle]

I can't use a dope card or bubble level with these lenses, but my distance vision is perfect. I can and have spotted coyotes at well over 1000yds since during the day, had to work on my shotgun mechanics and ended up just removing beads or fiber optics because of the blurriness. I need etched reticle red dots to overcome the effects of astigmatism and halos/half moon dots. Overall, I would go with exactly what I have. I asked about replacements if the need arises, my ophthalmologist said that these will outlast me. I guess I shouldn't be too upset, considering that my old eyes were something terrible.

 

[Ichi]

I can't use a dope card or bubble level with these lenses, but my distance vision is perfect. I can and have spotted coyotes at well over 1000yds since during the day, had to work on my shotgun mechanics and ended up just removing beads or fiber optics because of the blurriness. I need etched reticle red dots to overcome the effects of astigmatism and halos/half moon dots. Overall, I would go with exactly what I have. I asked about replacements if the need arises, my ophthalmologist said that these will outlast me. I guess I shouldn't be too upset, considering that my old eyes were something terrible.

I have the same problem with reading or seeing things up close. I started using SSP shooting glasses because they offer interchangeable lenses with top or bottom bifocals.

When shooting a pistol with iron sights, I use the top bifocal lens for my right eye and the bottom bifocal lens for my left. That allows me to see the sights and read anything up close. But it does take a little time to get use to them.

When shooting a rifle with a scope, I use the bottom bifocal lens for both eyes. That has been the best option for seeing thru the scope and being able to read the turrets and/or a range card.

With either of these top or bottom bifocals you'll have to experiment with the amount of magnification you need based on how far your eyes are away from the object. Positioning a range card at the same distance away as the scope turrets is a lot easier than repositioning the scope level depending on the type of level.

Cost of either the top or bottom bifocal kit with three sets of lenses is $80.00. The lenses also have UV 400 protection.

Here's a picture of the top bifocal glasses.

If you want to use a top bifocal in one eye and a bottom bifocal in the other, I've found that it is cheaper to buy a second pair of the bottom bifocal glasses than just buying replacement lenses. Replacemnt lenses are around $40-$50.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

A couple of thoughts. I had IOLs installed in both eyes over 10 years ago, around age 60. I was significantly nearsighted (-4 range) and astigmatic.

• My cataracts manifested as wrecking my nighttime vision. I had no major symptoms during the day, but when the irises opened up at night... well, when I realized I could not read big road signs until I was pretty much on top of them, it was time.
• I think I have monovision tract toric lenses. Distance vision has been 20/15-20/20 since day one, except...
• Wrt folks who keep reader glasses all over the place: yeah, don't. Get a good pair of readers from an optometrist and figure out how to keep them on your person. Good readers are a huge positive on quality of life. Our community puts very high value on superb optics; why in hell would any of us rely on a pile of $10 cheap-ass garbage glasses used a zillion times a day? I keep mine stuck in the collar of the t-shirts I wear 99.9% of my waking hours. Biggest frustration is the larger, heavier (less expensive) pair I prefer for reading (I do a lot of that) will fall out if I lean over. I have another pair, much lighter with pre-surgery titanium frames repurposed as readers, whose spring-loaded temples kinda clip to the collar and are less prone to fall out. I still set my readers down somewhere and the "@!&*$!!! WHERE ARE MY GLASSES" song is heard at least one a day. But having the optical quality of good readers makes that annoyance more than worthwhile.
• Posterior vitrious separation (PVS). I experienced it in both eyes after surgery and the retina tore in one. The vitrious humor, or vitreous body, is the clear gelatinous tissue that fills our eyeballs. As we age, it becomes more common for the vitreous to separate from the retina, and nearsightedness increases the chances as does trauma to the eye (I guess surgery counts). Anyway, it presents as flashes of light at the periphery of vision in low light when the eyeball is moved. In one eye, it happened and it was monitored without treatment and the end result was a number of fairly benign floaters that the brain fairly quickly tunes out. But in the other, the retina tore a little and the blood cells up against the retina looked like a cloud of sand in bright light. Ophthalmologist stitched that up with a laser.
• So, now into my 70s, I see quite well in decent light. The PVS-related floaters are there but "benign" is a good word for them. It's a factor of aging that low-light acuity degrades; that can be frustrating but in the grand scheme of things it's no biggie.
• As someone else wrote: get good sunglasses.
• Early on after surgery, I couldn't read the markings on my scope turrets. I learned I could make them out enough for matches by squinting. The magnifier things were too much of a pita and were discarded.
• I have no trouble seeing a bubble level mounted at the front of the scope while "in the gun" ready to shoot.

I shot my season's 3rd PRS-style match yesterday. Finished in my usual middle-of-the-pack position; only timed out on a couple of move-shoot-move stages. Blessed and thankful to be physically able to play the game at this point in life.

 

[carbonbased]

I think I have monovision tract toric lenses. Distance vision has been 20/15-20/20 since day one, except...

I’m not quite sure that you and I are using the term “monovision” in the same way.

Monovision, as explained by my doc, is having one distance lens in my shooting eye and a closeup lens in my other eye. About 25% of people have brains than can put those two images together.

It gives me an approximation of young eyes. Still can’t see as super close up as a young person (i.e. like threading a needle), but it allows me to largely get by without cheaters 99% of the time. Still need glasses for driving (esp. nighttime) or for long distances to correct that closeup eye especially.

What does monovision mean to you?

 

[carbonbased]

Oh, perhaps @DownhillFromHere meant “monofocal”, or single focal length lenses? Monovision isn’t a lens, per se, but is a surgical, uh, technique(?) where two monofocal lenses are put in (one in each eye), just like in a regular surgery.

(Sorry, going to repeat myself here)
But one is set for distance and one is for close-up. 25% of people have brains that can smash those images together. I don’t need cheaters for 99% of my regular life.

Btw you test your brain before surgery with an equivalent contact lens setup.

Now, I can’t thread a needle anymore without cheaters, and RX glasses help driving (esp at night), but really, I don’t do either of those things that much. If need be, I can drive without them.

If I was someone outside all of the time (farmer) or who drove all of the time (truck driver), just be aware you might still need glasses with my setup. But even then, it should largely free you from cheaters.

The enhanced monofocals are very nice and they have toric options available for astigmatism if needed. They provide excellent distance and intermediate vision and the non-toric version does not cost extra. The two most common are probably the Technis Eyhance and the Envista Aspire, although the Aspire just got recalled last week.

What exactly are enhanced monofocal lenses? Are these mechanical lenses that rely on muscles in your eye to focus? If so, stay away.

You really don’t want to have a second surgery to remove a recalled lens, and my doc said they don’t install those types anymore due to the fact that they either don’t work or don’t work well.

If the lenses that you are referring to are brand new (less then 10 yrs old) and not what I’m referring to, I think it’s unwise to be a guinea pig in the eye arena.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

Oh, perhaps @DownhillFromHere meant “monofocal”, or single focal length lenses? Monovision isn’t a lens, per se, but is a surgical, uh, technique(?) where two monofocal lenses are put in (one in each eye), just like in a regular surgery.

(Sorry, going to repeat myself here)
But one is set for distance and one is for close-up. 25% of people have brains that can smash those images together. I don’t need cheaters for 99% of my regular life.

To clarify my situation: I selected my IOL lenses for distance vision. I definitely did NOT want one lens for distance and one for close-up. I was still competing in NSSA skeet at the time and I definitely wanted my depth perception intact.

 

[carbonbased]

To clarify my situation: I selected my IOL lenses for distance vision. I definitely did NOT want one lens for distance and one for close-up. I was still competing in NSSA skeet at the time and I definitely wanted my depth perception intact.

Depth perception: that’s an interesting topic and one I should’ve brought up. It’s such a slight effect I guess I’ve never even thought about it.

I assume you shot shotgun with both eyes open? I’m no competitor.

In that case I’d just wear my thin RX glasses, and my vision then becomes perfect in both eyes. Before cataract surgery my lenses were super thick, even with high-index plastic, so thin RX lenses are no big deal to me.

You shouldn’t go into any cataract surgery expecting to never wear glasses again, btw. Doctors use tools to estimate your end vision, but it’s called an estimate for a reason.

Sans glasses, I have noticed an almost imperceptible loss in depth perception when typing on a phone’s glass screen. I’m talking right on the edge of noticing, and I’m picky as hell. For example, my retina doc was flat out amazed that I noticed my two retina detachments at the point they had progressed to. He had to look for a while (relatively) to see the tears.

Walking outside on bumpy ground without glasses, I do feel a tiny tiny bit less steady, but when wearing the RX glasses I’m back to my old self. For sports I use contacts, and man, that sucks for doing anything else, like looking at my damn phone. I need cheaters. What a hassle!!

To me, the advantages of never needing cheaters (unless threading a needle) plus the fact that RX glasses fix my monovision disadvantages outweigh any overall disadvantages of a monovision setup. Again, to me.

 

[carbonbased]

Btw @DownhillFromHere thanks again for bringing up depth perception. I’m going to update my post on the other thread with that info. More knowledge is an extremely good thing to have when entering into eye surgery.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

Depth perception: that’s an interesting topic and one I should’ve brought up. It’s such a slight effect I guess I’ve never even thought about it.

I assume you shot shotgun with both eyes open? I’m no competitor.

Yes, definitely shot shotgun with both eyes open... and I think I sometimes shoot rifle with both eyes open too. Honestly, I don't even think about it anymore.

I wore contacts until my mid-40s, when I needed bifocals. I was picky too - I was complain that I wasn't seeing well if I coudn;t read the 20/15 line with ease.

You shouldn’t go into any cataract surgery expecting to never wear glasses again, btw. Doctors use tools to estimate your end vision, but it’s called an estimate for a reason.

True. I was fortunate to come out with "20/17.5" vision (able to read most but not all of the 20/15 line). But at least one other guy I know didn't fare as well and still needed glasses. The eye continues to change with age; my optometrist shows that I can see VERY minimally better with a minuscule correction - but I already see 20/20 so I'm good.

It was definitely a revelation to learn how many times each day I need the readers. Now they're an integral part of my life. I value my depth perception... and it's hard to get best value from my tripod-mounted 15x56 binoculars at PRS matches wearing bleeping glasses.

As you say, though - each of us has his/her own priorities.
---

Another word about quality readers as opposed to walmart junk: My readers are progressive, like my pre-cataract glasses. That also makes a difference in long-term comfort.