For first hand information about my experience with Array Intra Occular
Multi-focal Lens replacements for cataracts, Read on...

I am 42 yrs old and live in metro Phx, AZ. Recently diagnosed with
Cataracts, probably due to many hours and years out in the sun and the lack
of wearing uv sunglasses. Anyway

I have read many posts on various web sites and boards regarding the
satsifaction and performance with the multifocal IOL replacement for
cataract patients. Most of the posts are here-say and "friend of a friend"
stories, so when choosing my lens replacement lenses,  I relied on a
brother-in-law who had personal experience with the surgery and many many
hours of reading posts.

My theory about why so few posts have anything about multifocal lenses is
that for the most part, the cataract patients are older and less PC savvy.
Many don't own computers and email is nothing they ever have received. So
firsthand information is scarce. Research showed only a few firsthand user
posts, and those were 40 ish to 50 ish yrs old.

In this post, I will share preliminary details of my personal experience to
help others make an informed decision. I hope it helps someone. I am not
affiliated with any lens maker, or Physician.

First, I went to Optometrists for years. I will NEVER do that again. My
experience is Optometrists only prescribe vision correction aids, and none
of them I went to diagnosed my cataracts. My opthomologist saw it right
away, less than 3 months after the Optometrist told me I might have a
floater, but I should see a Opthomologist expert to be sure.  Bogus Dude...

After my diagnosis, The Dr asked some questions and offered me a choice in
which lenses. Multi-focal or Mono. The questions screen you for type of
lifestyle and activity levels, also your expectation level of outcome after
surgery. We both chose the Array multifocal lenses for a variety of reasons.

My reasons were based on the results and satisfaction levels of many people
in dozens of different studies using the Multi lens and mono lenses. Using
Multifocals, I read a definite benefit in intermediate distance vision and a
potential for better close up vision and little difference in distance
vision. The biggest drawback was potential Halo effects which are more
common in the Multi lenses but still possible with mono lenses. Also some
users reported the Multi's are not quite as sharp at long distances, but the
potentila for clearer closeup with decent distance was appealing.

Surgery was quite easy and the most pain I had was getting the IV installed
before surgery. I was awake but sort of "out of it" for the surgery which
took 15 minutes or so. I was home in less than 2 hours from the time we
left. The 1st eye was the worst and the plan was to do my right eye and 2
weeks later, do the left eye. My right eye also has moderate to high
astigmatism. I had a bandage on for 24 hours and then took off the bandage
and began to see. Over the day,my vision improved and colors were noticibly
more vivid and sharper. I did experience Halos around lights in dark rooms
or on the road at night, but with the removal of the cataract, the
cloudiness was gone. Sort of a trade off at that point I felt.

2 days after surgery I had 20/30 vision in the right eye, which was 20/200
before.
For the next 2 weeks I wore a contact on my left eye and found things pretty
good. Halos are a problem, and I was somewhat worried about night driving
when the other eye was done.

My vision got worse and better in the right eye over the next 2 weeks.
Essentially I had better days and worse days. I wound up with 20/70 in the
right eye 3 weeks after surgery, (but that was a bad day).

After 5 weeks, I was tested again and am told that with Astigmatism
correction, My right eye vision is 20/15. The Dr recommended night driving
glasses for the astigmatism to help sharpen images and potentially lessen
the halos.  Glasses or lenses will not lessen your full recovery following
this surgery. I have noticed the halos are getting less with time, and the
lens maker says it can take 3-6 months to diminish to a point where it is
not a problem. My brother in-law said it was more like a year for him.By the
way, The IOL does not help asitgmatism, so I knew it could be a problem. In
The studies I read, Most problems with users having Halos and lower
satisfaction levels come from users with higher astigmatism before surgery!

After my left Eye was done, I had a pinhole pupil problem for 2-3 days which
gradually returned to fully normal in a week - 10 days. Dr said it was not
un-common and not to worry. During the time with the pinhole pupil, I could
see so clearly, I think I could read a phone book from 10 feet away! No
halos either, but if  I was in a dark room, that eye was useless. As the
pupil opened up, I began seeing halos and clarity was reduced but it was
similar to the right eye.

Recovery was similar to the right eye, 3 weeks later I had 20/30 and I have
been fairly happy overall. Not 100% but better than before surgery.

Now at 6 weeks and 3 weeks post op, I have to say that my closeup vision is
much better than  before surgery,but not as good as I had 10-15 years ago.
My distance vision is pretty good and slowly improving. I still see a faint
ghost images  which become larger the farther away I get from what I am
looking at. Daytime in full sun, my vision is very good, and as the daylight
dims, my vision also dims a bit. Just enought to notice it.

Knowing that I would have had to wear reading glasses with single or mono
vision IOLs I think this choce was best for me. I have to read very small
print in my work and a lot of it. I only use readers in rare cases since
surgery. Maybe 3-5 minutes total out of 40 plus hours of reading fine print.
I am hopeful and trying to be patient in waiting for final outcome.

Will update this post as time progresses.

By the way, Total cost SO FAR is around $6500.00 for both eyes.

Good luck on your surgery, and be sure to choose a GOOD surgeon! I didn't
want a trainee! My Surgeon has been doing this type of surgery for 20 plus
years and has a good reputation.