I’m not sure if we’ve had this topic here so I’ll start new thread.
Although I don’t have bigger problems with my eyesight (left eye no correction for distant vision, right eye some +diopter and some cylinders, both eyes some correction for near vision which is ok for age 51), I was considering eye surgery few times in my life – usually after reading articles 
about how the techniques and results have improved over the years. I was at check for LASIK 8 years ago but I didn’t opt for the surgery (probably too afraid) although only one eye was in case.
Few days ago I went for a check again (I am quite persistent ) expecting similar result but I got the recommendation for MIOL (multifocal intraocular lenses) as a solution for correcting eyesight on all distances. Wow, that seemed quite radical to me, especially for my left (dominant) eye which is practically as healthy as it can be at my age.
Originally, this surgery was developed for replacing damaged or obscured eye lens but for some time it’s used as eyesight correction method. Initially, single focus lens were used but recently multifocal ones were developed.
I clearly stated I was a pilot and asked if there’s any conflict of using this lens and getting medical and the answer was no. Also, I asked if there were any complications related to night vision and I got pretty non-convincing answer on some halos and similar visual disturbances usual sorted out during time (by brain power of ignoring such staff). On top of that I said that I didn’t have problems wearing reading glasses and I wanted just correction for my right eye.
After checking with AME (and reading regulations and few scientific studies) I found both answers wrong (or partially wrong). Under EASA regulation MIOL are not allowed. And studies still show complications that result in different regulation in different countries related to use for particular professions.
So my decision was clear NO because real medical condition for replacing eye lens is cataract and I hope I’m still few years far from this.
Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and experiences.
I discussed LASIK with an ophthalmologist a few years ago. Her recommendation was to have it between ages 25 and 40, if at all. The eye can still grow until one’s 20s, which alters the refraction. After 45 the sense loses much of its flexibility, leading to farsightedness. Cataract typically occurs in the 60s to 70s and requires replacement lense surgery.
My view as a doctor (though not an ophthalmologist!) is that the risks generally outweigh the benefits for elective eye surgery. I have no problem wearing glasses, other wear contact lenses just fine. This works quite well if you have a good optician and suffer from the typical kinds of far- or nearsightedness.
My view as a doctor (though not an ophthalmologist!) is that the risks generally outweigh the benefits for elective eye surgery.
That’s the opinion of my brother as well who’s doctor and specialist in occupational and sports medicine.
I have seen cataract surgery to be highly effective but would never have surgery for anything lesser, especially as there is no way to correct both distance and reading cases while being aviation medical compatible.
Also, cataract surgery probably will not avoid you having to wear glasses – for either distance or reading. The process is not accurate enough.
Peter wrote:
Also, cataract surgery probably will not avoid you having to wear glasses – for either distance or reading. The process is not accurate enough.
Plus, when you live in a place where there is a lot of light you’ll wear sunglasses anyway.
You’re not a proper pilot if you don’t wear sunglasses
@Emir – I have some knowledge and experience with IOLs, pm me if you have any queries. In principle I support the @MedEWok position that risks of surgery outweigh benefits. My mom has had poor vision in both her eyes since childhood and was always wearing thick glasses. Few years back we had an opportunity to go over her case with some of my acquaintances here and we felt lucky to have not pursued Surgery method before. However in the last years, her Cataract condition worsened and now she has BiFocal IOLs.
With regards to EASA stand on MIOLs, can you point me to the source? does it also include BiFocal IOLs? that would be interesting….
I can only recommend (based on my own negative experience) to stay away from any eye surgery as long as possible. Try to get away with glasses, which is much safer and quite comfortable especially when you can tolerate multifocal glasses.
Stay away from the medical profession as long as possible
If you break your arm, they can fix that with no side effects, but most other things are more complicated… The risk in eye surgery is small but catastrophic if your number comes up.
With regards to EASA stand on MIOLs, can you point me to the source? does it also include BiFocal IOLs? that would be interesting….
Visual/Guidance-following-eye-surgery
Check Note under Cataract Surgery.
Visual-System-guidance-material-GM
What surprised/scared me the most was that I came with very precise questions and got non-professional advices (btw my brother was stunned when I told him the details). I don’t have any problems wearing the glasses; I just wanted to avoid inconvenience of having two pairs by correcting distant-vision problem on one eye.
