Question
I am 43 years old and have severe myopia which is now:
-36.25 -3.00 180  -32.75 -3.50 170. I was recently registered 'partially sightd' and now carry a symbol cane. My myopia has been increasing all my life and, although it is increasing more slowly now, still continues to worsen. My specialist is very non-committal about my future. Is your experience similar to mine? I have been turned down for laser treatment and I am wondering if you think lens removal is an option.

Answer
Charles,

If you are using a cane, I'm assuming you are unable to drive. Are you wearing glasses? If it's only a matter of myopia, I am surprised to find that glasses cannot correct your problem. I'm sorry to hear this.

I do not suggest you have your lenses removed. It's invasive. You'd have to wear very thick glasses (like I do) and you have to have both distance and reading glasses. It's troublesome. Even if you could have the lenses taken out, and have them replaced with IOLs, your cornea will change with age, naturally, and you'd most likely have to have newer and stronger glasses year after year. But of course these are questions you should be asking your eye doctor. Without my knowing the extend of your vision problems, it's hard to weigh the options. If having your lenses removed will allow you to wear glasses that can help you drive, that might be enough to make it worth it.

Consider all of your options. Take the route of lease resistance. When it comes to your eyes, I have learned the hard way that it is far better to be conservative and cautious.

If you are able to function daily, and your vision doesn't hinder your life in a serious way, my advise would be to learn how best to live with your impairment. Our eyes are too precious to mess around with.

God bless,
Jeannine