Will Multifocal IOLs Worsen My Vertigo?
FEB 21, 2014
Question:
I have vertigo that happened after cerebellar mini-strokes and now I need cataract surgery. Multifocal lenses are recommended but I fear that my vertigo will worsen and render me unable to walk. Do you have any comment on vertigo sufferers and multifocal lenses?
Answer:
Vertigo is a very complex subject. Patients seem to have varying degrees of symptoms and trigger mechanisms. I have no personal experience with any of my patients who have elected to receive multifocal implants complaining about vertigo with multifocal lenses, but have many patients who have claimed dizziness with bifocal eyeglasses. If you opt out of the multifocal implant lens you will likely need bifocals (progressive lens?) or one pair of glasses for distance and another pair for reading. There really is no way to know whether any of these options would trigger your vertigo. I suggest you consult your ophthalmologist to discuss this fully.