Larry's Perfect Vision: 50-Year Wait Ends with IOLs at AGEI

Larry’s journey toward premium IOL lenses

Disappointed but not discouraged, Larry spent the remainder of his adult life searching for a way to have perfect vision without the help of spectacles.

Larry first heard about the intraocular lens (IOL) during the 1980s, when it gained popularity with the advent of silicone-based materials. Nowadays, an IOL lens exchange allows the patient and doctor to customize an artificial lens during or even after cataract surgery rather than deciding on the prescription beforehand.

What is an intraocular lens?

An intraocular lens is a medical device implanted in the eye during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens that has become cloudy. The lens helps restore clear vision and can correct certain refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

The IOL, also called an accommodating IOL, is typically made of foldable acrylic or silicone and placed in the same location where the natural lens used to be. It is designed to remain in the eye permanently and does not require any special care or maintenance. IOLs can correct a wider range of vision problems than any other eye surgery.

There are several types of IOLs:

• Monofocal IOLs provide clear vision at one distance. Monofocal lenses magnify either near, intermediate, or far vision.
• Multifocal lenses provide clear vision, and multifocal IOLs excel at multiple distances. Multifocal IOLs can also be trifocal IOLs or extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses.
• Toric lenses correct astigmatism; toric IOLs provide clear vision at a distance.

What vision problems did Larry experience?

Larry experienced several vision problems, including seeing swirls and halos, which made reading difficult. He was diagnosed with a condition requiring a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove fluid from the eyeball to access the retina. Unfortunately, this surgery led to further complications, including cataracts, the need for contact lenses, quadruple vision in each eye, and the inability to drive.

Larry went to his regular ophthalmologist and was told he required a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the fluid (vitreous) inside the eyeball. It’s mostly done so your surgeon can access your retina — the layer of tissue at the back of your eye connected to your optic nerve. The retina sends signals that your brain converts into images. Larry had a bilateral vitrectomy (fluid removal in both eyes).

Unfortunately, that surgery only made things worse. Six months later, Larry developed cataracts, needed contact lenses, had quadruple vision in each eye, and could no longer drive.

Why did Larry choose Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI)?

Larry chose Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI) because his complex case was rejected by numerous other doctors, and he was seeking an FDA-approved IOL procedure for the best possible vision. Dr. Kerry Assil at AGEI confidently offered to perform the cataract surgery with an intraocular lens, demonstrating a problem-solving mentality and a commitment to achieving optimal vision, unlike other specialists Larry had consulted.

“I was looking for someone to give me an FDA-approved IOL procedure to give me the very best vision possible,” said Larry, who fruitlessly consulted with numerous eye doctors. “Nobody would talk to me about that. After my cataract surgery, I was looking for a surgeon to do a final perfection tune-up of my vision.”

That was until he consulted with Dr. Kerry Assil at AGEI, known for having the best surgical techniques in Los Angeles. Dr. Assil confidently told Larry that he could perform cataract surgery with an intraocular lens, and it would be a common procedure.

“His attitude was so different from the other doctors I’d seen,” said Larry.

Swayed somewhat by AGEI’s stellar list of patients—including NBA stars Lebron James, Paul George, and Chris Paul—Larry opted to enlist Dr. Assil for his surgery.

“There’s a problem-solving mentality at AGEI to do something unique,” he said. “Dr. Assil wants to give you the best vision possible.”

What was Larry's experience after IOL surgery?

After IOL surgery, Larry experienced a quick and efficient process at AGEI, with only 20 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes per eye, performed on consecutive days. His recovery was immediate, with minimal downtime, allowing him to resume activities the next day and notice a significant improvement in his vision, leading to immense satisfaction and the ability to drive again.

The other ophthalmologists Larry consulted with had wanted to wait two weeks between eye surgeries, but AGEI Dr. Assil did eye number two the next day. Larry had a follow-up check two weeks later.

Recovery was a snap. Larry’s only downtime was on the day of the procedure. He resumed his activities the next day and noticed an immediate improvement in his vision. Back behind the driver’s seat, Larry couldn’t be happier.

“I walked out of the surgery, and I could see wonderfully,” he said. “It was like plastic had been removed from my eyes.”

Why trust AGEI with your eye surgery?

AGEI represents the country’s highest standards of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, advancements in eye surgery, and patient care.

The eye care team of top ophthalmology specialists is nationally recognized for compassionate patient-centric care, a commitment to eye health, pioneering advanced technologies, and dedication to supporting the health and well-being of patients and the community.

Los Angeles’s leading laser vision correction, cataract, and retinal surgeons are available to you, all in one practice. State-of-the-art treatments for all eye conditions, including glaucoma, PRK, macular disease, myopia, dry eye, refractive surgery, presbyopia, cataract surgery, astigmatism, farsightedness, and diabetic eye conditions.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.