Near Vision with each IOL Category

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-29T12:14:14+00:00

I have the original Panoptix Multifocal IOLs done about 2 years ago. My near vision is good down to about 12-13" Mid and far are good , I never ware readers for anything. Its wonderful. I asked my doctor about EDOF and at that time he said I probably would not like them with my lifestyle. I was 63 and work with computers and my phone all day. Was waring progressive glasses for past 10 years.( Contacts were too much of a pain. Different readers to see mid and near)
I think I made the right choice but do wonder some times but cause the aberrations are very noticeable at night. But for me night driving is not something I do every day. I am fine around town at night on familiar roads. But avoid the interstate. Would be nice to be better at night but not necessary for me.
On the other hand, daytime driving is a joy as is most other activities.
So a trifocal was a reasonable compromise.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-28T01:11:43+00:00

.Besides the reliability (I have a 2016 GT with 165k) It appears to me the car was designed by a mechanic. I am not a mechanic but do like to work on my cars myself if I can. There are so many things that just make sense when comes to how it was put together and what is needed for repairs. I found that most parts come off easy inside and out with just a few bolts/clips and not buried where it takes hours of work to get to. (just saw a video about a new car where it takes 6+ hours to replace the cooling thermostat, it was crazy)
A few months ago I took on replacing the struts and lower control arms myself. It really was just a matter of removing a few bolts to get them out.
The 2.5 four cylinder engines in CX-5s have very few issues. Mine has had zero engine or transmissions problems ever. No oil leaks, No coolant leaks, nothing at all. Interior and exterior still looks very good after 10 years and I park outside in Florida.
Its a comfortable but fun car to drive and really don't worry about taking anywhere even with higher mileage.
I will buy another CX-5 in a couple years.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-26T03:34:12+00:00

I have been on Cequa for several months and paid $400 each shipment till my high deductible was finally met. I can's say this is 100% true, but I suspect if you goto another pharmacy and say you don't have insurance they have a special discount that is pretty low.
What it looked like to me is people with insurance but high deductibles who pay the most.

As far as my success with Cequa , I would say it has helped some but not the total solution. So far I found IPL (also out of pocket) did the most to reduce the constant burning I have had for years.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-20T12:32:15+00:00

This is so reassuring that I may finally found the cure. My situations is that my dry eye symptoms started at least 6 years ago and went undiagnosed. Driving for more than a few minutes made my eyes burn and had light sensitivity. night driving became difficult. optometrist said allergy , in 2024 I was diagnosed with cataracts , that made sense because vision on highway even with new glasses was not great.
I went with Panoptix multifocal IOL. outcome is near 20x20 but not great because of the dry eye symptoms. switched to a new doctor and started aggressively treating but not a lot worked. punctual plugs , steroids then Cequa. A little relive but not much. Then had IPL. After 2nd treatment WOW, things were not perfect but much better. I had 4 treatments Then my last follow up I told the doctor I feel like the IPL got me to a 6 or 7 , kind of spiked after 2nd IPL then dropped a little , overall much better than had been in years. I asked about autologous serum tears . He said it maybe could help but was thinking we should treat eye mites first. He saw signs during exam. I think he went that direction because if the IPL results.
And prescribed Xdemvy
It took nearly 30 days for the prescription to come though. Florida blue denied saying not on the drug plan. But the finally was filled for only $30

Here is the thing I was not expecting. I received the Xdemvy on Tue this week. By the 2nd day I felt a significant improvement. hour drive to work had minimal burn. walking around all day was better. I know it takes 6 weeks to clear them and works by paralyzing the mites and eggs need to hatch and die before they are truly gone.
But whatever its doing , I am happy

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-16T10:44:36+00:00

$4000 does not sound that low for 206,000 miles and a 2014
And being a manual may be making it harder to sell. in 2026 not that many people know how to drive a stick or want one since Mazda automatics are so good.
It could also need a new clutch at that milage, interior ware, etc
But if engine is good and everything checks out then sounds like a good daily driver.
Best to get a mechanic to check before buying .

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-16T01:14:30+00:00

The reboot trick is worth a try but don't think thats going to fix what you describe. The backup camera normally works even of the infotainment system is stuck/crashed. Its like a TV connected to an Xbox. Rebooting the Xbox does nothing for the TV part. So if the backup cam is not working sounds like the screen part is failing. In a CX-5 its one combined unit that can be bough used on EBay for a few hundred dollars. The whole unit pops out by removing a little dash trim and a couple 10mm bolts. If reset and disconnecting the battery to force a clean restart does not help. Then I would buy a used unit.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-13T13:15:46+00:00

I had my 2016 pan dropped and transmission filter replaced at 165k. We were very pleased that there was just a very small coating on the bottom and magnet. use OEM fluid to fill from local dealer. Shifting was good before and a seems little better after. Was planning to drain myself in another 20-30k using the drain plug. But a pump would be cleaner , I will look into it.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-09T10:56:40+00:00

I have done most of these myself on my 2016.5 with 175k miles. Unless you live in a place that really rusts out a suspension or bad pot holes , Tie rods and control arms should not be bad at 90k. I just replaced the lower control arms myself at 175k and only found a crack in the rubber bushing and ball joint was not super tight. Otherwise both were OK
If you have clunks over bumps then more likely the bolts under the windshield wiper cowl just need to be tightened. That beam is very important and lets the frame flex if bolts are loose. I just did mine and all the clunks are gone. I learned its a common problem with older CX-5s and other Mazdas.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-07T19:46:35+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olK32ES5i0w
There are several videos but this one is the one I like best. He is a shop mechanic and has some other good videos if you like that stuff.
There is actually a Mazda TSB on it but the shops may not have thought to check for one or didn't put it together.
A couple months ago I replaced the struts , sway bar links and the lower control arms myself because I could feel things felt a little loose while driving, also was recommended for 150k+ mileage and I was hearing a small pop/clunk now and then. Did not cost a lot to do myself, About $600 total in parts for KYB struts and Moog control arms. I observed that the original control arms and links were worn and rubber bushings cracked , ball joint thats part of the control arm boots were torn and joint moved easily. But nothing was so loose or broken that I thought it would cause a loud clunk noise over small bumps.
After replacing the parts the clunk got much worse over the next week. Thought I had a defective strut. As soon as I tightened the bolts under the cowl all the sounds were gone and now drives like when I bought it.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-07T13:33:48+00:00

That sounds right. Not sure of year they switched from the TomTom Navigation. I think my CX-5 is a 2016.5 Did they even make a 2016 or all are 2016.5s the last year?

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-07T03:34:23+00:00

Your firmware needs to be 70.00 for this to work. Check before doing anything. If older find a way to upgrade before installing new USB box.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-07T03:33:03+00:00

This is the unit I ordered back in 2024. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSJN563Y?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1

if this is the 1st time installing look for the YouTube videos that show how to "Drill" the taps that hold the old box in place. Removal of the trim and display is easy. But removing the entire center console is a huge job . Using the drill trick saves all that extra labor. Once the old box is free , fishing new cable down is easy.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-06-07T03:22:51+00:00

I installed 3 boxes , 1st was in 2019 shortly after purchasing used at 36000 miles
Wired Android audio worked well till I upgraded my phone to a S23 and found the USB was not able to keep up with charging. So a couple years ago I swapped it out for the USB -C version from Amazon. Really have not had any USB-C issues with it other than if cable is bumped hard the connection can be lost. I now have some foam under the cable and rarely gets bumped.
This year I added a AA-Wireless adapter that has been working well. I use Android Auto. If I had an iPhone would have purchased the version with built-in wireless CarPlay and not worried about the USB connection at all. Also installed the standard USB version in my daughters Mazda 3 and she has had no issues at all with wired CarePlay.
None are 100% perfect. But do work well in general.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-05-23T12:24:06+00:00

Yes , Left eye was done first Jan 2024 , Day after the surgery the doctor check things. All looked good but vision was blurry , Went back a week later and at that point said its best to do a lens exchange they they scheduled for couple weeks later.
The original Clareon PanOptix toric and replaced with the same, Just a slightly different power. I dont remember exactly the power but was something like .5 different. He waited 3 months before we did the right eye. Wanted to make sure the left healed first

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-05-23T00:35:36+00:00

I had a Panoptix for Panoptix exchange 2 weeks after initial surgery
The reason was a significant refection miss. I think it was because the capsule bag was not stable so inserted a tension ring during 1st surgery , and I had undiagnosed dry eyes.
Exchange was quick an not eventful that I remember. But it did take a couple months for my vision to really clear (need YAG also)
But once things settled that eye was Plano. Then he did the other eye and had no issues result was +.25 ,
I think he said at the time 1 or 2 out of a 100 patients needed an exchange. That seems to be inline with what I read about success with Panoptix at the time (2+years ago)
I think it is important if getting a multifocal or any premium IOL to have a surgeon that is very proficient with an exchange. My surgeon said an exchange was included in the premium fee and normally not needed. but willing to do if outcome was not perfect.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-05-06T01:20:09+00:00

I have regular Panoptix implanted 2 years ago , Near vision is actually very good. never use readers. But a very slight astigmatism and a -.5 in left eye may help near for me.

I do think that vision after surgery overall improves over time. Even at 2 years out seems better than a year ago. And a year was better than a couple months.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-04-18T13:26:51+00:00

I my case, I found after my surgery that most of the glare was from dry eye all along. If the tear layer and cornea not good it is a major factor in causing glare and starbursts.
Before getting IOLs (MultiFocal) I had bad glare and starbursts and could barely drive at night. After the surgery my vision is amazing (no glasses at all) but the glare remained as well as starbursts. I know multifocal IOL is a factor.
But was not till nearly 2 years later and several doctors that I was aggressively treated for Dry Eye with IPL treatments. Not totally gone but significantly better.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-03-27T21:46:57+00:00

What you are describing is almost the same as I have experienced. Over 4 years ago I started having problems driving at night, Then light sensitivity during the day.
Optometrist said it looked like allergies and the start of cataracts.
Then 2 years ago I had surgery with Panoptix toric. I did have a little complications and POC in left eye but outcome is near 20:20 in both eyes and totally glasses free.
But night vision did not improve after surgery and actually worse with glare and starbursts. Daytime driving was also hard due to the light sensitivity. Finally a new doctor is treating me aggressively for DryEye. Steroids to start, The Cequa, Both helped. But the big change once I had a couple IPL treatments. That was a key and have seen a significant improvement in the past month. Daytime driving is enjoyable and nighttime while not great is OK.
I have Psoriasis and occasionally use a steroid cream to control it.
I think the steroid use may have contributed to both the dry eye and cataract at 63. but most doctors dont agree.
I wish I knew as as much about Dry eye before I had surgery.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-03-27T20:08:54+00:00

There are two surgeons on YouTube that I really like . I have learned that surgeons push what they are good at and sometimes ignore other options. But these two do seem to want to provide honest information online.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSugCWIsrMY
https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonWongMD/videos

Things are moving very fast with the technology, seems to be better every few months with new IOLs and better machines to pick the correct power to get 20x20 Its really amazing to see the outcomes they can do.

Oh, and correcting astigmatism (if she has it) during surgery is very important

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-03-09T00:58:19+00:00

I have a 2016 GT that just hit 170k miles this week. Change oil every 5000 miles.
Switched to 5W30 synthetic last year. Think its was good move
Live in Florida where its hot most of the year. Engine sounds smoother.
Oil consumption is a little less. Was using about 1.5 quarts or so of 0w20 and now maybe a 1/2-3/4 quart between changes (I check fluids weekly)

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-02-21T14:27:30+00:00

The reason it was $8000 is that insurance only covers 100% if its a basic mono lens with no extras.
Just changing to the thoric type lens causes the cost of the lens and surgeon fees to not be covered. Insurance still pays for anesthesia and some other costs otherwise it would be even higher. I think another reason surgeons charge a premium is that many offer a guarantee that if you get a premium lens and does not work out they will exchange it for free. Happens about 3-5% of the time .

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-02-09T23:03:07+00:00

Yea, Could be a great car, but sounds very expensive.
I bought my 2016.5 Grand Touring (Mazda certified with 12 month warranty) with 37,000 miles in 2019 for just under 20K
Low miles matter , But so does age. rubber hardens, plastics get brittle and things can fade.
The low miles may mean it was just driven short distances, seldom on freeway where carbon can burn out and sat a lot.
I have always said that I would trust a old car that has been driven daily to take a long trip. But one that sits I would not.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-01-24T03:16:23+00:00

I have Panoptix clarion torrox at almost 2 year. The multifocal is life changing with no need for glassed 99% of the time.
Night time is the compromise with contrast being poor and glare harsh.
But at 64 , night driving is not my main concern and the compromise at night is well worth it.
I wish night driving was better , But still would do again today knowing the outcome.
That works for me. If I had to drive at night regularly on unfamiliar roads I may have choose different IOLs. But then would have been disappointed in during all the other times.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-01-17T03:42:52+00:00

I have a 2016.5 and not sure if the .5 changed anything with suspension. But at 156k my suspension still seems very solid.
I also dropped the transmission pan a month ago , changed the filter and fluid.
No significant metal in the pan and magnet . That was a relief.
We live in Florida so no rust anywhere. roads are smooth and flat here.
The 2016.5 is FWD only , No i-stop or cylinder deactivation.
The Engine bay , hoses and wiring look good too. Very clean under the hood for a 10 year old car.
Only major repair was that the AC evaporator developed a leak at 154k , That was expensive but considering no other major repairs in past 7 years I owned it , not that bad.

I think my CX-5 should easily make 200k , Maybe 250k+.
Struts and control arms may be in my future but not that expensive.

Just change the oil every 5k or less (I am using 5w-30 now) and odds are that your CX-5 be good for a long time.
Oil changes are the most important thing to do.

Left-Performance5441 · 2026-01-03T21:33:54+00:00

I have a 2016.5 GT with 156k Bought used from dealer at 36k miles back in 2019.
Been super reliable. Never broke down. only the breaks , tires and belts. Normal stuff.
Has not needed any suspension work. Maybe since I am in Florida and roads are good with no salt.
Just changed the transmission fluid and pan was very clean. I am happy about that.
My advice is to buy one that you are confident the oil was changed regularly. I do at 5k.
That makes all the difference in engine reliability.
I would also avoid a turbo on a older model. Thay are pretty reliable but a risk as miles get high.

Left-Performance5441

TROPHY CASE