My two cents worth.

I was 32 when I had cataract surgery. Even with severe astigmatism I can see better than I ever did in childhood. I got the implants. I thought those were standard for modern cataract surgery. There is some distortion on size of objects if you use contact lenses or glasses, as much as 25% for glasses.

I can't believe your insurance won't pay for implants.

As for your lopsided ness, my doc told me the brain is wired for both eyes to see far or both near, not one of each. Right now the eye with the cataract removed is a far sighted eye. It drove me batty trying to grade papers.

Good luck with your next surgery and be and see well.