Has anyone had cataract surgery done?

[DR Owl Creek]

Has anyone had cataract surgery done? I don't mean LASIK, but rather where they remove the old OEM lens and replace it with a new plastic one. Any feedback on how it effects your shooting ability, particularly with iron sights would be appreciated. Also any tips or recommendations of any kind would be appreciated too.

I'll probably have one done early next month, and the other done the following month.

Thanks,

Dave

[Hardcast416taylor]

Had my left eye done when it was like looking thru a piece of gauze. The right eye was done about 15 years later as it was only "cooking" as the Dr. said when he did the left eye. The time difference made a BIG difference in the type and quality of lens they used. Now my right eye is terrible for focusing and needs a special grind on a pair of glasses to correct. My left eye glass lens is normal non ground glass, but I have a bi-focal grind at the bottom for reading both lens are to make me far sighted. I was told that my resulting condition that required special glasses is "One in a Million" case. To say I have a hard time shooting an open sighted handgun would be putting it mildly. Oddly the clinic that did my eye, right side, is highly respected and toted to be the best in Eastern Michigan! Good luck on your procedure and do what they tell you about the days following the surgery.Robert

[Virginia John]

I have had cataract surgery done in both eyes. Right after the surgery I didn't need glasses for anything but after a while I needed them for reading. Now some years later I am getting progressive glasses, my distance is getting a little fuzzy. That is what I wore before the surgery. I shoot nothing but iron sights. It will be interesting to see how I do with progressive lenses.

[NSB]

Once they put the new lens in your eye(s), the prescription on that eye is set for life. If it's changing over time, go back and see the doctor. You're developing a tissue growth on the new lens that can easily be removed with a laser in the doctors office. I had cataract surgery done last year to both eyes simply due to the desire to improve my ability to shoot iron sights better. I had very minor cataracts in both eyes but was getting an optical abberation when looking through peep sights. I opted to having what they call "accommodating lenses" put in both eyes. They are supposed to give you the ability to focus your eyes from intermediate distance to far. My right eye came out great but the left eye is a bit far sighted....which is fine for shooting. Both eyes are 20/15. It was a bit more complicated doing my eyes because of having lasik surgery ten years earlier. All the math goes out the window when you've had that. I found a very skilled and experienced doctor at a large teaching hospital who's done over fifteen thousand of these surgeries. If I could give anyone some advice based on my experience, I would suggest you just get standard lenses for your eyes. Even with the basic standard lenses you'll end up with 20/20 in your eyes and you'll have intermediate vision at approx. 28" and good vision out to infinity. With 28" as close as you'll have good vision without correction (glasses) that will still cover most open sight applications. I paid around eight-thousand dollars for the accommodating lenses and really didn't end up any better for shooting. What I got for that money is I can read a menu without glasses if I squint. Everything else is clear. Good luck.

[kenyerian]

I have had my right eye done with standard lenses and It really helped me.

[Outpost75]

I am now 66. In 2008 I had a retinal detachment in my dominant right eye, caused by a workplace injury. This was repaired using vitrectomy and internal drainage in which a gas bubble was injected into my eye to hold the retina in place, while its edges were tacked in place with a laser. The retinal repair was completely successful, but a year later the eye developed a significant cataract, which was removed a year later.

During the cataract surgery I had an interoccular implant of intermediate focus inserted into my right eye. The specific lens I had implanted is an AcrySof acrylic foldable IOL with UV filter by Alcon Laboratories, Model SN60AT of power 21.5D having a ThetaT length of 13mm and a ThetaB optic of 6mm, which was implanted in 2009. Objects from 20-40 inches away are in sharp focus. I use a slight correction for distance and for precision close work. I can read the Wall Street Journal under good light, or work on the computer without corrective lenses and I no longer have a corrective lens restriction on my driver's license. My vision is 20-20 with glasses. The sights on my carry gun are sharp without glasees when I extend the gun in 2-handed Isoceles.

Before suffering the detached retina I competed regularly in highpower rifle and indoor bullseye pistol shooting having shooting using glasses approximately -0.5 diopter less than my reading prescription. My shooting glasses were optimized for a focal length based upon the measured distance my cheek bone below the eye to the front sight, being approximately 39 inches for me. This gave a sharp sight picture, but the target was fussy if I used only my right eye. The target would sharpen considerably if I also used a Merit adjustable iris with the corrective lenses, but this isn't always practical in dimly light indoor ranges. But it works great outdoors for slow fire conventional pistol shooting in full sun.

Prior to cataract srgery when shooting service rifle outdoors I could read the number boards OK with my left eye, but when down in position looking through the sights it became necessary to count target frames to be sure I was on the right one, so that I wouldn't crossfire. I could hold 6:00 OK on the bull for standing, 200 and 300 rapid, but would frame the target at 600. Back in the 1980s I shot Master, but these days I'm Expert.

I could use a scope if the eye lens was backed off to put the reticle in sharp focus without corrective lenses, and I could hunt with no trouble. Firing a shotgun or iron sighted rifle I shoot with both eyes open, as I have good distance vision in the left eye. The brain has no trouble merging the target image in the left with the sight image in the right.

I was told by my retinal specialist when the vitrectomy was done, that the surgery eye would eventually develop a cataract because while the laser used for the retinal repair was focussed at the back of the eye, putting all that energy through the lens tissue causes a localized opacity. This was not a matter of "if" I would get a cataract in that eye, but rather of how soon it would grow become objectionable.

Within 6 months after the retinal repair the focal distance in my right eye shortened to about half of normal and distance vision in that eye eventually deteriorated to 20/200. I could no longer adjust a scopes to have the reticle sharp, and using the sights on a revolver became impossible. All I could do was impose a fuzzy gun over a fuzzy silhouette and instinctively point-shoot Applegate style. I got some extensive coaching from a retired FBI academy instructor and have since become a believer in point shooting, but that is another story... For those who want more on this read Applegate's book Bullseye's Don't Shoot back and follow it. It works.

While I could have gotten new corrective lenses and lived with my condition for a while longer, my eye doctor advised that the younger I was when I had the surgery the better the chance for a successful outcome, because the eye is more flexible and resilent that it would be if I waited a year or more longer. I would enjoy more years of good vision by having the surgery sooner, rather than later. Being active and still working full time working outdoors I decided not to wait on the cataract surgery. I had it done and my outcome has been wonderful. I function fine without glasses, although due to the nature of my outdoor work I wear progressive Transitions lenses most of the time. My vision so equipped is like being 20-years old again.

Fast forward 6 years! I developed some scar tissue behind the lens, which is a normally expected outcome. Once the vision in the surgery eye was not correctable to any better than 20-40 I had the scar tissue corrected easily with a laser in the doctor's office. The day after the laser procedure my vision in that eye was again 20-20 uncorrected.

The sights on my Garand and carry gun are sharp.

NSB is correct that you want a skilled laser specialist who does alot of them.

[oldcanadice]

Both of my eyes were done late last year. My cataracts had become pretty bad and I always was very near-sighted. I was near not being able to drive. I am now adjusting to the fact that I am quite far-sighted -- a radical change. As the saying goes, my arms aren't long enough to read smallish print without reading glasses. Pistol sights are a bit blurred, but not all that bad for field shooting. Glasses can't help this, but I never was a target shot. Scopes are no problem.

Some particulars:

The left eye is a plain lens and that eye also had lasics applied to correct for astigmatism. Vision ranges from 20/15 to 20/25, depending on the day and the hour. Fabulous.

The right eye has an astigmatism-correcting lens in it because lasics could not be used to fix a very bad distortion. The results here are mixed and not without problems that may or may not actually be related to the eye itself. Visually it goes 20/25 to 20/50 on a bad day. That's pretty good, but not equivalent to the left eye.

The criteria we used to make the decisions on what to do in each eye was to see at a distance without needing any glasses. That was met in spades and it is wonderful to be able to see well at long distances. On the other hand, I sometimes think if I had it to do over again I would go with plain lenses in both eyes, forgo the lasics, and just wear corrective bifocals like I had done for many years. The dominant right eye may have found that a better outcome. I obviously don't recommend it, because I can't really know how well that would have worked out in reality.

My wife also had her eyes done right after mine. She had no astigmatism and was far sighted. They went with the multi-focus lenses, no lasics. She can now read and drive fine without glasses, tho she uses reading glasses when her eyes get tired. Her distance vision is nowhere near as good as it was before she got cataracts and I see better at distance now than she does, but she is a very happy camper with her results.

Bottom line on this: If your fussy like I am, decide very carefully just what your primary goal is and go for that, because everything else is a tradeoff and you will notice it. If you're easier going and not so fussy, just pick a criteria and go for it. It's great to be able to see again.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I am scheduled for cataract surgery on the 12th of August. They will do the right eye first and two weeks later do the left. My insurance will pay for the standard lens but if I want the universal it will cost me five thousand. I will let you know how it turns out.

[bandsmoyer]

Had mine done about ten years ago, helped my trap and open sight rifle shooting a ton. The worst part is all the eye drops before and after. Other than that it's a breeze

[shooterg]

Since I'd made it 62 years wearing glasses for myopia, I went standard lens 3 years ago. Still wear progressives.Initially both eyes sharp, great. To my dismay the scarring appeared shortly after in my right(shooting) eye. Yes they can improve that with the laser, but warn that I may gain more floaters. Haven't decided if it's worth it yet, as I have some retina problems from diabetes in that eye anyway. Handgun is OK, as I can shoot right hand,left eye. Have tried left hand shooting with rifle, but sling/mag loading for High Power is really awkward, just frustrating. Overall, hey, I can see my grandson fine ! And the bride still looks good too !
Now if they could reverse the eyes, that'd be something...but yeah, get 'em fixed by a known doc and be happy.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I did it just like you're planning on doing it--one at a time a month apart. My reasoning was, "If they screw up the first one at least I'll have one left." The people at the clinic kind of urged me to have both done at the same time, and the results were so very good that I probably should have listened to them. But your caution is wisdom, because all doctors aren't equal. In my case I originally had 20/15 vision that deteriorated over the years to where I was wearing the strongest drug store eyeglasses for any activity. What a wonderful difference! My right eye is a good solid 20/20 for anything past reading distance on out to infinity, and my left eye's vision is a little blurry, but easily corrected with the weakest reading glasses, and since my right eye is dominant I see very clearly without any glasses. I'm back to shooting rifles well without glasses at all using open iron sights and peep sights. Thank God that this operation was developed, because it would be a terrible thing to spend your last years in darkness. Best wishes to you, and I'm sure that you'll be amazed at the change you'll experience.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I should have asked this in my first reply but I didn't think of the question until just now. Were any of you who had cataract surgery cautioned by the Dr. not to shoot heavy recoiling rifles.

[Nicholas]

I should have asked this in my first reply but I didn't think of the question until just now. Were any of you who had cataract surgery cautioned by the Dr. not to shoot heavy recoiling rifles.

My doc said it wouldn't be a problem once the healing is complete, as I recall. I don't shoot any super-duper mags. I followed his advice to stagger the operations by two weeks. Started on my left eye which has a wrinkled cornea and then did the right eye later. I opted to pay the extra out of pocket $1k per eye for the astigmatism correcting lenses. Worked great in the right eye which is close to 20-20, not so well in the left which had serious distortion from the cornea scarring. The left eye ended up being a bit far-sighted, too. I talked to a fellow who only had the special lens in his dominant eye and his doc told him it would give 95% improvement compared to both lenses.

For reading, I am getting buy with cheap reading glasses, as in about $9/3pair. I have them stashed wherever I need them. Turns out they correct the left eye so that with them on I can read and watch tv back and forth with alternate eyes doing the work.

Quirks include pushing up non-existing glasses on my nose for over a year after surgery and wandering around with cheap glasses on wondering why everything is a bit blurry.

A serious concern is remembering to wear safety glasses while shooting after 50+ years of wearing impact-resistant glasses to correct extreme near-sightedness.

A real joy is being able to see without those same glasses.

[Wild Bill 7]

Had my cataract surgery two years ago. Had left eye done first because it was the worst, like looking through waxed paper. Also didn't think I would need the right one done because it was the good seeing eye. After the left was done I realized I was pretty much blind. Didn't need the implants and my eye sight is fantastic. I do have to wear glasses when I am tired for reading and computer work but for everything else just sun glasses when outside. Good luck.

[Outpost75]

I should have asked this in my first reply but I didn't think of the question until just now. Were any of you who had cataract surgery cautioned by the Dr. not to shoot heavy recoiling rifles.

My surgeon is a former All-Navy highpower shooter. No shooting until after the post-op exam, from then on no restrictions.
But I don't shoot anything with heavier recoil than a 12-ga. duck gun or a Garand for highpower. I'm not into dinosaur busters.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Yes--no restrictions. Said wait two weeks. Said only a smack on the eye could effect things--so I think a fellow should be especially careful shooting scoped rifles.

[DLCTEX]

I had both eyes done about three weeks apart about 3 1/2 years ago. I opted for the lenses that correct far vision as the type that correct near and far would have cost $5,000 more out of my pocket, not Medicare's . My vision is better than 20/20 beyond my fingertips, and is good enough at arms length to see pistol sights well. My shooting has improved very much with pistols and rifle scopes no longer require glasses.

[Idaho Mule]

I had both eyes done about three weeks apart about 3 1/2 years ago. I opted for the lenses that correct far vision as the type that correct near and far would have cost $5,000 more out of my pocket, not Medicare's . My vision is better than 20/20 beyond my fingertips, and is good enough at arms length to see pistol sights well. My shooting has improved very much with pistols and rifle scopes no longer require glasses. This is what I have been wanting to hear. Still waiting to make the plunge. JW

[DR Owl Creek]

Thanks for all the feedback! That info kinda' confirms what I was thinking. I'm planning on doing the infinity focus type lenses, and then just using reading glasses as necessary. Please keep posting any more info.

Dave

[oldcanadice]

Re heavy recoiling rifles: I asked that very question. My doc, who is a shooter, looked at me funny and said I could shoot anything I could hold.

Love my doc.

[Hardcast416taylor]

I am down to using 1 eye only when pistol shooting from always using both eyes open. Can`t seem to do much anymore without the special glasses on.Robert

[mold maker]

As with any surgery, there are stories of failure.
If you have the halo around lights so it's getting unsafe to drive, and reading is really hard, you have already missed life in a bright colorful world of details.
Run to get them fixed.
Had both done a few weeks apart, and can see better than ever. I've worn glasses since I was 5, and never saw details like I can now. It's been 4 years now, and I still wear bifocals, but it's because my eyes no longer focus.
At least I can see to drive and read small print. Recognizing my grand children playing ball is truly wonderful.

[Duckiller]

Near sighted since the 8th grade. About 10 years ago my right eve got so bad that I couldn't clearly see a 25yd rapid fire pistol target at 50 yds for the rifle. Shooting was just making things go bang. Got it fixed and I now have the right eye of an eagle. Dr put in a lens that blocks ultraviolet, don't need sunglasses. Poloroid glasses are nice though. Had left eye done about 2 years ago. I do need reading glasses but can drive without glasses, not legally yet but I have close to 20/20 in both eyes. Will have to go to DMV to get restriction removed. Only caution I would have is for those who need the surgery and keep putting it off. My wife waited until she was, for all practical purposes, blind. Surgery improved her vision but if she had had it done sooner she might see better. My Dr says that cataract surgery is the most successful surgery that a DR can do. 98% success with no problems and the 2% can easily be corrected with meds or some other procedure. If you need it GET IT DONE! You will enjoy the results.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Duckiller, I was always blessed with 20/15 vision. I did have to get reading glasses when I was 46 years old. When I was tested recently for new glasses I was told it would be a waste of time because of cataracts. This week they have been doing the preliminary work for the first surgery on the 12th of August. It is scary to think about having someone operate on your eyes. I want to thank you for somewhat easing my mind.

[Duckiller]

Gopher Slayer and all others facing this surgery. For first surgery I told my Dr. that someone waving a sharpe tool around my eye didn't thrill me and I was concerned that I would blink or flinch part way through surgery. Dr. said " Don't worry I have good happy juice." He did! I was awake during the surgery and he was Explaining what he was doing to two interns while operating. Evidently my cornea didn't want to peel off my eye ball. He told these young ladies that if that happened just keep pressure on the cornea and it will gradually come off. While I heard and remember this conversation it did not bother me at all while it was happening. Following both surgeries I was driven home and slept the rest of the day and all night. Saw my Dr. the next day and he removed the eye patch. Could not rub my eye for at least a month. Slept with an eye patch the prevent me from rubbing it in my sleep. As to recovery I didn't feel like doing much for 4-5 days after the surgery. First eye did not heal real good on its own. Went back to work in a week and I had a Jack -in-the- Box billboard that I could check out how I was healing. Center of my eye stayed fuzzy. After about 2 months the Dr decided it wasn't going to heal on its own so he stuck a needle in my eye and insert some steroids. I didn't feel a think. Eye fully healed soon there after and I have been very happy.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Thanks again. I am very glad your surgery worked out well.

[DR Owl Creek]

Thanks again to everybody for posting about your experiences!

Dave

[darril]

That’s something that interests me too. It looks my mother needs this cataract surgery to be done and I wonder what it involves and does recovery take a long time. I’ve heard a lot about laser cataract surgery – is it more effective as opposed to the usual one? I also wonder if anyone knows anything about how much would laser eye surgery cost in Melbourne (http://www.benconnell.com.au/laser-eye-surgery/cost)? Thanks in advance!

[44man]

I had my right eye done. I did not know what WHITE was! But yes I will need reading glasses but opens are clear now. The lens they put in will not shape like a young eye. I am here with a lens in my left glass but I removed the right glass. I get the left done tomorrow.
I was home, took a shower and looked in the mirror to shave. Closed my left eye and seen this scary old bastard with hair sticking up all over.
I had the laser and you don't feel any pain on your eye at all but the speculum to hold your lids open gets pushed hard. THAT hurts. I dread that tomorrow. But I can't see holding still when a scalpel is used. Insurance does not cover the laser. All you see from your eye are fluids, no pain.
Before I could not read road signs and missed businesses I wanted to find. I would never pass a reading test to get my drivers license renewed.
Get er done!
Now the doc will want a physical done and blood tests, EKG, etc. But if you get the second eye done soon after, the tests are not needed again. My BP was high and got pills---NO, could not sit up or stand without something to hold. Turned to my right side in bed and head went crazy, could see the fan when light was in the window, looked like an old TV with the vertical rolling. I found myself on the kitchen floor and don't know how.
I check pressure and get 174 over 101. In a few minutes it is 153. Then I had 95 over 52. Lately it is 121 or 124. It changes so fast it is crazy. My pulse can be 70 down to 44. The machine will show a high pulse but counted with a clock will be 50 or less.
Put the BP machine on and it compress's an artery. I can feel it up my arm. Heart will increase pressure to get past the blockage. Your body will fight back so BP can be false.
The medicine can kill you. The stronger your heart the harder it will push.
I have friends taking 3 BP pills and they are in sad shape. I am near 79 and will outlive them all. They are scared they will die first so they can't buy my guns.

[montana_charlie]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes, three weeks apart. The right eye was done four days ago and, while it is still settling down, it seems to be coming along nicely.
Because of mild astigmatism in the right (shooting) eye, I opted for the Toric lens instead of the standard replacement lens.
Vision in that eye is still too foggy for me to know if the Toric lens is worth the extra thousand dollars.

But, it is already evident that I will be able to go though life with 'decent' vision, so the cataract surgery was a success.
I have never worn perscription glasses, but I'm pretty sure that my left eys sees better (now) than it ever has.




That’s something that interests me too. It looks my mother needs this cataract surgery to be done and I wonder what it involves and does recovery take a long time. I’ve heard a lot about laser cataract surgery – is it more effective as opposed to the usual one? I also wonder if anyone knows anything about how much would laser eye surgery cost in Melbourne (http://www.benconnell.com.au/laser-eye-surgery/cost)? Thanks in advance!
Darril,

The 'laser' cataract surgery uses a laser to do the cutting on the eye, rather than a hand-held blade.
If there is any noticeable price increase for the laser version, I would not consider it to be worth the extra expense. I base this on my own 'great outcome' from very recent cataract surgery.

For standard cataract surgery, this is what it involves (and would probably not be substantially different for the laser version).
She will have an appointment with the clinic where her eyes will be thoroughly examined for vision condition, and for health condition. (For example, it would be 'inefficient' to 'repair' an eye that is about to fail due to macular degeneration.)

If she 'is a good candidate' for cataract surgery, she will get an appointment for the surgery - on one eye.
I don't think anybody is willing to do both on the same day.

The surgery day visit is typically two hours long, but may be shorter.
You (or somebody) will have to drive her home.

She will get a few different kinds of drops in the eye which cause different things to occur.
She will be prepped for surgery by a doctor who will administer a substance that immobilizes the eyeball.
She will move to the surgery room, be prepped with a drape, and the actual surgery will take about ten to fifteen minutes.
She will be awake for the entire time, and will be able to 'see' through the eye being operated upon.
What she will 'see' is variations in the light, like shadows, caused by the activities of the surgeon and the assistants.

Ten minutes later, she will be going home with her eye taped shut ... and the tape will stay on until that eye 'wakes up' and can open and close fully.
At that point she will begin to put eyedrops in about every four hours ... and (typically) will return to the clinic the following day for them to examine their handiwork.

She will get an appointment to visit her own eye doctor in about a week, and will continue to use the drops four times a day.

By the time she sees her own doc, she should be seeing well, and the incision should be healed.

[jbutts6785]

Had mine done three years ago, and am very happy with the results. I had the standard lenses put in, and don't need glasses other than for reading.

As far as shooting goes, I took it easy for a few weeks after the second one was done, but had no problems. I don't shoot much of anything with heavy recoil anyway. I shoot mostly iron sights, and it has helped the sight picture.

The only problem I have is with the reading glasses. I was very near-sighted since about 2nd grade, so for 50+ years, the first thing I did each morning was put the glasses on, and the last thing I did each day was take em off. I always knew where they were, on my face, but now I have to keep track of them. That hasn't been easy. I have one good pair, but I took to buying the cheap readers at Wally World and I use them most of the time. If I lose or break one of them, I am not out too much.

[44man]

Got it done today and I called the tool that holds the eye open a garden rake. That thing still hurt.
Eye is fuzzy from all the drops to dilate, have to wait now. I have to go to the docs in the AM to see if it is OK. Drops every 2 hours that burn now.

[deep creek]

had both of mine done several years ago . told the doc i wanted to be able to see an elk on the mountain . id just buy reading glases for the paper. things went perfect,first time since i was eight i didn't need glases .we went elk hunting in wyoming that fall and while glassing a hill side i noticed my vision was getting bad.cut short the trip and headed home .i went to the doc and he checked it out and laughted turns out that in like 20% of the surgerys the flap of skin that they put back over your new lense goes bad.so for a measly three grand he cut them off with a laser.my eyes are great again just a black dot floating around each eye.only problem is its hard to shoot open sights

[44man]

Just came back. I am 20 right, 60 left. Some swelling and still dilated. Time now but he found all was good. If it gets as good as my right eye, SUPER!
Two weeks to see him again.
I think the rake is the worst and need to make a better tool.
I told the nurses the tool was from Dr. Ohphas that does colonoscopies because it had to be retrieved from my shorts. I told them we wear the stupid gowns so tools can be found easier.
Who came up with a rag that needed tied in the back with your butt sticking out? I could keep my shorts on though.

[montana_charlie]

Just came back. I am 20 right, 60 left. Some swelling and still dilated. Time now but he found all was good. If it gets as good as my right eye, SUPER!
Two weeks to see him again.
I think the rake is the worst and need to make a better tool.
I told the nurses the tool was from Dr. Ohphas that does colonoscopies because it had to be retrieved from my shorts. I told them we wear the stupid gowns so tools can be found easier.
Who came up with a rag that needed tied in the back with your butt sticking out? I could keep my shorts on though.
Are you saying you had to change into a gown for the eye surgery?
I didn't even have to take my boots off.

[44man]

Are you saying you had to change into a gown for the eye surgery?
I didn't even have to take my boots off.
Yeah, everything off but shorts. Even funny socks I just put on over mine. This time I had not only the drip bottle but sensors on my chest, oxygen sensor on my finger and oxygen in my nose. BP on my arm. Much more then the first time. You would think they were doing heart surgery!
Our hospital is under control of the WV University. Great bunch and I have fun cracking them up.
They even send me a card with everyone signing it after.
For the first eye I expressed some fear and the nurse told me they could change the procedure to sterilization! :bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2:. I told her it was kind of late for that!
They are very careful but not a tight butt among them, friendly and funny.

[johnson1942]

please see your pms.

[montana_charlie]

For the first eye I expressed some fear and the nurse told me they could change the procedure to sterilization!
Would they do that one side at a time, too?

[Fergie]

I had the equivalent of cataract surgery done on my eyes, only as vision correction though. When you vision gets to a certain point, LASIK isn't an option as they would have to recontour too much and your eye would blow out.

So, ICL, or implantable collamer lens, is the next option. I went from 20/400 to 20/15 and 20/20. Don't have to worry about glasses, contacts, or anything like that, and when I'm scrubbed in for surgeries and such, don't have to worry about my glasses falling down.

The worst part of my surgery was the small pressure relief holes they bore in your eye with a laser...that hurt like a sonnofagun.

I'd recommend the surgery in general though; there are always risks, benefits and contraindications, but the benefits vasty outweigh the risks.

[44man]

I have one problem now. I have eye bags from rubbing like mad when young from allergies. The new lenses must have a wider field and I feel like I have those horse blinders on. Like a wall on the sides. I am seeing the bags and just taking my finger in the corner it goes away so I told my shooting friend I need to put a piece of masking tape in the corners! 8-)
But I can watch TV and this puter without glasses now. Life is good without glasses.

[mold maker]

5 years after and still the best vision since birth.

[44man]

I had vision like no other. front, back sight and the target in focus. Even after the rubbing from allergies. I wore sun glasses all the time but age changed things so I needed glasses and even those that got dark that let light in are not good. Glasses that magnify light is bad. Your glasses are like a lens to start a fire. The sun causes cataracts. I had no troubles until I needed glasses. Glasses also cause your eyes to lose the ability to focus with lens formation. Lazy eye.
Get new glasses every year and they get stronger.

[Echo]

Had my left eye done something over 2 years ago, and my right one done about 5 months ago. Have multi-vision glasses, but take them ff for reading. No drama - vision very clear, and my problem with shooting is being out of condition, not vision.

[44man]

I hate doctors but believe in two things, Eyes and allergies. NO BP or cholesterol junk, NO pills at all. My one daughter is crazy. She was taking 21 pills a day and is down to 13 now. She has nothing but trouble. She is a hypochondriac. Always was.
I took out insurance and was asked what I took, said NOTHING. They could not believe it but I was accepted quick.
Pills killed many friends. They are EVIL money makers. Drug companies pay doctors to promote them. There is a site that tells how much your doctor makes each year. My eye doctor made $120 but my other made thousands. My eye doctor is so good he does football and baseball teams.

[jwax]

New member here- thanks for all the "insight" to the cataract issue!
My question to those of you who had it done, why would you not choose to have the monofocal implant focus up close, instead of getting the distance vision fixed? Most of my vision is up close, reading, computer, woodworking. Wearing glasses for driving or shooting is no big deal. Just curious why so many opt for the distance correction.
Yes, I'm having surgery in the next few weeks, and deciding on near or far preference.
Looking forward to your replies!
John

[Tenbender]

New member here- thanks for all the "insight" to the cataract issue!
My question to those of you who had it done, why would you not choose to have the monofocal implant focus up close, instead of getting the distance vision fixed? Most of my vision is up close, reading, computer, woodworking. Wearing glasses for driving or shooting is no big deal. Just curious why so many opt for the distance correction.
Yes, I'm having surgery in the next few weeks, and deciding on near or far preference.
Looking forward to your replies!
John

Get the distant implants. They will even give you a intermediate in one eye and distant in the other. Mine are that way. Then a 10 dollar pair of readers is all you will ever need. Can't but script glasses that cheap. I didn't know how blind I was until cat surgery . Listen to the doctor to the letter. You can really mess up by lifting or stooping. Only for a few weeks then your back to doing what you want. Don't shoot a 4570 soon after surgery? lol

[Bzcraig]

Dr told me I'll need the surgery probably within the next 2 years. So I'll follow the thread to learn.

44Man - I have had glasses since I was 17, actually was diagnosed with "lazy eye" (amblyopia) when I was about 10 and twice in my fifties had my prescription reduced opposed to increased. I was told eyes change as we age (as does the entire body) often times worse than before but certainly not always.

[Echo]

I got the near-vision implants, and read w/out glasses. TV requires specs. I was always near-sighted, so there was little change in my accommodation.

[mold maker]

I've worn glasses since starting school. At about 63 mine got to the point I didn't feel safe to drive after dusk. Brake lights blinded me and on commong headlights were impossible to see past. The only choices in lenses were an $1100, out of pocket for each eye, or the standard lense paid for by ins.
I chose the standard and was astounded at the improvement. I still have bifocals for close-up but can see distance much better than ever.
Corrective lenses could only get me to 20/30 R and 20/40 L before. Now they give me 20/10R and 20/25 L. I'm back cutting Gem stones which require precision vision.
Now 13 years later, Colors are still vibrant, there is no starburst, and definition is great.
If your problem is "ripe", don't hesitate to have it done. I can't convey how much improvement it will give.