Cataract surgery/proceedure ..thoughts suggestions

[Brokenbear]

Used to be I could count the hairs on a hawks buttocks ...then again I used to use about a 4 bit size dab of shampoo ...now ..about a dime size will do it ......20/25 vision is all the doc could get me to ...then says it's time to dance ...will see the "Cat" Doc for an "eval" in about 10 days ....so ...anybody have any do's/don'ts ...feel free to lay'em on me

I am really looking forward to this ....NOT ....not ssssscared ....just could do without it

On a serious note ...the Doc did suggest I could come out not needing glasses but I would bet there aren't 1 in 25 that achieve that milestone ...second he suggested I investigate going beyond the "base medicare deal" and get additional correction (read added out of pocket $$) for my astigmatism ...so extra interested if anyone has gone down that road

Bear

[JimB..]

My mother is getting it next month, very apprehensive about it. She is getting her astigmatism corrected at the same time, says that there is no additional cost. She also has Medicare.

She is not in a place where I can probe about the cost, and she could be incorrect.

[Outpost75]

I had cataract surgery done and a lens implant inserted 7 years ago. I am now 69 and see iron sights like a 20-year old. Have also had SLT laser done in both eyes for glaucoma and to remove some scar tissue from an old retinal tear repair neccessitated by a workplace injury ten years ago.

Now they do laser for cataract removal as well as for astigmatism. If you situation lends itself to that procedure, Medicare will cover it. Do your research and find somebody who does alot of them. If anyone in the Northern VA, or Washington, DC area needs a recommendation for eye doctors PM me.

[Brokenbear]

Thanks guys ...keep the ideas coming ...for sure I'm all ears!

Bear

[Spooksar]

In Canada it’s about a 25 minute process in the Docters office, they do the first one then 6 weeks later do the second. My wife had both hers done last year. I had a detached Retina in January and they did the first lense then, just waiting for my eye to stabilize to do the second. Really not a difficult procedure, 40 years ago when the did my Granmother it was a 2 week hospital stay

[Bent Ramrod]

I had my lenses replaced 7 years ago. They generally do an evaluation and won’t do the procedure until a certain amount of crystallinity is reached in the lenses. In my case, it had gotten to the point where between the eye exam and the receipt of the new glasses prescription, my vision had already lost some correction. Also, driving after dark was getting scary. 20/25 might not be advanced enough, but you’ll know pretty soon for sure.

At that time, a replacement lense would be for near or far vision (or you could choose a lense for each eye) but the universal focus lenses were still regarded as “cosmetic” (because you didn’t have to wear glasses) by the insurance companies. They would pay for the fixed focus but the difference in cost between them and the universal focus would have to be paid by the patient. I would have paid, but I had some retinal damage as well, so the eye doc said no universal focus for me.

I chose the long distance vision, using reading glasses for up close work. I found I needed an Optivisor for really close work; that ability was gone with the old lenses. But the operation was not very intrusive, the recovery time was short and the results a genuine medical miracle.

[nvbirdman]

Spread the extra cost over the number of years you think you'll be using the upgraded lenses.

[Duckiller]

If you are 45+ you are probably going to need glasses. Either reading or distance. I choose reading glasses. See good for shooting. My Dr. said cataract surgery is the most successful medical proceedure. 98+% successful. Also new lenses eliminate the need for sunglasses. However I do wear Polaroid glasses when the sun is brigh. Took about one day to recover from 1/2 hour surgery. I see a lot better and am glad I had the operation.

[bedbugbilly]

I had both eyes done probably twelve years ago. One done one week and the other two weeks later. A walk in the park. This surgery routine now - not like it was many years ago when a person had to have their head sandbagged for a period after the surgery. Yes, it's a little inconvenient but you'll be amazed at the results. I had lens implants in both eyes - my eyesight is not good due to diabetic retinopathy and extensive laser treatments for that, but it vastly improved the vision I have. You'll be in and out of the procedure before you know it and will be glad you had it done. Good luck, relax, et them do the work and you'll be fine.

[DocSavage]

I had cataract surgery both eyes at 5 years old spent a month in the hospital. No lens implants at that time this is 1955 mind you. 20 years ago I had surgery to repair the first surgeries,big difference in procedures whole process with pre op was 3 hrs.

[1616s16]

Had cat surgery 14 years ago with implants. No need for glasses unless very small print.
Just do what Doc tells you to do. All has been good.
1616s

[Ole Joe Clarke]

I had cataract surgery on my right eye June 26, 2018 and the left on July 10, 2018. Have an appointment with my regular eye Doctor next Tuesday, July 31, to get my reading glasses ordered. I can see much better at almost any distance further out than reading distance. The procedure took about 10 minutes per eye. I was able to get back on a regular schedule after 24 hours, no restrictions at all. Colors are much brighter and sharper and I am happy with the results. It's the only surgery that I actually looked forward too. I am using my old tri-focal glasses to read, but that is all. It's hard to get used to NOT wearing them. The Doc told me right up front that I would need reading glasses.

Shoot me a PM if you want.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

[JimB..]

Bent Ramrod’s post reminded me, mom said that under Medicare you can get either the astigmatism fixed or get the universal lenses, but not both. She works on a computer for a living and will be selecting distance vision since she’s accustomed to reading glasses anyway.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

This is a procedure that they've pretty well got down pat, like removing tonsils or an appendix. Generally, concerning the science the operation itself it's not to worry, but of course some doctors are better and more skilled than others. That's what I'd be looking at -- the reputation of the doctor -- and I'd be less worried about the idea and results of the actual operation which is usually hugely successful. I had mine both done about 6 years ago and was amazed at the improved vision. The doctor told me that the lenses he was going to use would be good from several inches to infinity, and that has turned out to be true. I can even make out normal sized print without much problem, but do find reading glasses to make it easier. There's no pain involved. Medicare covered most of it, but I have good supplemental insurance and the entire procedure cost me nothing. And yes, you'll probably be back to using iron sights! Best wishes.

[C.F.Plinker]

I had the first eye done about 3 years ago and the second this summer. If they offer a "relaxer" for the procedure go ahead and take it. All you see during the procedure is brightness - like looking through a shower curtain that had a bright light on the other side. You will be putting drops in for about a week before the surgery and several types of drops for a month after the surgery. For the first day or two you will be wearing a plastic eye guard all the time to protect your eye. I had a post-op visit with the surgeon the day after the surgery. Then it was about 4 weeks for the exam to get the new prescription and another 2 weeks for them to come in.

The ophthalmologist who told me I needed the surgery gave me the information about the upgrades like you got. I asked the surgeon about it and he said "the numbers just aren't there" for the astigmatism correction so he went with the basic lens. After the post-op visit I went to my optician and had them put a blank (plano) lens in my glasses on the operated side because I could see better without any correction than with the old prescription. Plan on having someone drive you the surgery and the post-op. Until I got the new glasses I was basically doing everything one eyed. Which meant that there was little depth perception. This improves a lot several days post surgery as the operated eye starts working again.

Uncorrected my post surgery eyes are better than they were pre-surgery. But because of my astigmatism I still need glasses to drive.This is not a big deal since I have worn glasses ever since high school. I just got prescription, progressive safety glasses. That way my eyes are protected all the time and I am never tempted to think that I won't need safety glasses just to make this quick cut on the saw.

My optician said "Don't even think about having both eyes done at the same time". My thoughts are go do one eye and to schedule the second eye after the first has healed and you have the new glasses for it.

[blackthorn]

Gail had hers done a year+ ago. She had a bit of problem with a fluid build-up and has been slow to recover but is OK as of last week. I was told over 10 years ago that I had cataracts forming in both eyes, but they progressed so slowly that I really did not notice them until 2 years ago. I elected to use a corrective lens on the right (left is still not troublesome) at least until Gail's eyes recover enough that she is comfortable driving when I get mine done. Last year my eye test showed only mild changes in the right (bad?) eye so I did not even need prescription adjustment. I will be 80 in five months and have needed reading glasses since I was in my mid 40's (only on my second pair).

[johnho]

I had it done in both eyes. Only problem I had in one eye was a total fog when I first took off the covering. Called doctor and they said don't worry, your eye is swollen. After a few more hours it started working fine. It's simple and pretty painless, don't fret. Doctor put in lenses to correct my eye sight and worked perfectly, no glasses except for reading. There are lenses to fix that but they are VERY expensive and not covered by Medicare, something like 3-5K per eye, don't remember now. Reading glasses are cheap. I was ready to give up Service Rifle and M1 matches before surgery, now I see perfectly. I just don't remember anything. I don't think it was the surgery however.

[farmerjim]

Had right eye done 1 1/2 years ago 20/20 in right eye. Had left eye done 6 months ago. Had a nearsighted lens (- 1.5 ) put in to be able to read with left eye. It works great for me. I do not know a single person that has had cataract surgery in the last 5 years that needs glasses for distance. They can now measure your eye for the correct lens after your cataract lens is removed.

[NSB]

I had both eyes done two years ago. My results were great. A fifteen minute painless surgery gave me 20/20 in my left eye and 20/15 in my right eye and corrected an astigmatism. Insurance and medicare covered the entire thing. I always had great vision all my life. My vision today at age 69 is as good as it was twenty years ago. It's painless, fast, and the results are astounding. I just made sure my surgeon has done a lot of them. Over 21,000 so far and he's rated five stars. It's a walk in the park.

[David2011]

My grandmother had both eyes done when she was in her late 80s or early 90s; I am not absolutely sure. What I do remember is that she was already wanting the second one done within a few days of the first. SWMBO had both done last year and the results are awesome.

[Geezer in NH]

Get it done with the implants. For reading you can buy the cheapie ones from the drug store.

[rfd]

i'm 72 and had both cataract surgery (aka "lens replacement") and laser surgery done for each eye, one week apart back in may. no clue what "cataract surgery" was all about and was somewhat apprehensive as expected, but not scared. both eye procedures were a piece of cake. and with each eye, the day after surgery became like looking at a whole new world .... ooooo ... aaahhhhh ... wheeeee. awesome. and for the very most part now, i don't need glasses for anything other than really small print reading.

has it helped my shooting?? HAH!!!! [smilie=1: :roll: :)

[jbutts6785]

Had mine done 5 years ago. They were done two weeks apart, and the procedure was amazingly fast.
It did wonders for my shooting with iron sights. For fine print or weird fonts, I need reading glasses, but the cheap drugstore ones do just fine. For most other reading, my arms are pretty much long enough.

[Geezer in NH]

Getting old can be beat back. I have a diabetes related eye problems. Retinal requiring shots every month. Caused by my doctor for 15 years claiming he missed it. New doctor a week later got me stabilized in 6 months.

Eyes were already affected as it will in some. My Eye retinal specialist saved me from going blind. Thank You!

4K per month thank you for insurance!

Laser surgery has kept my right eye at 20-25 not great as I had 20-15 when competing in ML Matches.

My left still getting shots every month till it settles down where the rest of the laser surgey can be completed.

As for the cataracts at this time the DR. Says when the left eye is stabilized we can fix the right eye.
Seems a year away at this time bur I will have it done.

Going blind is a life changing moment I do not want to be at.

Both my wife's sisters have had them don in the last 5 years and wouls do so again. One sister who wore the coke bottle glasses most of her life. Now has implants and just uses the drug store ones to read.

They got their dads blue eyes mne got her moms brown ones and has no problems but will get the sugery when she needs it .

Simple unlike her 4 knee replacements.

[woodbutcher]

:grin: Had my left eye done 10-05-17.Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyyy.What a difference.Need readers,but that`s ok by me.I can now read my license tag from across the street(about 60ft).
Helped a bunch in the girl watching department too.Hey!!!!!!!!!! I`m old,NOT dead:wink: .Being blind in my right eye since 16,I got the lense for distance+glasses.Oh yeah.The incision size for my surgery was 3mm.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[StratsMan]

I had my second lens replacement about a month ago... First one was years ago... Just the way my eyesight deteriorated... One eye is corrected for distance, and one eye is corrected somewhat closer so I only need glasses for close reading.

If I had to do it all again, there's one thing I'd reconsider: which eye for distance, and which for closer focus. Why?? I can't see my sights...

My right eye was the first corrected, several years ago. I think the doc arbitrarily chose the longer focal distance because it was the first to be replaced. He told me that the left eye was clouding up also, but was not bad enough to justify replacement yet. I should have considered at that time that I am right-eye dominant and chosen to have the right eye adjusted for closer focus instead of (almost) infinity. As a result, I can't see the iron sights on a handgun or a rifle... Not even a long barrel TrapDoor. So I have to use optics when shooting with my right eye, or do cross-dominant sighting (handguns). If I want to see open sights on a rifle, I have to switch to shooting left handed (non-dominant for me).

Let your eye doc know about your hobbies, and how you actually use your vision. Make choices that are well thought out for your long term needs, not their preferences...

[popper]

astigmatism has 2 reasons. I had part of mine removed by scraping the cornea, now 20/40 vision. Still need to get the /40 corrected by cornea replacement (new lens). Bro. is getting his astigmatism/cataract fixed by lens replacement -eyeball and muscle situation. Only problem I've heard of is bright lights - eye isn't used to NOT seeing through the fog. Recovery is pretty short. One problem that isn't too common is retinal situations can be made worse. Seems to be more common for diabetic folks - 3 friends in that situation, get to have extra work done. Pre-existing condition that is exacerbated by the lens replacement procedure. So you need to have the eye doc make a good exam (they usually do) for retina problems. I've been told mild 'floaters' aren't a big problem.

[Brokenbear]

Well guys ...I go for the pre surgery exam by the surgeon 8/7 ....read every one of these comments(which I thank you) as well as on the web reading/learning ...must say still very leery since my now deceased father was blinded by this surgery 30 years ago ...so worried about my hereditary history ...but I keep telling myself today's surgery vs 30 years ago are likely not even in the same ballpark :grin: ...just a big chicken I must admit

Bear

[rfd]

bear, for the very most part these dayze, cataract surgery is routine surgery, nothing special.

i have no doubt that yours will go just fine, no worries. 225098

[BUCKEYE BANDIT]

Going in for my eval. 21 Aug. reading and watching with GREAT interest .

Thanks everyone,just got back from Camp Perry,(didn't shoot) sure will be nice to read the firing point numbers from the 200 yd. line LOL .

edit how long of a recovery before recoil is safe (high power rifle ) Thanks !!

[RED BEAR]

Everyone i know who has had it done was very happy that they did. Seem that it is a pretty routine now.

[mold maker]

Apprehension is natural, but the rewards are truly wonderful. If your eyes are eligible, "get er done".
At 73 it gave me vision I had never had. Glasses had only improved sight to 20/30 since age 5. Now I'm 20/15 without glasses.
Bright colors with no halos and definition of details can be expected. Many need dime store readers for close work, but even that sure beats dirty coke bottle bottoms that constantly slide down your nose.

[JoeJames]

I had my right eye done about 12 years ago. I had previously had surgery on my right eye for a detached retina which had rehealed but they were afraid it might come loose. So they went in and cauterized my right retina. As day follows night I developed a cataract in my right eye. Had the surgery no prblem - 20-20 and so on. This is the important part They forgot to mention that some people develop what they call a "Secondary Cataract". The envelope holding the lens clouds over. Lucky me, I had one. The second procedure is to remove part of the envelope that holds the new lens. It is a short procedure, about 5 zaps with a laser - in house and in and out in about an hour.

[mold maker]

I was warned that surgery done too soon, (before cataracts are full-blown) can result in secondary growth. Where I went, I waited for over a year for them to mature.