Cataract Surgery - What Can Our Esteemed Assemblage Tell Me About It

[Calamity Kris]

My eyesight has been getting progressively worse.  It's almost to the point where I need to greatly increase the size of what is on the computer just to see or put my nose up against the monitor.  Well, my ophthalmologist told me I need to have cataract surgery.  I understand how the procedure will work and the placement of the intraocular lens.  My question is more fundamental than that.  Did it help you?  What kind of lens did you get?  I can't get the "basic" lens because of the damage to my right eye.  I will still have to wear glasses for the prism needed for that eye.  I will have to get a toric lens to help correct my astigmatism. 

 

Please impart your wisdom and experience on me.  I will be calling to make my appointment tomorrow.

 

Thank you, CK

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Kris, I had mine done in 2008.  I love them and they have improved the technology over the years.  A friend had his done about a year ago and he got "reactive" lenses.  They are designed to change focus like real lenses.  Mine are fixed focus so anything outside of about ten feet is in focus, but I still need glasses for close up work.  They offered me one close up and one like I got but I rejected it because they showed me what it would be like and it made me sick.  Sort of like seasick.

 

Two years ago I was taken in to a specialist to have the "scum" lasered off of my lenses.  I was told I'd need it done again in another 15 or 16 years.  I'm 82 so I don't think I'll worry about it much.  I was an hour in the waiting room and fifteen minutes getting the work done

 

Next to my fully implanted .22 cartridge-size pace maker these are my favorite gadgets.  I absolutely love both of them.

 

Tell you what: get them done and give it a week for you to get used to them, and then you and Uno come to Arizona and I'll buy you breakfast or lunch...or both.  I'll even throw in a great supper.

 

[Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129]

One of the Ladies in my church had both eyes done last Thursday, she is loving seeing everything clearly again...

 Both my Dad and Uncle had theirs done both had over twenty more years of good vision ...

My younger Sister had hers done, working great... 

 

Jabez Cowboy

[Alpo]

Did they work? Oh God yes.

 

I still need glasses. I can get around without them. I can watch TV without them. I can even drive without them. But things are a whole lot more in focus with them.

 

When my mother had hers done they told her that she no longer needed glasses to see, but she would need glasses to read. She said that keeping track of where she had put her reading glasses would be too complicated. And said(this was supposed to say SINCE) she had been wearing glasses for more than 40 years (so was used to it), she had bifocals made. With the top section having no prescription. And the bifocal having a prescription.

Edited August 1 by Alpo
otto

[Trailrider #896]

I had both eyes done a few years ago, right when COVID first appeared! No problem, as I wore a mask in the waiting room. I had the lenses set up for 20/20 distance vision. I still need reading glasses for work in front of the computer, although I sometimes don't need them, depending on the size of the image on the screen or the size of the type in a book.  I had a terrific eye surgeon. Unfortunately he is not longer around. No, he didn't die, he retired early to go down to Mexico with his church to treat people down there.! 

19 minutes ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

Two years ago I was taken in to a specialist to have the "scum" lasered off of my lenses.  I was told I'd need it done again in another 15 or 16 years.  I'm 82 so I don't think I'll worry about it much.  I was an hour in the waiting room and fifteen minutes getting the work done

I was told, if it became necessary, lasers would be used if the lenses clouded up. I also am 82, so we will see if and when. Best of luck!

[J-BAR #18287]

My mother had cataract surgery in her 90s.  She said she would rather have cataract surgery than have her teeth cleaned!

 

My wife has had one cataract removed.  Two minor follow up procedures for floaters and scar tissue removal.  She is happy, reading books constantly, doing fine beading as her hobby.

 

Her mother was afraid of doctors, and delayed surgery on her cataracts a long time. The cataracts got "hard" and were difficult to remove. She had postoperative complications.

 

 I have cataracts growing in both eyes.  They are not yet causing vision problems.  My ophthalmologist says no need to risk surgery if my vision isn't affected.  So I get an eye exam every 6 months.  When vision is affected, I will have surgery.  Nothing to fear.

 

Get 'em out when they compromise your vision.  The sooner the better.

 

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

 

[Calamity Kris]

40 minutes ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

Kris, I had mine done in 2008.  I love them and they have improved the technology over the years.  A friend had his done about a year ago and he got "reactive" lenses.  They are designed to change focus like real lenses.  Mine are fixed focus so anything outside of about ten feet is in focus, but I still need glasses for close up work.  They offered me one close up and one like I got but I rejected it because they showed me what it would be like and it made me sick.  Sort of like seasick.

 

Two years ago I was taken in to a specialist to have the "scum" lasered off of my lenses.  I was told I'd need it done again in another 15 or 16 years.  I'm 82 so I don't think I'll worry about it much.  I was an hour in the waiting room and fifteen minutes getting the work done

 

Next to my fully implanted .22 cartridge-size pace maker these are my favorite gadgets.  I absolutely love both of them.

 

Tell you what: get them done and give it a week for you to get used to them, and then you and Uno come to Arizona and I'll buy you breakfast or lunch...or both.  I'll even throw in a great supper.

 

 

You've got a deal!!  Uno is talking seriously about becoming retarded and I have him somewhat convinced to travel when we do.  I will make a point to take a trip out your way for a visit.

[Choctaw Jack]

Kris, 

Had both of mine done, one regulated for distance , one regulated to focus at about 39 inches , or roughly, the distance to my  revolver front sites.

The surgeon also removed the floaters in one eye with the option of having them removed in the other eye.

My experience was totally positive.

I went in with 20/200 vision and came out with better than 20/20.

I had to go back for a couple of touch ups, but they were just office visits, and no big deal.

So, in short, it will most likely make your life much more enjoyable. 

Choctaw

[Red Gauntlet , SASS 60619]

Had both done years ago to excellent effect.

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

I had both eyes done about 5 years ago, a couple of weeks apart. For those two weeks I constantly closed one eye then  switched , just so I could see how much better it would be when they were both done. Since I have worn glasses for almost 70 years I had progressive bi-focals made with no correction for distance. Im loving it

 

Imis

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

Hi Kris

I'm 69 now and started wearng glasses for distance vision between my junior and senior year of high school in 1972 when I started driving.  Sometime in the mid 1980s I had to get bifocals to read plans clearly (I was working for an Architect). In 2016 I noticed I had to get close to highway signs before I could read them and the Eye Doctor gave me a stronger persciption and said I had the start of Cataracts and I got the new glasses in early 2017.  She said we did not have to deal with the Cataracts until they progressed significantly.  However in 8 months I was back again with the same problem as before with my distance vision.  Upon examination again she said they had progressed rapidly and it was now time to have Cataract surgery.  I had surgery done in both eyes in 2017 (weeks apart) and got plain lenses because they were fully covered by my insurance.  After recovery I no longer needed glasses for distance, only for reading close up and working at the computer.  I have a pair of prescription glasses I use when looking at the computer and reading close up.  The last exam a year ago my vision is 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other.  I now wear plain shooting glasses with a small bifocal in each lense that helps me at the loading table and when reading stage instructions or keeping score on paper or on a tablet.

 

Sorry to be long winded.  I have heard some people had issues with cataract surgery because they had previuosly had lasix surgery.  You will be amased at how well it will improve your vision.  Wish you the Best.

Scout  

Edited August 1 by Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L

[Texas Lizard]

Had mind done one at time....Set them up for distance only....Still wear glasses for reading but sure can see distance for driving and what ever....Did not say any thing when I went in driver test....Did the eye thing and said nothing...Got to the end and someone asked about it...Told him...No one asked....

 

Texas Lizard

 

Interest surgery....Break up old one while a wake...New lens was in I was out for maybe two or there minutes...Done....

[Will Kane]

Years ago, my then next door neighbor’s Dad had cataract surgery. He was so happy because he could now make out the faces of oncoming drivers through their windshields.

[Gracos Kid]

The only surgery that I could not wait to have on my second eye after the tremendous vision on the first one.   l do highly recommend laser over scalpel.  

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

To begin with I have Ambliopia (Lazy Eye) in my right eye. Over the years my good eye got gradually worse and I started wearing glasses and then extended wear contacts and I still needed reading glasses. About 5 years ago during an eye exam, the Dr said I had cataracts. Went to and eye surgeon and had an exam. The Dr said he would recommend replacement of the lens in my left eye only (my good eye). I had the correction of my contacts in the new lens. NO contacts or glasses needed anymore. Had my drivers license changed from "Corrective Lenses required"  to none and I don't even need reading glasses for most reading. 

 

Medicare would only pay for the regular new lenses and the one with the correction in it was $1500. Best money I ever spent!!!

[bgavin]

OP,
Do your research first.
Some folks opt for one eye up close, the other eye far away.
This would drive me batshit bonkers.

This is not something you can have buyer's remorse and change the lenses like your hair color.

Myself, I would opt for both eyes at 20/20 infinity clarity.
And use glasses for computer screen and reading.

My Dad was an eye doctor, and had glasses for every occasion.
He even had a set of upside-down bifocals for working in the garage pit under the car.

 

Edited August 1 by bgavin

[Eyesa Horg]

I had both done about 10 years ago. Normal far vision was excellent afterwards albeit expensive at 11K per eye! Close up needed 3 different cheapo readers depending on distance. Back on glasses again for the 6 or 7 years,but clear! Glad I had it done, but miffed that for that much money I still need glasses!

[Texas Maverick]

16 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

My eyesight has been getting progressively worse.  It's almost to the point where I need to greatly increase the size of what is on the computer just to see or put my nose up against the monitor.  Well, my ophthalmologist told me I need to have cataract surgery.  I understand how the procedure will work and the placement of the intraocular lens.  My question is more fundamental than that.  Did it help you?  What kind of lens did you get?  I can't get the "basic" lens because of the damage to my right eye.  I will still have to wear glasses for the prism needed for that eye.  I will have to get a toric lens to help correct my astigmatism. 

 

Please impart your wisdom and experience on me.  I will be calling to make my appointment tomorrow.

 

Thank you, CK

My wife just had her left eye done on Tuesday and it now seeing 20/20 from the previous 20/300 (she was told she was legally blind). She gets the right eye done next Tuesday. She wishes she had been able to get it done sooner. There is some down time but nothing ridiculous. Just can't lift over 5 lbs for a while and don't bend over, have to squat for a month. If you have any questions I would be more than willing to set my wife down here and let her answer them for you. She went with the first upgrade out of the 4 choices. It was an additional $1400 per eye. She is supposed to be able to see without glasses when done and so far she feels very optimistic from what she is already seeing out of her left eye. It is still a little blurry but the doc said it would be for a few days while the eye heals.

 

TM

Edited August 1 by Texas Maverick

[Texas Maverick]

14 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

 

You've got a deal!!  Uno is talking seriously about becoming retarded and I have him somewhat convinced to travel when we do.  I will make a point to take a trip out your way for a visit.

did you mean retired? Since I don't know him if is difficult for me to know for sure. LOL

 

TM

[Warden Callaway]

By coincidence,  I got the cataract removed from my right eye Tuesday.  I had pasted my driver's license exam for past 10 years without glasses.  But I could tell I was probably not going to pass it this time. I made an appointment with eye doctor.  After exam, he said you don't need glasses,  you need to get cataracts removed.  Lots of crap to go through.  More testing at surgeon office. Set up appointments.  Tuesday was two hours of prep crap. Only about 10 minutes to do the surgery.  Nothing to it.  I could immediately see brighter and sharper.  But could see some halos. My right eye staid dilated the rest of the day. More normal the next day.  Had to go see my local doctor the next day.  Another eye exam and he looked in my eye.  Now I shut my left eye and see with High Definition clarity.  The sky is bright blue.  Grass is greener. Can see individual leafs 100 yards distance. Close my right eye everything looks dirty hazy.  Another week and more to get left eye done.  I'm anxious to see how much difference having both eyes fixed.

Edited August 1 by Warden Callaway

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

19 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

 

You've got a deal!!  Uno is talking seriously about becoming retarded and I have him somewhat convinced to travel when we do.  I will make a point to take a trip out your way for a visit.

Give me  couple of day's notice so I can stock up the fridge.  Brace yourselves for the friendliest dog on the planet.

[Texas Maverick]

6 hours ago, Warden Callaway said:

By coincidence,  I got the cataract removed from my right eye Tuesday.  I had pasted my driver's license exam for past 10 years without glasses.  But I could tell I was probably not going to pass it this time. I made an appointment with eye doctor.  After exam, he said you don't need glasses,  you need to get cataracts removed.  Lots of crap to go through.  More testing at surgeon office. Set up appointments.  Tuesday was two hours of prep crap. Only about 10 minutes to do the surgery.  Nothing to it.  I could immediately see brighter and sharper.  But could see some halos. My right eye staid dilated the rest of the day. More normal the next day.  Had to go see my local doctor the next day.  Another eye exam and he looked in my eye.  Now I shut my left eye and see with High Definition clarity.  The sky is bright blue.  Grass is greener. Can see individual leafs 100 yards distance. Close my right eye everything looks dirty hazy.  Another week and more to get left eye done.  I'm anxious to see how much difference having both eyes fixed.

Sounds just what my wife said. She is happy with the results so far.

 

TM

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

8 hours ago, bgavin said:

OP,
Do your research first.
Some folks opt for one eye up close, the other eye far away.
This would drive me batshit bonkers.

This is not something you can have buyer's remorse and change the lenses like your hair color.

Myself, I would opt for both eyes at 20/20 infinity clarity.
And use glasses for computer screen and reading.

My Dad was an eye doctor, and had glasses for every occasion.
He even had a set of upside-down bifocals for working in the garage pit under the car.

 

I had a pair of those made when I was managing a book store.  (Before I got the transplants.) Saved me from standing on my head whilse working the shelves.  I had a regular pair for desk and table work.

[Old Man Graybeard]

I will be finding out in a couple of weeks for the first one...three weeks later for the second one

[MizPete]

Went in 20/200, 20/220; now seeing around 20/25, 20/30.  Distance vision & no glasses for the first time since I was 9.  Not perfect but 'way better. 

Now: I have a question.  Medicare would have paid for the "regular" lenses.  I bought the upgrade, and Medicare paid zero.  Why wouldn't Medicare have paid what they'd have paid for the "regular" lenses & I pay the difference?

[J.D. Daily]

I had the surgery done one eye at a time a few years ago.  Before the surgery my distance 20' plus was good enough to not require correction to see without noticing out of focus.  I was using 3X readers.  My complaint was if lighting was less than bright sunlight it was hard to see clearly.  After surgery I find bright sunlight to bright.  I picked distance without glasses lenses.  I don't know exactly what correction my prescription is however between 1.25 & 1.5.  My shooting glasses are SSP eye-wear with 1.25X bifocal shooting lens on the left and 1.0 on the right.

For me the biggest improvement was everything is much brighter. 

[Texas Maverick]

10 hours ago, MizPete said:

Went in 20/200, 20/220; now seeing around 20/25, 20/30.  Distance vision & no glasses for the first time since I was 9.  Not perfect but 'way better. 

Now: I have a question.  Medicare would have paid for the "regular" lenses.  I bought the upgrade, and Medicare paid zero.  Why wouldn't Medicare have paid what they'd have paid for the "regular" lenses & I pay the difference?

Same with my wife. It would have been totally covered for the basic lenses but we had to pay $1400 per eye for the 1st upgrade. There were 2 higher priced upgrades but they didn't seem to offer her what she wanted and we stayed with the 1st one. You have a good question but not sure anyone can answer it.

 

TM

[Calamity Kris]

I just got off the phone with the surgeons office.  First eye will be August 20th and the second on September 3rd.  I am going for the mid-grade toric lens @ $1500.00 an eye.  Wish me luck. 

[Warden Callaway]

1 hour ago, Calamity Kris said:

I just got off the phone with the surgeons office.  First eye will be August 20th and the second on September 3rd.  I am going for the mid-grade toric lens @ $1500.00 an eye.  Wish me luck. 

Options and choices were not even discussed in my treatment. Didn't know there was any.I couldn't even be told cost or how much Medicare would cover.  I specifically asked at the pay lady's desk.  She did a lot of poking on PC and finally replied,  "It'll start paying after you've reached your deductible."  I'm thinking,  thats no answer.  But give up. Seems I have no input in my health care.

[bgavin]

OP,

Be *CERTAIN* to stop all potential bleeder drugs well in advance.
Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Plavix, etc, etc
Tell your doctor EVERY med and supplement you take.  Hide nothing.

One of the reasons they do one eye at a time, is in case you have some problem and go blind, you only lose one eye.
My wife has a family member who failed to stop his bleeder meds, did both eyes at the same time, and went dead blind in both eyes.

[Mossy Horn Gent]

Nothing to worry about. In and out in about an hour then okay to do normal activities. I noticed a significant improvement.

 

Had damage to my left eye that accelerated the cataract to the point where I was legally blind within weeks. Laser surgery (quick and easy) on the damaged eye and after cataract surgery corrected to nearly 20/10 vision. Also opted to correct for nystagmus since I shoot red dot optics on rifles. Had both eyes done a couple weeks apart and pleased with the outcome.

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

I'm coming up for this in a year or two. I'll find out in December.  I have seen a lot of good reports from shooters who have had it done.

[punxsutawneypete]

I had been wearing glasses for 50 years.  When I went to a retina specialist 3 years ago for a retinal hemorrhage in my right eye the issue of cataracts started coming up.  Night driving was tough because oncoming cars would have a huge halo around the headlights.  But because of the issues with the hemorrhage, I figured I'd better take care of one thing at a time and put off the cataract surgery for quite a while.  Finally last September I had my first cataract surgery done for my right eye.  Medical procedures always give me a little anxiety but everything went through fine.  My nearsightedness in my right eye was corrected from 20/400 to 20/25.  The halos from oncoming cars at night were reduced to next to nothing.  

 

My eye doctor retired in the interim so I had to take time finding a new eye doctor and getting the necessary examinations and preparations for getting the left cataract removed.  I had that done on last April 30.  I did have some issues getting adjusted for a few days which caused me to cancel a trip to Ohio for my nephew's graduation.  But the improvement was amazing.   I sight for pistol shooting with my left eye because of the hemorrhage I had.  The cataract surgeries changed the green splat in my optical sight to a nice round green dot.  I was able to get the corrective lenses requirement deleted from my driver's license.  The only inconvenience is having to keep reading glasses in both cars, my vests and around the house.  I can read road signs at a reasonable distance now.  And without glasses I think I look 15 years younger.

 

So I say, go for it.

[Warden Callaway]

I got my left eye worked on this morning. 7:00am was early but 8:30 I was out the door.  Recovery seems slower with this one. It's still dilated and a little blurry yet. But getting better.  It seemed water up more than the right eye. The hardest part was doing without food or drink after midnight.  

[The Blarney Kid]

Going in for my surgery next week.  I will need glasses for my prism  and for reading.