Cataract Surgery

[Ralph]

Cataract surgery

Over the past 5 years my cataracts had been getting progressively worse. I was reluctant to get surgery because I only have one good eye, my right one. The left eye was at best 20/60 with glasses and that was before cataracts developed. It reached the point where driving at night was becoming a hazard. On coming headlights were blinding and even during the day I could barely read road signs until I was on top of them. Distant as well as close up objects actually where nearly impossible to make out with any real detail. When I was out observing birds, it actually looked as if there were two of them flying side by side when actually there was only one. Instead of one moon I saw two. Bright distant objects were double images. Even in the viewfinder subjects appeared blurry. I had to trust the autofocus. Finally, I decided that it was time to get it done.

The doctor, who is one of the best did my right eye first on September 14. The cataract in this eye was the worst. It took all of 10 minutes and when I went to recovery I could believe how well I could now see. The colors were intense and the clarity was something I have not experienced in years. My vision in that eye is now 20/20.

Two weeks later I had the left eye done. The vision in that eye went from 20/400 to 20/40.

I had been wearing glasses most of my life and now I only use them for reading or previewing my photos. I’m seeing better than I have in my entire life. And I only elected to get the basic lens implants(monofocal lenses). You can opt for the more sophisticated lenses but I didn’t need to introduce more variables . I wanted to keep it simple and I have no problem using glasses for reading only.

If anyone on this forum is contemplating having cataract surgery, go for it. It’s a life changing experience.

 

[sportmaster]

Cataract surgery

Over the past 5 years my cataracts had been getting progressively worse. I was reluctant to get surgery because I only have one good eye, my right one. The left eye was at best 20/60 with glasses and that was before cataracts developed. It reached the point where driving at night was becoming a hazard. On coming headlights were blinding and even during the day I could barely read road signs until I was on top of them. Distant as well as close up objects actually where nearly impossible to make out with any real detail. When I was out observing birds, it actually looked as if there were two of them flying side by side when actually there was only one. Instead of one moon I saw two. Bright distant objects were double images. Even in the viewfinder subjects appeared blurry. I had to trust the autofocus. Finally, I decided that it was time to get it done.

The doctor, who is one of the best did my right eye first on September 14. The cataract in this eye was the worst. It took all of 10 minutes and when I went to recovery I could believe how well I could now see. The colors were intense and the clarity was something I have not experienced in years. My vision in that eye is now 20/20.

Two weeks later I had the left eye done. The vision in that eye went from 20/400 to 20/40.

I had been wearing glasses most of my life and now I only use them for reading or previewing my photos. I’m seeing better than I have in my entire life. And I only elected to get the basic lens implants(monofocal lenses). You can opt for the more sophisticated lenses but I didn’t need to introduce more variables . I wanted to keep it simple and I have no problem using glasses for reading only.

If anyone on this forum is contemplating having cataract surgery, go for it. It’s a life changing experience.

Same for me.

 

[AlanB313]

Thanks Ralph! I've been trying to convince my wife of this for a couple of years. She is having trouble seeing the birds and gets frustrated. It takes away much of the enjoyment. She has a mild case of Fuch's dystrophy so she has been recently advised that having cataracts removed earlier than later lessens potential complications. I think she's decided to move ahead.
I'm a candidate as well, but our eye doc says not yet.
All I can say is that I've enjoyed your shared photos a lot and look forward to your new ones! I'm sure you will find new enjoyment in your photography!
--Alan

 

[Fishboy1952]

I echo Ralph’s comments. I had both eyes done in 2015. I had gone from excellent eyesight to 20/200 and 20/400 in about 5 years, due to cataracts. The lens replacements were nothing short of incredible. Colors were “vivid” and I could see detail I had forgotten about. I see my ophthalmologist once a year and everything is still excellent. If you’re thinking about, you won’t be sorry!

 

[JAS]

I concur with all of the positive statements. I had my eyes done in 2019. I opted for distance lenses that work best with photography. I still use "readers" - one strength for computer and one for reading up close. Passed driver's vision test without glasses! Vision clarity and color intensity improved but my color vision remains below par and that issue way predates my cataracts. Love the current eyes!

 

[Maurie_S]

Well done Ralph, I have also had mine done, you are correct, it is life changing. I had been wearing glasses for the last 30yrs. ( I'm 77 ) .
I had both done at the same time !!. The left eye had a correction for arms length focus and the right eye for distance , and amazingly the brain works out which to use.
I no longer need glasses .
Don't hesitate, it is worth 2-3 days of discomfort. ( mainly due to the brighter light )

 

[Robert S]

I have macular degeneration in my right eye which requires a needle once every six to eight weeks. The specialist I see rekons I'm ok for the cataract thing. I have taken out body transplant cover. The possibility of body transplants being available in the next fifty years makes it inexpensive.
My problems are more of general decay rather than specific. Being a simple minded type person I look forward to senile dementia, Alzheimer's or something similar. The great thing about having that ailment is you don't realize you have it.

 

[Ralph]

Thanks Ralph! I've been trying to convince my wife of this for a couple of years. She is having trouble seeing the birds and gets frustrated. It takes away much of the enjoyment. She has a mild case of Fuch's dystrophy so she has been recently advised that having cataracts removed earlier than later lessens potential complications. I think she's decided to move ahead.
I'm a candidate as well, but our eye doc says not yet.
All I can say is that I've enjoyed your shared photos a lot and look forward to your new ones! I'm sure you will find new enjoyment in your photography!
--Alan

Thank You

 

[GregWCIL]

Cataract surgery

Over the past 5 years my cataracts had been getting progressively worse. I was reluctant to get surgery because I only have one good eye, my right one. The left eye was at best 20/60 with glasses and that was before cataracts developed. It reached the point where driving at night was becoming a hazard. On coming headlights were blinding and even during the day I could barely read road signs until I was on top of them. Distant as well as close up objects actually where nearly impossible to make out with any real detail. When I was out observing birds, it actually looked as if there were two of them flying side by side when actually there was only one. Instead of one moon I saw two. Bright distant objects were double images. Even in the viewfinder subjects appeared blurry. I had to trust the autofocus. Finally, I decided that it was time to get it done.

The doctor, who is one of the best did my right eye first on September 14. The cataract in this eye was the worst. It took all of 10 minutes and when I went to recovery I could believe how well I could now see. The colors were intense and the clarity was something I have not experienced in years. My vision in that eye is now 20/20.

Two weeks later I had the left eye done. The vision in that eye went from 20/400 to 20/40.

I had been wearing glasses most of my life and now I only use them for reading or previewing my photos. I’m seeing better than I have in my entire life. And I only elected to get the basic lens implants(monofocal lenses). You can opt for the more sophisticated lenses but I didn’t need to introduce more variables . I wanted to keep it simple and I have no problem using glasses for reading only.

If anyone on this forum is contemplating having cataract surgery, go for it. It’s a life changing experience.

Glad you had a great outcome. So did I. I paid extra for the multi focal lenses and love them. Id been wearing glasses since the first grade. I told my wife I can’t wait till she gets cataracts, lol. Mine were done about ten years ago. My eyes have continued their lifelong worsening so I think I will be getting new glasses soon. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted and my new glasses will only be a mild correction..

 

[RichF]

Cataract surgery

Over the past 5 years my cataracts had been getting progressively worse. I was reluctant to get surgery because I only have one good eye, my right one. The left eye was at best 20/60 with glasses and that was before cataracts developed. It reached the point where driving at night was becoming a hazard. On coming headlights were blinding and even during the day I could barely read road signs until I was on top of them. Distant as well as close up objects actually where nearly impossible to make out with any real detail. When I was out observing birds, it actually looked as if there were two of them flying side by side when actually there was only one. Instead of one moon I saw two. Bright distant objects were double images. Even in the viewfinder subjects appeared blurry. I had to trust the autofocus. Finally, I decided that it was time to get it done.

The doctor, who is one of the best did my right eye first on September 14. The cataract in this eye was the worst. It took all of 10 minutes and when I went to recovery I could believe how well I could now see. The colors were intense and the clarity was something I have not experienced in years. My vision in that eye is now 20/20.

Two weeks later I had the left eye done. The vision in that eye went from 20/400 to 20/40.

I had been wearing glasses most of my life and now I only use them for reading or previewing my photos. I’m seeing better than I have in my entire life. And I only elected to get the basic lens implants(monofocal lenses). You can opt for the more sophisticated lenses but I didn’t need to introduce more variables . I wanted to keep it simple and I have no problem using glasses for reading only.

If anyone on this forum is contemplating having cataract surgery, go for it. It’s a life changing experience.

Had a cataract surgery last winter and glad i did. I paid extra for multi focal lenses now only need reading glass - sometimes need them for the computer, but not all the time.

 

[MrFotoFool]

I had mine done exactly one year ago (one eye first then second eye two weeks later). It is a miracle and it is a short and painless procedure. For most people (myself included), you choose an implant that is either set for close focus (near sighted) or distant focus (far sighted). Since I was naturally near sighted I chose that one, so I still need glasses for distance but can read books or fine print without glasses.

 

[Ralph]

I had mine done exactly one year ago (one eye first then second eye two weeks later). It is a miracle and it is a short and painless procedure. For most people (myself included), you choose an implant that is either set for close focus (near sighted) or distant focus (far sighted). Since I was naturally near sighted I chose that one, so I still need glasses for distance but can read books or fine print without glasses.

I went for distance.

 

[Icarus]

I, too, have had cataract surgery. It is wonderful. However, there is one thing no one has mention and that's "secondary cataracts" developing after the surgery. can happen any time after the surgery. Mine happened about 2 years afterwards. It is no big deal fixed easily by a very quick painless laser procedure. So if you start to notice your vision has decreased, have your doc check for this. After having this my vision is close to 20/20 (which it was after original cataract surgery). I opted for distance, so need glasses for computer and reading.

 

[Micky]

These good reports warm my heart. Good for each of you!

 

[seh]

I appreciate these reports. Have been delaying getting this done and it helps to hear these experiences.

 

[Abinoone]

Cataract surgery

Over the past 5 years my cataracts had been getting progressively worse. I was reluctant to get surgery because I only have one good eye, my right one. The left eye was at best 20/60 with glasses and that was before cataracts developed. It reached the point where driving at night was becoming a hazard. On coming headlights were blinding and even during the day I could barely read road signs until I was on top of them. Distant as well as close up objects actually where nearly impossible to make out with any real detail. When I was out observing birds, it actually looked as if there were two of them flying side by side when actually there was only one. Instead of one moon I saw two. Bright distant objects were double images. Even in the viewfinder subjects appeared blurry. I had to trust the autofocus. Finally, I decided that it was time to get it done.

The doctor, who is one of the best did my right eye first on September 14. The cataract in this eye was the worst. It took all of 10 minutes and when I went to recovery I could believe how well I could now see. The colors were intense and the clarity was something I have not experienced in years. My vision in that eye is now 20/20.

Two weeks later I had the left eye done. The vision in that eye went from 20/400 to 20/40.

I had been wearing glasses most of my life and now I only use them for reading or previewing my photos. I’m seeing better than I have in my entire life. And I only elected to get the basic lens implants(monofocal lenses). You can opt for the more sophisticated lenses but I didn’t need to introduce more variables . I wanted to keep it simple and I have no problem using glasses for reading only.

If anyone on this forum is contemplating having cataract surgery, go for it. It’s a life changing experience.

Congratulations on your successful surgery!! I’ve heard similar reports from others. Cataract surgery is in my not to distant future, but like most things in my life, I procrastinate. Like you, night driving for me is a challenge, and even during the day I have my troubles. At some point I suppose that I’ll simply have to have it done. Thanks for sharing your good news!!

 

[David Berry]

Cataract = Cheap UV Filter?

Perhaps, the analogy is appropriate. Anyway, I had my eyes 'done' last month and the most noticeable change was apparent during the week between left and right operations: a sheet of printer paper was bright white when seen through the new lens, but a grubby off-white through the old.

… David

 

[Woody Meristem]

My cataract surgery was in 2016 and, like Dave Berry, white objects became white again. Due to my very bad astigmatism I still need glasses, but I'd wear them anyway since they saved my left eye many years ago when a dry twig skidded across the lens and went completely through my cheek. I always wear prescription safety glasses and would recommend safety glasses to anyone who spends time wandering in the forest. Like me, many cataract replacement patients need follow-up laser treatment to remove scar tissue -- it takes only moments. By the way, my eyeglass prescription hasn't changed since my surgery.

 

[Ralph]

Congratulations on your successful surgery!! I’ve heard similar reports from others. Cataract surgery is in my not to distant future, but like most things in my life, I procrastinate. Like you, night driving for me is a challenge, and even during the day I have my troubles. At some point I suppose that I’ll simply have to have it done. Thanks for sharing your good news!!

Once the day issues occur it will probably progress more quickly. That’s what happened to me. Good luck.

 

[Ralph]

Cataract = Cheap UV Filter?

Perhaps, the analogy is appropriate. Anyway, I had my eyes 'done' last month and the most noticeable change was apparent during the week between left and right operations: a sheet of printer paper was bright white when seen through the new lens, but a grubby off-white through the old.

… David

Things are so much brighter now.

 

[Charles Loy]

Congrats to you Ralph, welcome to the clear world.
I got both eyes done in Sept and Oct last year. Right is now 20-16 and left is 20-20. Still, after a year, it amazes me how brilliant I can see.. I place a contact lens in one eye to see close, if desired - I have worn contacts for 40 years.
Everyone - Absolutely do not hesitate this if suggested, snap it up straight away.

 

[Patrick M]

if you decide to get lens replacement surgery DO NOT read the warnings ! OMG !!! I had the right eye done a couple of years ago following a detached retina issue...but my left is very short-sighted and I wear a contact lens. I thought I'd get it done ... but I read the caveats. I so wish I hadn't LOL

 

[Ralph]

if you decide to get lens replacement surgery DO NOT read the warnings ! OMG !!! I had the right eye done a couple of years ago following a detached retina issue...but my left is very short-sighted and I wear a contact lens. I thought I'd get it done ... but I read the caveats. I so wish I hadn't LOL

That’s why I waited until I really needed to do it. But my eye surgeon who is also my ophthalmologist said that those issues only occur 2% of the time and usually there is an underlying issue. I originally was going to get the laser technique but I decided against it due to the disclaimers for laser and the fact that I really didn’t needed it. Why introduce more variables. It’s amazing how common lens replacement is and everyone I knew who had it said to do it. You won’t regret it. Several of my friends had it done and I wasn’t even aware of it until I mentioned that I was going to do it. It it appears that many of the forum members agree that it is worth the risk.

 

[Patty15]

I concur with all of the positive statements. I had my eyes done in 2019. I opted for distance lenses that work best with photography. I still use "readers" - one strength for computer and one for reading up close. Passed driver's vision test without glasses! Vision clarity and color intensity improved but my color vision remains below par and that issue way predates my cataracts. Love the current eyes!

I had mine done in 2021 when my optometrist declared, "I can no longer correct your vision!" I had worn glasses since I was in the second grade in elementary school. When I got older, I wore contact lenses, when I got older yet, I wore contacts and readers. Today, I see very well, I'm right eye dominant mostly because I have astigmatism in my left eye and only saw 20/40 in it with correction. I opted for simple distance as well and use readers pretty much the same as you do. My ophthalmologist recently told me I've developed membranes which is common and just a simple office procedure to remove them. So far, they haven't affected my vision much, but I plan to make an appointment and get them taken care of. I wondered how I'd done photography for years with my prior eyes, afterwards my family listened to my questions, "was that blanket always purple?" My colors had been so affected by my cataracts that I saw everything in dark, drab colors. I've never looked back. Wish I had been able to do them sooner!

 

[JAS]

I had mine done in 2021 when my optometrist declared, "I can no longer correct your vision!" I had worn glasses since I was in the second grade in elementary school. When I got older, I wore contact lenses, when I got older yet, I wore contacts and readers. Today, I see very well, I'm right eye dominant mostly because I have astigmatism in my left eye and only saw 20/40 in it with correction. I opted for simple distance as well and use readers pretty much the same as you do. My ophthalmologist recently told me I've developed membranes which is common and just a simple office procedure to remove them. So far, they haven't affected my vision much, but I plan to make an appointment and get them taken care of. I wondered how I'd done photography for years with my prior eyes, afterwards my family listened to my questions, "was that blanket always purple?" My colors had been so affected by my cataracts that I saw everything in dark, drab colors. I've never looked back. Wish I had been able to do them sooner!

Everything I saw had a yellow tint that is now gone and everything is brighter. I still have color vision issues, but not related to the cataracts.