Cataract Surgery

[Patty15]

At what point should surgery be considered? When it's enough to see 'fuzzy' initially, or wait until it gets worse?

For me, my optometrist made the first decision, but if I'd have had "normal" vision to begin with, I'd think an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist would be the first step if you thought your vision was not up to parr.

 

[Woody Meristem]

Settings in the viewfinder is easy since you are already adjusting the viewfinder diopter. Looking at menus can be more of an issue if you have to use them. For some cameras, there are many items accessible with the numerous buttons, and/or you can program existing buttons to make changes. This requires practice and good muscle memory, but does avoid chimping at the menus to make desired changes. Me, I just keep reading glasses in my pocket and use if/when needed

When I had my cataracts replaced I chose distance lenses, but due to horrible astigmatism I have to wear glasses anyway. To read menus in cameras I carry a cheap pair of readers in my pack at home I use trifocals but I never wear my trifocals in the field since the ground is so out of focus through either close focus lens that I'd fall flat on my face (again).

I'm just the opposite - I've got cataracts just really starting. I'm trying to get my eye doctor to do the surgery before I have visual impacts!

You almost certainly won't get an ophthalmologist to operate before it's necessary. The risk of complications from surgery is very small, but it's there so most doctors won't risk it -- you shouldn't either.

 

[Charles Loy]

So, why didn't you just have the replacement lenses for your cataracts done this way? Then you wouldn't need any contact lens.

My surgeon suggested I go this way. So I did. And I sometimes pass on the reader contact. When I ride long distance on my Harley, for example.
He also mentioned it would be better this way than to go for the cataract surgery that places in near/far (Bi-Focal) cataract lens.

 

[Ralph]

Thank you for bringing up this question. I am anticipating my surgery done in the possibly/hopefully near future. I am currently wearing two glasses: progressional (multi-focus) and computer/reading glasses. I wear progressional for day-around activities (driving, shopping, workout, photo shooting, etc.) and wear computer glasses for computer work and some readings. Now when I go for the surgery, your question will be on me and I wonder what would be the best solution for me. Should I go for the multi-focus (progressional) lens (are they even available besides by-focus)? I think it may be the perfect solution (for photo shooting) even if I still need computer glasses. Can anyone who uses progressional lenses at cataract surgery confirm this in the after-experience (need no glasses for menu and LV display viewing)? Also the price impact? Appreciate your sharing.

I used progressive up until my surgery. At the time of my surgery, my right eye was 20/70 and the left was 20/400 with glasses.
After surgery, my right eye is 20/20 and my left is 20/40 without glasses. My left eye has never been better that 20/60 with glasses. Now it is the best it’s ever been. They discovered when I was 7 years old that I had a lazy left eye which will never be 20/20. So my vision is actually the best it’s ever been after surgery.

I got the monofocal lenses. Medicare covers them 100%. There are serval other alternatives which allow vision near and far but I wanted to keep it simple. Also , Medicare will not cover 100% those alternatives. But that wasn’t the reason I opted for monofocal lenses.

 

[TonyDownunder]

If you have the mono lenses and still need glasses for reading, what happens when you are out shooting and need to look at your menus, or even see the settings in the viewfinder?

I had cataracts done for both eyes and only need glasses for reading. However, as I had worn safety glasses my whole life before retiring, I opted for bifocals. Don’t need anything really for distance but I am just more comfortable still having eye protection. The bifocals give me the close up for the reading solution.

 

[Ralph]

At what point should surgery be considered? When it's enough to see 'fuzzy' initially, or wait until it gets worse?

Kenny, you will know when it is time. Driving became hazardous and even during the day I had a hard time reading road and street signs. I would drive right past them.

 

[TonyDownunder]

After cataract surgery not only was my vision a lot more clear but there was a definite colour shift from blue/green to red/yellow. I think Monet or Matisse had this show in reverse with their painting from early works to later works. Has anyone noticed this? What impact does it have on editing? Maybe the Spyder colour calibration gear can correct for this

 

[Ralph]

After cataract surgery not only was my vision a lot more clear but there was a definite colour shift from blue/green to red/yellow. I think Monet or Matisse had this show in reverse with their painting from early works to later works. Has anyone noticed this? What impact does it have on editing? Maybe the Spyder colour calibration gear can correct for this

I’ve noticed that all of my colors are more vibrant. blues are really blue, reds are really red and so forth.

 

[Fiat]

I used progressive up until my surgery. At the time of my surgery, my right eye was 20/70 and the left was 20/400 with glasses.
After surgery, my right eye is 20/20 and my left is 20/40 without glasses. My left eye has never been better that 20/60 with glasses. Now it is the best it’s ever been. They discovered when I was 7 years old that I had a lazy left eye which will never be 20/20. So my vision is actually the best it’s ever been after surgery.

I got the monofocal lenses. Medicare covers them 100%. There are serval other alternatives which allow vision near and far but I wanted to keep it simple. Also , Medicare will not cover 100% those alternatives. But that wasn’t the reason I opted for monofocal lenses.

Thanks for replying, Ralph. If after surgery your vision became 20/20 and 20/40 without glasses, what mono-focal lenses did you get for your right and left eye? Are they both as near-sight corrected? So now you don't have to wear glasses for just all day-around activities including photo shooting, probably except when you read or work on computer (need near-sight corrected glasses for your left eye only)? If so, how do you read menu or LV display without glasses in the field? Or maybe my ultimate question: how can I, after surgery, do photo shooting without wearing glasses including reading menu and LV display? Is the progressional (multi-focal) lens the answer?

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

I had my cataracts done at age 65 in October (right eye)and November (left Eye) 2017. My cataracts were at 10%, and I was starting to notice minor problems, driving at night. My brother who went through the procedure 2 years earlier, gave me the following advice, "get the most expensive lens, that fits your life style". My surgeon gave me a list of 5 lenses he recommended, which started 2 months of research. It came down to two choices, and $3500. per eye, and I have no regrets. No glasses and reading at 20-15 in both eyes to this day. I had a laser adjustment in the left eye due to clouding which is normal with most lenses, about a year ago.

 

[BlackRockArt]

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.

Ralph, that's great to hear ! Now you can enjoy photography much more.

Oliver

 

[BertieB]

I am also struggling with a cataract on my right eye, so much so that I am hardly doing any wildlife photography at the moment. Left eye is "non operational" after a sharp object penetration at age of 4. Will have to get this done early next year during Q1, before I land myself into trouble. So some research and consultation the next few months! However I am a bit hesitant, I know it is a straight forward procedure but if something goes wrong, I don't have a "spare"

 

[Ralph]

Thanks for replying, Ralph. If after surgery your vision became 20/20 and 20/40 without glasses, what mono-focal lenses did you get for your right and left eye? Are they both as near-sight corrected? So now you don't have to wear glasses for just all day-around activities including photo shooting, probably except when you read or work on computer (need near-sight corrected glasses for your left eye only)? If so, how do you read menu or LV display without glasses in the field? Or maybe my ultimate question: how can I, after surgery, do photo shooting without wearing glasses including reading menu and LV display? Is the progressional (multi-focal) lens the answer?

The prescription of the monofocal lens is the same for everyone. It’s the size of the lens that is fitted to your eye that varies. The surgeon can tweak it when placing it into the eye. Thats what he did for my left eye. My vision is so good right now that i do not plan to where progressives even though I could. When shooting, anything within the viewfinder is crystal clear. If checking menus on the back of the camera I just put the readers on. No big deal. They hang around my neck. if you want to eliminate glassses all together they have lens for that. I’ll attach literature I got for those options below.

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[Ralph]

I am also struggling with a cataract on my right eye, so much so that I am hardly doing any wildlife photography at the moment. Left eye is "non operational" after a sharp object penetration at age of 4. Will have to get this done early next year during Q1, before I land myself into trouble. So some research and consultation the next few months! However I am a bit hesitant, I know it is a straight forward procedure but if something goes wrong, I don't have a "spare"

That is exactly how I felt. That’s why I waited until I had no choice. My doctor went over the risks and stated that chances of serious complications was 2% usually due to some underlying conditions but not always. 98% of the time there were no issues. Do your research on the best surgeons in your area. I was very nervous for the right eye which is my good eye but the results were great. Good luck.

 

[Kenny88]

Kenny, you will know when it is time. Driving became hazardous and even during the day I had a hard time reading road and street signs. I would drive right past them.

Thanks Ralph - I'm actually terrified to have the procedure done despite hearing what my doctor says, and reading up on the procedure [which probably makes it worse hearing what can go wrong]

 

[Charles Loy]

Thanks Ralph - I'm actually terrified to have the procedure done despite hearing what my doctor says, and reading up on the procedure [which probably makes it worse hearing what can go wrong]

Nothing will go wrong. Relax, it's at ten minute ordeal that will change your life. I have not read all the post here, but I seriously doubt that if I do NONE will be negative

 

[Ralph]

Thanks Ralph - I'm actually terrified to have the procedure done despite hearing what my doctor says, and reading up on the procedure [which probably makes it worse hearing what can go wrong]

I know many friends that have had it done with great success. I had the same fears. The worse thing you can do is read about the negative things on the internet. There are no guarantee. 98% success rate is pretty good odds. When you reach the point where your vision is severely impaired, that will help you with your decision to go for it. That’s what happened to me.

 

[BarryRic]

If you have the mono lenses and still need glasses for reading, what happens when you are out shooting and need to look at your menus, or even see the settings in the viewfinder?

I had cataract surgery done two years ago, and went for farsighted (long distance) lenses. Using reading glasses was a problem, I discovered when flying my drone. Trying to view the controller's monitor and then look at where the drone was, became a nightmare - glasses on - glasses off. The same situation when photographing and wishing to view/change camera settings. Solution was to get a multi-focal glass, with auto darkening prescribed. Best decision ever

 

[Ralph]

I had cataract surgery done two years ago, and went for farsighted (long distance) lenses. Using reading glasses was a problem, I discovered when flying my drone. Trying to view the controller's monitor and then look at where the drone was, became a nightmare - glasses on - glasses off. The same situation when photographing and wishing to view/change camera settings. Solution was to get a multi-focal glass, with auto darkening prescribed. Best decision ever

Progressive are definitely an option which I used for almost 30 years. But progressives are not the best option for everyone. It takes some getting use to. I considered returning to the progressive but I‘m loving not needing glasses 99% of the time. And actually, I can see the menu settings without readers. Not clearly but functional. But I definitely need them when reviewing images. I can even use the computer without readers as well. I just sit a little further back. I’m not sure how my surgeon adjusted the implants but he did it well.

 

[Emil]

My catarac surgery is scheduled for mid-November.
Should I choose monofocal lens or bifocal lens?
According to various reports, bifocal lenses are less good when it comes to contrast and colors. Your opinion?

 

[Whiskeyman]

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.

Ohh, Ibrahim, but you family does. And in its early stages, you may realize it, too.

I'm currently dealing with this with my Mother, and I wouldn't wish any type of dimentia upon anyone. Even with her in a nursing home, the toll it has taken upon the health both my brother and I has been tremendous. And it also led my Father to die earlier than he would have, as he was in so much distress seeing my Mother in her condition.

I'm sorry about your deteriorating health, but I hope that when I reach a similar point in my life, that it is resolved otherwise than with any type of dimentia.

 

[Whiskeyman]

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.

Ralph, I'm happy for you, and everyone else who has had this procedure performed successfully.

I've seen what a difference it can make; my wife had the surgery in both eyes about three years ago. The results are fantastic!

 

[Ralph]

My catarac surgery is scheduled for mid-November.
Should I choose monofocal lens or bifocal lens?
According to various reports, bifocal lenses are less good when it comes to contrast and colors. Your opinion?

I can’t comment on the bifocal lenses but the monofocal lenses produce very vibrant colors.

 

[Rixpx]

My catarac surgery is scheduled for mid-November.
Should I choose monofocal lens or bifocal lens?
According to various reports, bifocal lenses are less good when it comes to contrast and colors. Your opinion?

I’m a retired optometrist. Because I was never satisfied with various multifocal contact lenses I tried, I decided for myself to get monofocal implants when I had cataract surgery. The advice I gave my patients is that there’s an optical compromise to multifocal implants, and extra expense. They are fine, if you want to be less dependent on glasses, but you may experience some diffractive effects at distance and still may need reading glasses for fine work. Monofocal implants are very sharp and usually covered by insurance, but you will definitely need glasses for near. If you have significant astigmatism, it’s worth paying extra for toric implants.

 

[DougC]

Glad everything worked out for you!