Cataract Surgery

[Fiat]

I no longer need glasses for anything other than the tiny, tiny, tiniest of print, and even then I could read it , but with some effort. Camera menu's and LV displays, Computer work, reading the paper etc. are absolutely "a piece of cake". it certainly is amazing how the brain sorts it out , but it does.

Wonderful, Maurie! May I ask the next question: What are your two eyes' vision before the cataract surgery? Did they (your two eyes) have the same prescription? What kind of glasses (single-vision, bi-focal, progressive, ...) did you wear? Again thank you for sharing.

 

[Tom Reynolds]

Yep. I can read all but tiny print and I have no problem with the EVF or menus on the OM-1.

 

[Maurie_S]

Wonderful, Maurie! May I ask the next question: What are your two eyes' vision before the cataract surgery? Did they (your two eyes) have the same prescription? What kind of glasses (single-vision, bi-focal, progressive, ...) did you wear? Again thank you for sharing.

Hi, I do not have numbers for the state of my eyes previously. I had been wearing glasses since around 1990. I needed them for everything, long and short.
The glasses were progressive, and each eye was approx. the same. My optician stated at my last couple of tests that he couldn't improve my vision as the problem was cataracts and suggested that I get them done. When I found out what the procedure entailed it frightened me to some extent, but I managed to talk myself into it. Mainly due to golf ( my main pastime), I just couldn't see where the ball was, if it was 100yds or so away.
So my left eye was set for focus at arms length , the specialist stated that if you set focus at reading distance i.e. half an arms length, it is too aggressive . My right eye ( my master eye ) was set for distance.
Both eyes were done at the same time, well 20 mins apart , he fits someone else in between !. Something that is not the norm, but the way this specialist likes to do things.
The procedure is painless, but I did feel a little uneasy. after the first one was done I certainly felt less apprehensive for the second.
After the op you cannot believe how bright the world is, I wore 2 pairs of sunglasses !!. But if you have them done one at a time, I presume you will have a patch over that eye.
After 2-3 days of discomfort , it's all over and your life has changed.
Only problem,,,, A few friends said, " you look really funny without your glasses on " !!!
Good luck !

 

[Fiat]

Hi, I do not have numbers for the state of my eyes previously. I had been wearing glasses since around 1990. I needed them for everything, long and short.
The glasses were progressive, and each eye was approx. the same. My optician stated at my last couple of tests that he couldn't improve my vision as the problem was cataracts and suggested that I get them done. When I found out what the procedure entailed it frightened me to some extent, but I managed to talk myself into it. Mainly due to golf ( my main pastime), I just couldn't see where the ball was, if it was 100yds or so away.
So my left eye was set for focus at arms length , the specialist stated that if you set focus at reading distance i.e. half an arms length, it is too aggressive . My right eye ( my master eye ) was set for distance.
Both eyes were done at the same time, well 20 mins apart , he fits someone else in between !. Something that is not the norm, but the way this specialist likes to do things.
The procedure is painless, but I did feel a little uneasy. after the first one was done I certainly felt less apprehensive for the second.
After the op you cannot believe how bright the world is, I wore 2 pairs of sunglasses !!. But if you have them done one at a time, I presume you will have a patch over that eye.
After 2-3 days of discomfort , it's all over and your life has changed.
Only problem,,,, A few friends said, " you look really funny without your glasses on " !!!
Good luck !

Thank you so much, Mauris. Now just curious that it seems to be after the op you have different visions with your two eyes. I am a bit confused as to how you "use" your every eye to see things: far-away objects by your right eye, near objects by the left eye, and mid-range objects by "both" eyes? Really have no idea how this thing works... You said the specialist suggested setting focus at reading distance is too aggressive thus did with arm length, then how come now you can read very well? Pardon me if I dig too much into your experience. AW, congratulations on, and enjoy your all-new bright days!

 

[Maurie_S]

I am not an optician !! If you set the focus at arms length, it doesn't mean that the only thing you will ever see are things at arms length, there are varying degrees of focus. so if something is at half an arms length it is still in focus to your eye, But if you want to go "pixel picking" it may not be as good as something at arms length,
Hence I said I struggle to read the tiny, tiny, tiny print.
The brain works out amazingly what mixture of your eyes it needs to give you an "in focus " view. PLEASE don't ask me how the brain does this. !!
You do not need to close one eye to look at distant objects and vise versa. !! OR to have both eyes half open to look at mid-distance.

I think you may have to ask GGLE for further info.

 

[Ralph]

Hi, I do not have numbers for the state of my eyes previously. I had been wearing glasses since around 1990. I needed them for everything, long and short.
The glasses were progressive, and each eye was approx. the same. My optician stated at my last couple of tests that he couldn't improve my vision as the problem was cataracts and suggested that I get them done. When I found out what the procedure entailed it frightened me to some extent, but I managed to talk myself into it. Mainly due to golf ( my main pastime), I just couldn't see where the ball was, if it was 100yds or so away.
So my left eye was set for focus at arms length , the specialist stated that if you set focus at reading distance i.e. half an arms length, it is too aggressive . My right eye ( my master eye ) was set for distance.
Both eyes were done at the same time, well 20 mins apart , he fits someone else in between !. Something that is not the norm, but the way this specialist likes to do things.
The procedure is painless, but I did feel a little uneasy. after the first one was done I certainly felt less apprehensive for the second.
After the op you cannot believe how bright the world is, I wore 2 pairs of sunglasses !!. But if you have them done one at a time, I presume you will have a patch over that eye.
After 2-3 days of discomfort , it's all over and your life has changed.
Only problem,,,, A few friends said, " you look really funny without your glasses on " !!!
Good luck !

Actually, no patches on the eyes. He did my right eye first. No patch. I could see 20/20 right in recovery. Just need to put drops in your eyes for a few weeks. Two weeks later he did the left eye. No patch. Just drops. It’s amazing.

 

[Morado]

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.

I am very glad your cataract surgery went so well.

My 2021 cataract surgery was the beginning of a long journey. I had used eyeglasses since age 7. In 2020, some time after my first bout of COVID my vision really deteriorated. When the lockdown eased up I traveled and got diagnosed with cataracts. Got them removed and got multifocal implants. But I kept having lots of problems seeing and focusing. Spent 2021 and 2002 in and out of the ophthalmologist's office addressing various eye problems.

Eventually, a capsulotomy was done to address the "last" eye problem, but my visual difficulties continued. Some time after that last procedure my doctor told me that my visual problems were imaginary. Not to bore you with the details, towards the end of 2022 I got referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist and a neurologist. There are problems in the optical pathway and in the visual processing center in the brain. The brain's white matter has some scaring as well. The prime suspect is COVID. The practical effects of of all that are that I have problems with the perception of contrast and color gradations/nuance, both of which make choosing photos to keep and editing them very difficult. I have also lost my sense of depth.

While taking and processing photos has become very laborious, it is easier to put up with since photography is, at the end of the day, just a hobby. It is daily life that is a constant stream of annoyance and frustration. I went from being a very fast and high retention reader, to someone who takes 15-20 minutes to read and process your post.

Apologies for the digression. I am very glad that you (and other members who have shared their stories) are doing well.

Live long and prosper.

 

[Fiat]

I am very glad your cataract surgery went so well.

My 2021 cataract surgery was the beginning of a long journey. I had used eyeglasses since age 7. In 2020, some time after my first bout of COVID my vision really deteriorated. When the lockdown eased up I traveled and got diagnosed with cataracts. Got them removed and got multifocal implants. But I kept having lots of problems seeing and focusing. Spent 2021 and 2002 in and out of the ophthalmologist's office addressing various eye problems.

Eventually, a capsulotomy was done to address the "last" eye problem, but my visual difficulties continued. Some time after that last procedure my doctor told me that my visual problems were imaginary. Not to bore you with the details, towards the end of 2022 I got referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist and a neurologist. There are problems in the optical pathway and in the visual processing center in the brain. The brain's white matter has some scaring as well. The prime suspect is COVID. The practical effects of of all that are that I have problems with the perception of contrast and color gradations/nuance, both of which make choosing photos to keep and editing them very difficult. I have also lost my sense of depth.

While taking and processing photos has become very laborious, it is easier to put up with since photography is, at the end of the day, just a hobby. It is daily life that is a constant stream of annoyance and frustration. I went from being a very fast and high retention reader, to someone who takes 15-20 minutes to read and process your post.

Apologies for the digression. I am very glad that you (and other members who have shared their stories) are doing well.

Live long and prosper.

You have my deep sympathy, Morado. I hope you still enjoy life and nature (and photography) as much as you can. Goodwill to you.

 

[Abinoone]

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.

Ralph, how do you really know when it’s time? I’ve been developing cataracts for a number of years, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Nighttime driving is a ***** (why does everyone keep their bright lights on?? ), and even during the day I often struggle with seeing road signs. So, does this mean that I’m ready to have it done? God knows I’d like to have better eyesight!

 

[Abinoone]

I have medicare , parts A &B. It covers 100% of the surgery and monofocal lenses using the traditional surgery. If you elect laser surgery or one of the bifocal or trifocals lenses that’s an added cost that medicare does not cover. It’s several thousand dollars more.

What’s the advantage of laser over traditional surgery?

 

[Charles Loy]

Ralph, how do you really know when it’s time? I’ve been developing cataracts for a number of years, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Nighttime driving is a ***** (why does everyone keep their bright lights on?? ), and even during the day I often struggle with seeing road signs. So, does this mean that I’m ready to have it done? God knows I’d like to have better eyesight!

Not ralph, but saying my eye doc told me to get with it. They refer you to the surgeon. Get it done, so amazing to see again.

 

[Morado]

You have my deep sympathy, Morado. I hope you still enjoy life and nature (and photography) as much as you can. Goodwill to you.

Thank you Fiat. I had basically given up on taking pictures. But my doctors have pushed for me to retake it, even if it's now a slower process (not that it matters, I did photography because I found relaxing, despite not being very good). Still trying to adjust. The silver lining is my son, who helps me choose among photos or among edits, is taking an interest in photography.

 

[Morado]

Ralph, how do you really know when it’s time? I’ve been developing cataracts for a number of years, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Nighttime driving is a ***** (why does everyone keep their bright lights on?? ), and even during the day I often struggle with seeing road signs. So, does this mean that I’m ready to have it done? God knows I’d like to have better eyesight!

Sounds like your quality of vision is quite diminished.

Your ophthalmologist would normally check your perception of contrast, sensitivity to light, glare. You'd be asked whether you experience double vision. There would be checks for acuity and blurriness even after myopia and/or astigmatism are accounted for.

Your doctor might not suggest surgery right away because he or she might wish to see how much the cataract progresses over time. Some doctors will tell you that once the cataract starts, you have no escape from surgery, so the question is whether to have it now or later.

I got my surgery done based on medical advise, but also because I was fed up with the visual problems.

Depending on the implants you get, night time driving might still be difficult for different reasons.

What’s the advantage of laser over traditional surgery?

The advantage of laser is a smaller and more precise cut. It heals faster and allows for a more precise positioning of your implants, which grows in importance depending on how complex your implants are.

 

[Tom Reynolds]

What’s the advantage of laser over traditional surgery?

A laser allows a less invasive sectioning of the existing lens and a more perfect placement of the new lens. Multifocal lenses is what allows me to read and see distance with both eyes-20/20 in both.

It was about $4K per eye but IMHO worth it.

Tom

 

[PeggyBaker]

Just so everyone is aware, cataract surgery is the most common surgery paid for by Medicare. Basically everyone needs it if they are still alive. I had it done at age 59 because I had spent many summers at the beach without sunglasses. Other than steroids, ultraviolet light is the main cause of cataracts. I insisted on having the surgery when I felt that my night vision was affecting my safety. I'm sure that the technology has improved in 15 years. Patients have the right to insist on medical care when their well-being is affected. Find someone who does lots and lots of cataract repair. If you wonder where to go, check out the academic hospitals in the area.

 

[Ralph]

I am very glad your cataract surgery went so well.

My 2021 cataract surgery was the beginning of a long journey. I had used eyeglasses since age 7. In 2020, some time after my first bout of COVID my vision really deteriorated. When the lockdown eased up I traveled and got diagnosed with cataracts. Got them removed and got multifocal implants. But I kept having lots of problems seeing and focusing. Spent 2021 and 2002 in and out of the ophthalmologist's office addressing various eye problems.

Eventually, a capsulotomy was done to address the "last" eye problem, but my visual difficulties continued. Some time after that last procedure my doctor told me that my visual problems were imaginary. Not to bore you with the details, towards the end of 2022 I got referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist and a neurologist. There are problems in the optical pathway and in the visual processing center in the brain. The brain's white matter has some scaring as well. The prime suspect is COVID. The practical effects of of all that are that I have problems with the perception of contrast and color gradations/nuance, both of which make choosing photos to keep and editing them very difficult. I have also lost my sense of depth.

While taking and processing photos has become very laborious, it is easier to put up with since photography is, at the end of the day, just a hobby. It is daily life that is a constant stream of annoyance and frustration. I went from being a very fast and high retention reader, to someone who takes 15-20 minutes to read and process your post.

Apologies for the digression. I am very glad that you (and other members who have shared their stories) are doing well.

Live long and prosper.

Sorry about your issues. It’s seems that Covid has upended quite a few people‘s lives. I hope that you will find a way to deal with these issues and continue to enjoy your photography.

 

[Ralph]

Ralph, how do you really know when it’s time? I’ve been developing cataracts for a number of years, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Nighttime driving is a ***** (why does everyone keep their bright lights on?? ), and even during the day I often struggle with seeing road signs. So, does this mean that I’m ready to have it done? God knows I’d like to have better eyesight!

It sounds like you are there. Headlights of cars were blinding. Day or night, road signs were difficult to read. Many times I was by them before I realized what they said. I couldn’t read license plates of cars ahead of me. I couldn’t determine in the viewfinder whether a subject was in focus. I just counted on the autofocus to be right. I couldn’t make out the details of people’s faces as I approached them in dim light. If I looked at the moon at night it was a double image. When I looked at flying birds during the day, it looked like two birds were flying side by side when in actuality it was only one. I could not read the closed caption print on the TV.

 

[Ralph]

What’s the advantage of laser over traditional surgery?

If you are just getting the traditional surgery, everthing I’ve read says that there isn’t much of a difference except for the price. My surgeon said that the laser is just a little more precise and may help soften the lens before they break it up. If you are getting a more involved surgery then the laser may be necessary.

 

[Morado]

Sorry about your issues. It’s seems that Covid has upended quite a few people‘s lives. I hope that you will find a way to deal with these issues and continue to enjoy your photography.

Thank you. I had given up. But my doctors tell me I should continue. And the family pushes me as well.

 

[SimonF]

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.

I too have only one eye due to the optic nerve not forming properly.
back in about 2018 I had a vitreous detachment which caused floaters in my good (left) ete. These drove me mad because they would always migrate to the middle and affect my vision.
I finally saw an ophthalmologist in April. As I was accessing a grant it took some time for that and I finally had the surgery in June. The surgeon recommended doing a cataract op at the same time even though it wasn't very advanced because a vitrectomy normally causes a cataract to form within 1-2 years.
I was a bit apprehensive as the surgeon told me that if anything went wrong I could lose the sight in my one eye.
As I have worn contact lenses for over 40 years for shortsightedness I had to wear glasses for about 4-6 weeks to enable the cornea to reshape and that was torturous as my sight with glasses was nowhere as good as with contacts! However, this is necessary to ensure they get an accurate measurement for the correct diopter of the IOL.
The preparation and recovery were longer than the surgery! I was told the cataract op would take 10 minutes and the vitrectomy about 15!
When I took the patch off the next morning apart from the air bubble stopping me from having any vision at the bottom, my sight was great. The surgeon told me later that he went home that evening very worried about whether he had tried to do too much and was very relieved when I came in the next morning!
I told him later that I had to now use a 1 diopter pair of glasses for computer work and he said that probably my contact prescription wasn't 100% accurate!
I now have better than 20/20 vision and no contacts!! I found that my colour vision was slightly bluer than before which is because the cataract warms up the vision as it is a yellowish tinge. Also, the muck in my vitreous wouldn't have helped.
I am so glad I had the surgery done and would recommend anyone thinking of it to do it.
I have also, found that I have to go back and edit a lot of images as they were far too warm probably because what I was seeing when shooting was warmer in colour to me!
Also, my night vision is so much better and the contrast is so much better. This was because of the muck in the vitreous and partly because of the cataract.
When the surgeon repeated the contrast test at my final appointment I couldn't believe how much it had deteriorated!

 

[Woody Meristem]

I too have only one eye due to the optic nerve not forming properly.
back in about 2018 I had a vitreous detachment which caused floaters in my good (left) ete. These drove me mad because they would always migrate to the middle and affect my vision.
I finally saw an ophthalmologist in April. As I was accessing a grant it took some time for that and I finally had the surgery in June. The surgeon recommended doing a cataract op at the same time even though it wasn't very advanced because a vitrectomy normally causes a cataract to form within 1-2 years.
I was a bit apprehensive as the surgeon told me that if anything went wrong I could lose the sight in my one eye.
As I have worn contact lenses for over 40 years for shortsightedness I had to wear glasses for about 4-6 weeks to enable the cornea to reshape and that was torturous as my sight with glasses was nowhere as good as with contacts! However, this is necessary to ensure they get an accurate measurement for the correct diopter of the IOL.
The preparation and recovery were longer than the surgery! I was told the cataract op would take 10 minutes and the vitrectomy about 15!
When I took the patch off the next morning apart from the air bubble stopping me from having any vision at the bottom, my sight was great. The surgeon told me later that he went home that evening very worried about whether he had tried to do too much and was very relieved when I came in the next morning!
I told him later that I had to now use a 1 diopter pair of glasses for computer work and he said that probably my contact prescription wasn't 100% accurate!
I now have better than 20/20 vision and no contacts!! I found that my colour vision was slightly bluer than before which is because the cataract warms up the vision as it is a yellowish tinge. Also, the muck in my vitreous wouldn't have helped.
I am so glad I had the surgery done and would recommend anyone thinking of it to do it.
I have also, found that I have to go back and edit a lot of images as they were far too warm probably because what I was seeing when shooting was warmer in colour to me!
Also, my night vision is so much better and the contrast is so much better. This was because of the muck in the vitreous and partly because of the cataract.
When the surgeon repeated the contrast test at my final appointment I couldn't believe how much it had deteriorated!

Since my glasses saved my left eye from being pierced by a large dead twig when I fell a number of years ago (it actually pierced my cheek completely through after sliding down the glass' lens) I'd hope you're not offended if I highly recommend that you wear safety glasses whenever you're out in the field, especially if you walk off-trail through the woods.

 

[TonyDownunder]

Since my glasses saved my left eye from being pierced by a large dead twig when I fell a number of years ago (it actually pierced my cheek completely through after sliding down the glass' lens) I'd hope you're not offended if I highly recommend that you wear safety glasses whenever you're out in the field, especially if you walk off-trail through the woods.

Great advice on the safety glasses. I’ve had cataracts in both eyes done and only need reading glasses. I wear safety glasses all the time, even driving. I removed a slither of glass from a broken windscreen some years back. Before retiring I worked in environments that required me to wear safety glasses so it is no imposition for me now.

 

[AlanB313]

I always make sure my regular glasses are safety glass. After 42 years of cabinetmaking and woodworking as a profession, I'm very conscious of protecting my eyes. And have been thankful for them many times.

 

[Ralph]

I too have only one eye due to the optic nerve not forming properly.
back in about 2018 I had a vitreous detachment which caused floaters in my good (left) ete. These drove me mad because they would always migrate to the middle and affect my vision.
I finally saw an ophthalmologist in April. As I was accessing a grant it took some time for that and I finally had the surgery in June. The surgeon recommended doing a cataract op at the same time even though it wasn't very advanced because a vitrectomy normally causes a cataract to form within 1-2 years.
I was a bit apprehensive as the surgeon told me that if anything went wrong I could lose the sight in my one eye.
As I have worn contact lenses for over 40 years for shortsightedness I had to wear glasses for about 4-6 weeks to enable the cornea to reshape and that was torturous as my sight with glasses was nowhere as good as with contacts! However, this is necessary to ensure they get an accurate measurement for the correct diopter of the IOL.
The preparation and recovery were longer than the surgery! I was told the cataract op would take 10 minutes and the vitrectomy about 15!
When I took the patch off the next morning apart from the air bubble stopping me from having any vision at the bottom, my sight was great. The surgeon told me later that he went home that evening very worried about whether he had tried to do too much and was very relieved when I came in the next morning!
I told him later that I had to now use a 1 diopter pair of glasses for computer work and he said that probably my contact prescription wasn't 100% accurate!
I now have better than 20/20 vision and no contacts!! I found that my colour vision was slightly bluer than before which is because the cataract warms up the vision as it is a yellowish tinge. Also, the muck in my vitreous wouldn't have helped.
I am so glad I had the surgery done and would recommend anyone thinking of it to do it.
I have also, found that I have to go back and edit a lot of images as they were far too warm probably because what I was seeing when shooting was warmer in colour to me!
Also, my night vision is so much better and the contrast is so much better. This was because of the muck in the vitreous and partly because of the cataract.
When the surgeon repeated the contrast test at my final appointment I couldn't believe how much it had deteriorated!

I’m really glad to hear how well your surgery went. It’s amazing how far this type of surgery has progressed.

 

[AlanB313]

I’m really glad to hear how well your surgery went. It’s amazing how far this type of surgery has progressed.

I have to agree with Ralph here, I'm happy to hear about how successful your surgery was! My wife is going in for eye #1 in January. She has Fuchs dystrophy that complicates the cataract surgery. But they told her that the complications get worse if she waits.
It's been encouraging to hear of people's positive results