Cataracts

[ktdtx]

They can really sneak up on you. Insidious removing of colors and brightness from your vision-you don't realize how much is gone--until--you get a "new part".


4 days post surgery for one cataract and have 20-20 vision in that eye. Colors restored, clarity. I get to compare & contrast with the "yet to be repaired" eye for a while and continue to be amazed.

 

[Comodave]

I had cataract surgery 2 years ago. I am still amazed how wonderful it is to be able to see without glasses. I wore glasses for 55 years.

 

[Pete Meisinger]

Im not an expert and Im not a doctor but I had both of my eyes done a few years ago and I think I learned one thing.

I was looking forward to not needing glasses any longer. It had not been promised but the Dr. said it was a reasonable expectation. Others have experienced no need for glasses following the surgery.

I think I may have screwed up because I continued to wear my glasses after the first eye was done and didn't throw them away after the second eye was done, I kept wearing them. My feeling is that I never allowed my eyes to make the needed adjustment to going without glasses. So now I am as addicted as ever.

Just a non medical opinion, See if you can do without the glasses as soon as you are able.

pete

 

[Comodave]

As soon as they removed the bandagesI could see perfectly without the glasses.

 

[Xsbank]

I always thought a cataract was a set of rapids on the Nile River. Silly me. Maybe RT knows?

 

[ktdtx]

It is a little more complicated with the lens selection process--there are multi focal and near, medium and far focal lenses.
Each has a few +/-.


I did not select the multi-focal and opted for the far. Far starts at about an arm's length away--I do and will continue (I think) to need reading glasses

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. X. I can never remember where I put my glasses after I empty them so the best I can do for cat erect and keep it "G" rated is:

 

[firehoser75]

Ken,

Like you, I have only had one done. The other is not needed, yet, but will be. However, still require reading glasses, but that is all. "Distance vision" is better than 20/20 according to the optometrist. Like Dave, I could see very well right away, but I did experience a slight periodic "halo" effect for a short while.

 

[BruceK]

Congratulations. You don`t know what you lost until it returns.I did my drivers license renewal eye test shortly after the first eye was done, before the second,passed no glasses worn. My new lenses are set for distance, I wear glasses to read.
Cataract formation is like paint dulling on a car, near imperceptible until serious compromise.
A number of people get a vision reducing clouding of the replacement lens some time later, dealt with by a quick laser treatment. According to dhayes in a previous thread, it is not uncommon.

 

[firehoser75]

Just a thought, I have not asked the MD, but being as the new lens is made of a "plastic", it may be a good idea to really ensure the use of sunglasses after cataract surgery? We all know what UV can to do to some plastics.

 

[Bigsfish]

Had both done but my eyes were pretty bad, I still wear trifocals but with far less correction, best thing is everything lightened up.

 

[Chrisjs]

Do not know if the same is possible with cataract lenses, but my wife is planning to have lasik monovision. This is a process where one eye is sculpted for distance vision the other eye sculpted for near vision (reading). She presently has a similar set-up with contact lenses. She has no problem with near or distance sight, and is fine driving at night etc. Wonder if cataract lenses can be done the same way. While I do have cataracts (age 73) I do not think Medicare considers them bad enough yet for surgery!!

 

[ktdtx]

You can select the "mono-vision" for cataract lenses--one eye for far and one for near. I don't think I would like that with absolutely no reason to say that. I understand the brain adapts.



I chose the one with the least chance of complications--didn't want possible halos or star bursts at night which have a higher chance of occurrence with the multi-focal. Also was told the contrast and brightness are often not as good with the multi-focal.

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

Has anyone had Lasiks surgery? Kind of wondering if its worth the risks involved for the benefits.

 

[Capitaine R]

I had lasik monovision done 10+ years ago, and it worked wonderfully. But I should have waited until I got a little older. The near vision has weakened over time and I'm back to wearing readers. Distance vision seems to be fine still. I could have my near vision eye tweaked but I developed dry eye pretty bad after the first lasik procedure and don't want to take the chance of making it worse.
If it is possible for me to get monovision lenses when the cataracts come my way I will definitely go that way.

 

[firehoser75]

I saw a TV news style documentary not that long ago (something like 60 minutes) regarding complications with Lasik. A reasonable number of fairly major side effects have occurred. Things like very dry eye, constant pain, vision issues, with some patients even contemplating suicide, saying things like "it ruined my life". To be fair, there are many, many happy patients as well.

If it were me, I think I would wear glasses.

At the minimum, know the risks, and ensure they are acceptable to you!

 

[syjos]

Asian guy goes to an optometrist.

Optomitrist says " sir, you have cataracts ".

Asian guys answers " I no have cataract, I have a Rinkin Continental "


Couldn't resist. My asian Optomitrist told me that one.

 

[koliver]

Has anyone had Lasiks surgery? Kind of wondering if its worth the risks involved for the benefits.

I have.

My optomotrist knew I had cataracts, but didn't think they were causing me any difficulties, though I kept him busy with Rx changes every 6 months or so. When I complained, I was sent to an Ophthalmologist who also told me my cataracts were not the problem.
Not satisfied, I got a referral to a different Ophthalmologist, one who specialized in cataracts. His recommendation was immediate cataract surgery on both eyes, followed in a month with Lasik on both to eliminate Astigmatism.
I did all of that and about a year later had the laser zapping (I now, not a medical term) of the clouding "Capsule". I chose dual focal lenses, one for very near (reading) and distance, one for mid (computer distance) and far.
The only downside is in low light, reading un-illuminated print can be a chore, so my Netflix watching has increased. I had no real time of healing, it was almost healed when I returned home from the office where all of the procedures were done. I have never felt that glasses would be required.

I also believe the $5k charged by the Ophthalmologist was dirt cheap and I recommend NOT waiting if that will help your vision.

 

[bobsyiruncle]

I have had both eyes done and no longer wear glasses. It was driving with my non boating brother at night who could see bouys that I could not which convinced me. It was a five minute procedure but a couple months waiting for it
I would offer one word of caution. They patch up the eye after surgery. I went to bed and removed the patch at night. Half way through the night I got thirsty. I went down to the frig in the dark and when I opened the door the light went on and almost blinded me.
Was not funny at the time but is now.

 

[Arc]

I had both done last year. Left eye was the worst. Due to the mapping of the eye , the new lens did not improve my very bad vision. They replace it a second time. That was much better but not 20/20. Right eye worked out great. I only need 1.5 reading glasses so i’m Satisfied.
LASIK can be dangerous. My very best friends son [32 years old] had it done. It had major complications. He has nerve damage that they can’t fix. He is in pain 24/7. His life revolves around pain which is unbearable at times. He has traveled to a few different specialist that deal with LASIK complications. So far no success. And yes at times he wanted to end the pain. He now spends 2 hours a day , every day doing various procedures the get through the day. In addition he lost his job over it.
Do your research. There are many similar stories

 

[Comodave]

My eyes were not bad enough to qualify for cataract surgery as far as vision went. I asked the doctor if anything could be done about the glare problem that I had, he said “glare, that qualifies for the surgery”. And it did.

 

[bobsyiruncle]

Poor night vision and difficulty driving while seeing streaks through a rainy windshield is sufficient to suggest you get in to let an expert have a look. You will be safer player when it gets done. You do not have to go for the fancy lenses. Stay basic. I did and I can read most normal print but need more light and/or dollar store glasses for really small print.
One of the problems is floaties. They are little stars that swim across your vision. Some can be knocked out. Others you live with.
On the other hand I do have mental floaties from time to time and the only good solution seems to be a 13% alcohol solution of fermented grapes. It does not currently require a prescription. I recommend it but of course ......to each his own

 

[BruceK]

I have had both eyes done and no longer wear glasses. It was driving with my non boating brother at night who could see bouys that I could not which convinced me...
They patch up the eye after surgery. I went to bed and removed the patch at night. Half way through the night I got thirsty. I went down to the frig in the dark and when I opened the door the light went on and almost blinded me....

Funny. Pre op I could not understand why at night other boats moved quickly and easily while I struggled to see.
First nights,I had a hard plastic cover taped over the eye covering,it stopped me scratching it,and I guess generally protected the eye.
I think most people wear sunglasses afterwards anyway, because the light transmission increases so much.
I see in the Thread List "Cataracts" is followed immediately by "Broken Lens". Well arranged, Admin!

 

[Arc]

I always wondered why appliances were tan. After surgery I found out they are actually white.

 

[Lepke]

I had cataracts. They're gone now, no surgery. No known explanation. I'm in my 70s and was told I had cataracts starting to grow during routine eye exam about 5 years ago. The biggest change I noticed was distant lights become doubled and worse. But later the changes reverted. About the time of the eye exam I had started taking supplements for blood sugar and prostate. Only explanation I have is maybe some combination of those supplements had some effect. Now my eyes are about equal to age 50. If I want, I can read w/o glasses with some effort.

There are eye drops in Europe for dogs and horses that dissolve cataracts. Not approved for people. Tried to get some a couple years ago, but was unsuccessful.

 

[Aft Deck Capt]

Worth It!

Has anyone had Lasiks surgery? Kind of wondering if its worth the risks involved for the benefits.

My wife and I both had Lasik done several years ago at a provider that has several reputable locations in the PNW, PCLI. We have absolutely no regrets.
The only problem that I've heard of within our circle of friends & acquaintances was a corneal infection that ultimately required a transplant. This individual went bargain shopping and ultimately chose a "low priced" place in Canada. I'm not nocking Canadian medicine but people shopping for price alone were flocking there in the early to mid 2000's. Because his local optometrist and the Canadian provider weren't affiliated, there was enough of a delay in post op care that allowed the infection to take hold.
FWIW mono vision didn't appeal to us so we use cheaters as needed. I have one prescription pair for reading, doing cad work etc and a hand full of Costco cheaters scattered around the house, shop and boat.

 

[Transpac]

Had Lasik done 16 or so years ago and still very happy I did it. After glasses and contacts from 5th grade to age 40, it was like a miracle to be done with all that. I also needed cataract surgery in one eye a few years back; opted for monovision, so I don't need reading (or any other) glasses.

 

[jimisbell]

I had cataracts fixed by replacing the lens with a "Restore (tm)" lens that gives me close as well as far vision. I could have gotten the single vision lenses paid for by Medicare but the multi focus lenses they would NOT pay for. I saved my pennies and for $6000 got both done, NOT at the same time. Too dangerous. I hated bifocals and glasses in general and figure the 6K kept me out of the insane asylum!! I am a pilot and just could not get used to bi-focals in the cockpit. Its been 15 years now so I figure I paid less than $500 a year for my perfect vision. Money well spent. I think its cheaper now. I am 83 years old and have no restrictions on my drivers license. BUT the day after surgery I tried to get the restriction lifted and failed the test. You have to wait a month for them to heal before taking your eye test....LOL But I was anxious to get it done.

 

[rgano]

Lasik has come under some heavy criticism lately, and my wife who underwent it years ago, constantly complains because it did not resolve all her issues as advertised. It did relieve her f the need to wear glasses just to safely cross a room. Because I have amblyopia, and am not a candidate for it.

I have had one cataract removed and was amazed at the difference, but my need for reading glasses was unchanged because the new CLEAR lens was shaped to replace the original God-issue. I was informed that due to the shape of my eyes, 20/20 could never be achieved.

 

[sbu22]

Chronically nearsighted for 50+ years. Had Lasik about 20 years ago - got 20/20 both eyes. Discovered that lasik correction tends to "wear off". Wound up with glasses to maintain 20/20 after about 15 years. Then, over a few years, the cataracts started. All very sneaky and gradual until I could barely pass a DL renewal eye test. Off to the optometrist who confirmed cataracts and then to the opthamologist.

That was an eye opener - there's your basic Medicare cataract correction, then there's the cataract correction plus "precision" lens replacement; or bifocal/trifocal lens. Precision is $1300 an eye; Bi/tri is an additional $1300 an eye. Went with precision distance in both eyes. wound up 20/20 one eye, 20/15 the other. Happy camper.

However, the most remarkable and unexpected improvement was getting Technicolor back - colors are vivid after the procedure. I think regaining color perception is almost as good as the improved basic visual acuity.

And, at least in my case, there was the most impressive and vivid color light show during the procedure - unlike anything I've ever experienced. My wife says I was grinning when they wheeled me out afterwards.

I'd encourage anyone whose eyesight is "changing" as a seasoned citizen to get it checked out. The procedure is a little wierd but painless. 24 hours and you're better than new. Makes boating better, too.