Have you had Cataract Surgery?

15 years ago

I'm about to try to schedule mine & Dr. said I must not bend over for a week afterwards. So thought I'd ask here.

How did your's go & what restrictions you had & for how long???

DH's physical rating by VA is "Catastrophic" & now has dementia. As only care giver I'm wondering if I'll be able to manage or not & if not, for how long. (Our closest kid not working is 500 miles away still recovering from industrial accident with only workman's comp coming in. Another has offered to fly from Oregon but they were just here last month & would be a real financial burden for him.

I just don't want any of them burdened with our problems.

Suzi

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

joyfulguy
15 years ago
No ... but it's to happen in a couple of weeks.

I'm to go in for preliminary evaluation next week.

ole joyful
ruthieg__tx
15 years ago
grittymitts I had mine done and when you consider that they are cutting your lense out and replacing it with a manmade one it is like a miracle...and a piece of cake for most people. It is a painless surgery and you will be "down" for about one day and after that, just taking it easy. I didn't hear any thing about the bending over....I breezed right through it.

Around here, the doctors usually do just one at a time...they do one, wait a month or so and then do the other...I swear to you, it is wonderful not having to deal with glasses any more. I did have a problem with needing reading glasses and I truly disliked having them around my neck or on the tip of my nose...I solved that problem by using one contact in my left eye...mono vision it's called and it is fabulous...no glasses period..The surgery was not hard and I have no regrets.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Caring Bridge site
Related Discussions
Cataract surgery -- need to make a decision
Q
Comments (25)
I'm almost 65 years old, wore contacts for 40+ years, had lasic surgery done on both eyes in 2002 (with stellar results, although I suffered from presbyopia, so wore the small, over-the-nose reading glasses when necessary), and in 2008 and 2009 I had cataract surgery performed, one eye each year. Because clarity of vision is exceedingly important to me, because I absolutely did not want anything to do with the mono-vision approach, and because I'm physically active, with lots of outdoor activities, I decided it was worth the money to purchase the special lenses that would allow me to see long distance as well as read. In 2008, I had the ReZoom lense inserted into my right eye. Here's its link: http://www.rezoomiol.com/ In 2009, I had the ReStore lense inserted into the left eye. I think you must have information on this lense, so I've not included a link. With both lenses, there was a "learning curve" while the brain adjusted to the different "readings" on the lense, and learned where to go on the lense to view things in the distance or read. I rarely use "reading" glasses, except in situations where the light is very low or the print is very small. Reading the newspaper or books without my glasses, reading recipes without glasses are just some of the pleasures of using these lenses. Similarly, I can easily see the computer and engage in other mid-range tasks, without using glasses. And my distance vision is very good. I golf, and can easily see the golf balls. When I'm outside, I often am the first to spot a deer or some other sight, and have been frequently complimented on my vision. When I do drive at night, I do so without any qualms. I don't detect any halos around on-coming lights, but I confess I never had this problem with either my contacts or the post-lasic surgery, so maybe my eyes aren't sensitive to lights??? For me, the better reading lense is the ReStore lense, which is why my doctor recommended that lense instead of the ReZoom lense when it came time for the second surgery. But this is really a matter of personal adjustment. As my right eye adjusted to the ReZoom lense, I kept complaining about the reading print being a bit blurry -- I am VERY picky about clarity of vision. So, when it came time to select the lense for the other eye's cataract surgery, we went with the ReStore lense. I think my eye dominance switches between the right and the left eye. Normally, I'm right-eye dominant, and I think this applies for long distance vision. When I'm reading, I think I become left-eye dominant, because I see with excellent clarity...it's like the left eye's ReStore lense over-rides the right eye's ReZoom lense. I can tell you that I have never regretted spending the extra money for these lenses, and that the quality of my vision is very, very good. Each year I test out at 20-20 at my eye exam. Also, in my own case, I'm very glad I had each eye done 12 months apart because that gave me an excellent opportunity to determine how well the first lense was working. I would not have been happy had both eyes had the ReZoom lense, with its less-than-perfect clarity for reading. But I want to emphasize that these are my results, only, and every patient is bound to have her own unique experience. The final point is the importance of a thorough and skilled surgeon. My surgeon obtained many, many readings from the opthomologist that did my lasic surgery in Virginia. In fact, he would not schedule the surgery until he had those readings to ensure he was ordering the correct readings for the implanted lense. And this was on top of the lengthy and many measurements performed on my eyes during the pre-surgery sessions in the office. I hope this information helps.
...See More
Question about cataract surgery. Here we go again.
Q
Comments (14)
Thanks so much for this info. Happyladi, that is SO helpful! I like to hear of first-hand reports from someone who has actually had the ReStor lenses. On the web, I have found more comments of dissatisfied results than good ones, although I think people tend to report back more if they are unhappy. I guess millions of people have accommodated to reading glasses, so I can, too. All my life I have had to contend with my nearsightedness. My array of eyewear is mind boggling. Regular glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, readers for over the contact lenses and regular sunglasses for over the contact lenses. Plus, carrying contact lens solution, lens container and my regular glasses just in case I need then while wearing my contacts. I had to wear contacts while skiing because the goggles didn't fit over my glasses. On the other hand, when snorkeling the water magnifies things so I could see fine without glasses. Of course, I had to have glasses handy for when I got out of the water!! For those of you with good eyesight, count your blessings!
...See More
Have you had arthroscopic knee surgery?
Q
Comments (6)
I haven't, but our very best friends have had 5 of them. In fact we were out with them Saturday night, he just completed therapy from his January surgery where he WALKED OUT of the hospital with no crutches. He did the same thing on the last surgery and the one before that. He's a fireman/paramedic, years and years of lifting people played havoc with his knees. He was recuperating on the couch for about 3 days, but even then, he could get himself around pretty well without much problem. He took one pain med and then Tylenol after that for a couple of days. From what I've seen of his (and hers) surgeries, you have nothing to worry about! Most of his have been torn meniscus', this last one was some other thing, I'd have to ask him again but the Dr. did say that he's had all he can have, next time it's a full-blown knee replacement! Hope all goes well for you, Joanne!
...See More
Cataract Surgery
Q
Comments (27)
My situation is probably different because of my astigmatism. Others may have better outcomes. I am unhappy with the Toric lens I had implanted Sept. 26. I was told I needed this special lens to correct my astigmatism. It didn't correct the astigmatism. I will still need to wear glasses full time. (I see 'shadow' images. For instance, each letter on a street sign has a blurry shadow of itself to the right. You sometimes see this when a newspaper or magazine is printed with the different colors not properly aligned. They are 'out of register'.) I'm out $1245 for this special lens, and, of course, have lost the eye's natural ability to change focus, near to far. I'm not having the left eye done, as I had planned. I've recently had two people comment that they were told by doctors that they *needed* cataract surgery, but have did not have it, and subsequently were told by other doctors that their cataracts were not serious enough to warrant surgery. Everybody HAS cataracts eventually, but I'd urge people to consider for themselves if theirs *require* surgery. I do have more light IN the operated eye, but I don't see an enormous difference. I think I was persuaded to act prematurely. (I'm 72.) This is a quick, very safe procedure for a surgeon to perform, and Medicare pays for single-distance lens surgery. I imagine there is a profit on 'special' lenses too.
...See More
pattico_gw
15 years ago
I ask my eye doctor how long I have to wait...

She said the insurance company will not pay until you can no longer correct the vision in that eye to a 20/40. My vision in that eye is a 20/40 with no correction so I guess I have a long time to wait. And that is good because having it done scares me.

I went in a couple months ago for a check up. 20/25 in my right eye and 20/40 in my eye with the cataract. I was really pleased at that. I think it is pretty good for a 63 year old.

I know my cousin Dorothy had it done and said there was nothing to it. She waiting to have her other eye done now...(waiting to finish paying off the first eye)

Good luck to you. I'm sure everything will be okay.

As far as bending over...get one of those pick up things, that will help you.

patti
phyllis__mn
15 years ago
Simple surgery, and no pain!! I think they don't want you to lift heavy stuff for a while, and you have to remember the eye drops, but other than that it's easy-peasy! I've had one done, and am sure I need the other now, so have an appointment next month.
lilliepad
15 years ago
DH had one done the end of last year.He had some pain for a few days and couldn't lift anything for a couple of weeks.The preparation for the surgery and putting the drops in afterwards was more annoying to him than anything because he can't stand to have anything put in his eyes.LOL The results were well worth the inconvenience though.
I would really suggest you get some help with your DH for a couple of weeks.Is there any way you can get a home care nurse to come in even just a few hours a day to help out just to be sure you don't over do it?
grittymitts
Original Author
15 years ago
THANKS everyone! Dr. says pain is usually quite minimal so no worry there since 2 aspirin nearly knock me out- meal prep 'n such sorta' concerned me but realize it can be done ahead, frozen 'n nuked.

I'll be so happy to get it done & be able to see well again! Took me 20 min. to thread sewing machine needle (with one of those wire threaders) with the blinds open...sheesh! I won't tell ya' about trying to get the wee little clamps off & back on lawn tractor hose to change the gas filter. Black cloud hovered over me; no moisture- just my naughty, naughty words! Happened to pick up a large print copy of Reader's Digest in doctor's office and saw wonderous words almost leap off the page. Hope to have that back soon with regular print.

Ruthieg, went to your link on Caring Bridges and was astounded that you are going through such troubling times, yet I've noticed how you always take the time to help others here. With such a giving heart, a happy spirit and wonderful attitude I'm praying you tame the Cancer beast!

Suzi
sharon_fl
15 years ago
Had my eye exam 3 weeks ago-needed new glasses. What was the 'start of a cataract' 18 months prior, is now a full blown one & ready for surgery. However-I needed new specs immediately, so will delay the surgery until I get a few months out of these new $300+ glasses.
DH had one eye done 9 months ago..no big deal..just laid low for a few days.
"Git 'er done!"
intherain
15 years ago
My dad had his first one done 2 weeks ago and it went very well. He does not like doctors and has always had fears of needing any medical procedure. He's very lucky that in his 77 years he's stayed pretty healthy. He was surprised how "easy" the cataract surgery was. Had no complications whatsoever. I don't recall him saying he had many restrictions afterwards. He's so glad he had it done. He can see so much better, and that's just after having 1 eye done. Imagine when the other is done!

Sheryl
margad
15 years ago
I am having it done in October. Since I am well over 80, I hope all goes well.
azzalea
15 years ago
For those of you about to have the surgery--is there ANY chance you can put it off for a while? There's an amazing new lens on the horizon, but won't be available for a bit yet. I can't remember the name/brand of it, but DD was telling me about it, and glad that by the time DH and I would need the surgery, we'd be able to get it, because it's SO superior to what's available now.

OP--if you are your husband's full-time caregiver, and won't be able to lift for a week, can you check into having a home health aid in for a few hours a day to help out? Hopefully, insurance will pay for it, if your husband needs that kind of care, but even if they won't, it's home health aids aren't that expensive (think mom was paying $20-40/hour, depending upon what they did for her. And, of course, that kind of expense would be a medical deduction at the end of the year when you do your taxes, so with a little luck, you'd be getting some of it back. You definitely don't want to chance trying to lift him, if it's going to damage your surgery. Good luck.

Have you had Cataract Surgery?

Comments (10)

joyfulguy

ruthieg__tx

Related Discussions

pattico_gw

phyllis__mn

lilliepad

grittymitts
Original Author

sharon_fl

intherain

margad

azzalea

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Have you had Cataract Surgery?

Comments (10)

Related Discussions

grittymittsOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

grittymitts
Original Author