It may be time for a medical procedure I’ve been putting off.
Like many my age my eyesight has been slowly deteriorating for years. Yesterday morning in the Wasatch Mountains I was pretty close to this Tree Sparrow while it was perched on a fence wire but I just couldn’t spot it. Mia told me where it was but I still couldn’t locate it until it flew to the ground where this photo was taken. Possibly because of heat waves I never did get any truly sharp shots of the sparrow, but still…
It was just another frustrating visual experience out of many similar ones in recent years..
Later that morning I knew to look for Bald Eagles in a clump of trees where I’d often seen them in the past. Mia spotted this one but I couldn’t see it until I drove quite a bit closer, even though the dark immature eagle stood out like a sore thumb against the snow covered hillside in the background.
Similar events are a regular occurrence for me, both while in the field photographing birds and during my normal daily activities. I try to avoid driving at night whenever possible, I often can’t read cooking instructions on packaged food items or printed information on medication packaging (even with the aid of reading glasses) and even though I’ve been an avid reader of nonfiction books for most of my life it’s been several years since I’ve read one cover to cover. I really miss my reading routine!
The list goes on. I’m also becoming far less confident of my ability to evaluate my photos for sharpness while processing them and as you can imagine, that’s distressing.
All this came to a head a few days ago when I had to have my eyes tested before renewing my drivers license. A thorough eye exam revealed that I don’t (quite) need glasses to drive but…
Creative Commons – Holly Fischer
cataract surgery to replace the clouded lenses in my eyes is becoming increasingly warranted. I’ve known I had developing cataracts for about five years but my ophthalmologist is now saying “it’s time”. He said I could put it off for another year or so but perhaps I’m to the point that delaying the inevitable just isn’t smart.
But I know that results of cataract surgery can vary significantly and with any surgery there’s always the possibility of complications and other things going wrong so I’m apprehensive about pulling the plug on my natural lenses. Once you’ve gone over that cliff there’s no going back.
So I got to thinking. I know that many of my blog followers are roughly in my age group so I suspect some of you have either had cataract surgery or know someone who has. Why not take advantage of that valuable experience and ask for advice?
I’m particularly interested in the following information from “those in the know” from your own experience or the experience of others:
- Did the surgery provide a significant improvement in vision? If so, roughly how much and in what ways (night vision, color vision, visual acuity etc.)? What differences has the surgery made in your life, if any?
- Were there any surgical complications?
- Knowing what you know now would you have the procedure done again?
- Any other information about your experience you think is relevant.
My right eye is the worst of the two by far so if I plunge ahead I’ll have that one done first. But my right eye is my “shooting eye”, the one I use to look through my camera’s viewfinder, so I really don’t want to take any unnecessary chances with it or make any hasty decisions..
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Ron
Ron,
A few photographers that take workshops with me had cataract surgery recently and all did very well. I was surprised how back they were in the field, praising how well they could see after the surgery. I did not hear complaints of pain.
I hope you have the same success, I am sure you will.
Ed
My 86-year-old husband and I (81) have each had cataract surgery in both eyes (at 3 month intervals). We tell our elderly friends that it was VERY
painful – when the nurse pulled the adhesive tape off our IV incisions, which pulled the hairs on our arms. Other than that – no pain or problems with the cataract surgery at all!!!
Me too in all of that. Very well put and expressed. My cataract surgeries were about four years apart as one developed much more slowly than the other. But in each case when the time came and the surgery was over my vision had improved and I felt that I could see as well as I ever could in my life. I had one eye for 2020 vision and the other eye for close closer vacation. This means thatI can see well without glasses and in a store I can read price tag. For longer reading sessions I need reading glasses. To balance the difference. For clothes work.
… The lady who said she and her husband found removal of the IV Band-Aid to be the worst of the entire procedure for both eyes.
Hi Ron,
I had cataract surgery in April and May of 2018. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again if needed. All in all it was a simple, pain-free experience. My right eye was done first as it was the most complicated due to a macular pucker and epiretinal membranes. The left eye had been injured many years ago and had also undergone laser surgery for a partial retinal tear. I am at risk for glaucoma because of narrow angles. My eye surgeon is a glaucoma specialist who also performs cataract surgery. He first sent me to my retina doctor for his approval and blessing. It was agreed that we proceed with the cataract surgery but only with plain lens replacements. There was too much going on to do any eyesight corrections. The outcome was remarkable. Recovery is almost instantaneous! My surgery improved the risk of glaucoma and gave me back my long distance vision. Colors are so much more vivid! I wear glasses for closeup reading.
My only complaint is bright light seems much brighter than I ever recall it being. At first, headlights bothered me but that subsided a few months after surgery. I wear sunglasses when out in bright light, especially when there is snow on the ground. I occasionally suffer from dry eyes but that is easily alleviated with lubricating drops as needed. I have no regrets at all. Best wishes to you Ron.
Thanks for your feedback, LInda.
Ron,
Come down to the Moran Eye Center for a workup. There is no other place I’d have my eyes worked on.
Disclaimer: it’s my place of work.
I’ve heard a lot of very good things about the MEC, including from friends of mine who’ve had the procedure done there.
Ron,
I had this surgery three years ago, and it went very well. One thing to be aware of, if you get “fixed focal length”, for either near or far vision, you will need to wear glasses. I got the “fixed far vision” surgery, which lets me see things very well at a distance with no glasses, but I cannot read, or work camera settings, without glasses. I first tried using Reading Glasses, which are cheap, but found that the annoyance of having to put them on and take them off all the time was too much for me, so I splurged and got bifocals. These are expensive but worthwhile for me.
Thanks for the info, Bernie. I wish there were a panacea that could just fix everything but I guess that’s just not realistic.
Agree that you should not delay. Be thorough in your questioning of your doctor as to the relative advantages of setting the lenses at different focal lengths and which combination — if different — is best FOR YOU. I love being able to read out of one eye without glasses. I can also drive without glasses. But as a photographer you have special needs regarding distance vision which may argue for settings that will make it necessary for you to wear glasses to read. There is no 100 percent satisfactory solution. So just make sure your decision is as informed as possible. Best of luck.
Good advice, Stan. Thank you.
I have no cataract experience to share other than knowing several people who had the surgery and were pleased with the results. I’ve worn glasses since first grade, so I’m impressed that you still don’t need them for driving.
The sparrow shot is quite lovely — I especially like the sparkly, diamondesque nature of the snow around him and his little raised crown. I’m also a sucker for immature Bald Eagle shots, as it was your aging ID post that brought me to your blog. 💜
“so I’m impressed that you still don’t need them for driving”
I guess it all depends on one’s expectations, Marty. I had “eagle-eye” vision until I was in my mid 30’s so it’s been very frustrating to have it go south on me.
My grandfather was a watchmaker and besides the jeweler’s loupe, didn’t need glasses until he was in his late 80s and then only for reading. I did NOT get that gene! 😂
Ron! What is the reason for waiting? It’s not a surgery that will last awhile and then go away. You’re simply spending more time seeing less and less. Yes, I’ve had cataract surgery on both eyes. Suggestion: have them 2 weeks apart or as close as the doc will allow, because you’ll be using drops for far longer, the farther apart the surgeries are. You will still need readers, most likely. But the colors will aMAZE you. Do it, Sir. Again — no percentage in waiting. (Full disclosure: I had secondary cataracts — pretty darned common — and they were taken care of at the same time, in about 15 minutes.) Take care and see and be well.
I’m not waiting Ellen, except for two things. I want to do my research first (which is the reason for this post) and even though I’m now fully vaccinated I want to make sure it’s safe to have it done before I do it.
I had this done about 5 years ago and would do it again without hesitation.
Some suggestions, make sure the surgeon has experience and you have confidence in him/her. Do some background checking if possible. I also had the option on having one eye corrected for distance and the other for close but elected to correct both for distance and am very satisfied with the results; only downside is I need reading glasses when reading books or other close tasks but not for driving, photography and other daily chores.
Hope you also have excellent results should you choose to have the procedure.
Thanks for the tip about which way to go, Bill. That you’d do it again “without hesitation” means something.
I walked into the recovery room to find my mother after her cataract surgery. I took one look at her and said, “you make cataract removal surgery look easier than oral surgery”! We never looked back, no pun intended. And…that was 20 years ago.
Good for your mother, Connie. And for her eye surgeon.
Wow! Such a wealth of info here, which I will bookmark in case I need it down the road. I’ve worn glasses since corrective eye-surgery at the ripe old age of 5 (with a 20-yr, specs-free interlude starting in late teens), so having a hard time imagining my senior years without glasses. So far, I’m not a candidate for cataract surgery—but I do remember my mom having it done in 2000, when she was 80, and it was pain- and complication-free, and the improvement was vast. Think how pretty much everything medical/surgical has improved since then. So, I say, it’s time Mr. Dudley— and best of luck! 🍀
Mr. Dudley thinks you’re probably right, Chris – it’s time.
👍 And PS — looking more closely at your Tree Sparrow, it seems he might be straining to see well, too, his eyes have that “tired” look!
Good morning Ron! In my opinion it’s time to bite the bullet and go for the surgery. Most people that have had the surgery say to get the soft lens. My sister-in-law is very gutsy, she was born premature at two pounds with poor vision in one eye and none in the other. Her eye specialist who has worked with her for years called her to ask her to come into the office which she did. He had exciting news for her, he found a company in Texas that was willing to make a special lens for the only eye with any sight but one drawback, if the lens didn’t work, she would be with less sight. She said she was willing to give it a shot. To this day she no longer wears coke bottle glasses, in fact no glasses at all. Ron, go for it, what you love to do is suffering and so are you, love yourself more and book the appointment!
Thanks, Shirley. I’m very happy for your sister. You’re right, she’s obviously a gutsy woman. Kudos to her.
Late to post today. I had this procedure done 8 years ago and I’m very glad I did so. It easy and painless. I hadn’t realized how yellow everything had become. The glare and starbursts I had been seeing around bright light now disappeared. I wish I had done it sooner. My doctor gave me one piece of advice beforehand: Be sure you are completely comfortable with and confident in the doctor who will be doing it. In my case, he recommended the doctor who did his eyes. So I did that. I had them done a week apart and that was a somewhat miserable week. One eye saw bright, true colors and one didn’t and one eye saw clearly in the distance but the other didn’t. Once the second eye was done, the world looked so much better. One caution, which oddly enough, a couple of people I know didn’t get the warning about these pre-op symptoms returning. It can happen if a film develops behind the new lens. If this happens, as it did for me a couple of years later, it is a very simple and permanent fix. A laser is used to basically put tiny holes in this film. Quick, simple and it won’t happen again. I strongly recommend this. My eyes are really terribe now but that’s a completely different issue (macular degeneration and some diabetic retinopathy) and greatly amplified by the chemo I had for leukemia. Those problems are on the inside and irreversible. Cataracts are outside and now successfully treatable.
Wow, it sounds like that was a miserable week for you, Dan. And perhaps for Barbara… 🙂
Joe had the membranes cloud up in less than a year – easy fix in the office.
Ah, yes: Dan has had his done (~8 years ago) and I’ve so far not needed the procedure. Dan I know is composing a reply, but I thought I’d tell you if the experience of a friend of mine, much older than we are but a noted scientific illustrator, and former MD, John Cody. He did amazing, large paintings of moths and butterflies, gorgeous portraits! When he had his cataract surgery, he was awfully dismayed to discover…with his clear new lenses… that the colors of his paintings were very “off”! He was mortified, and set out to repaint the badly yellowed ones. But his family dissuaded him as I understand, so he did not repaint so many of them.
Apparently, as his lenses had clouded over time, he “corrected” for the more disrupted color by making his paintings bluer!
So, Dan’s experience was somewhat informed by that story, and, in case he doesn’t say it, the week between his two procedures was a very grumpy time! He was not having fun, shall we say?!😖
I bet things, birds, landscapes will have renewed clarity and sparkle once you have completed the journey, but hang in there! You will probably have a very positive outcome.
“he “corrected” for the more disrupted color by making his paintings bluer”
Barbara, that makes me very happy that it’s my policy to almost never increase saturation to my images during processing. If I’m losing color perception in my eyesight I may have overdone it and been unaware that I had.
After dreading cataract surgery for my whole life (something about knives and eyes) I finally decided it was time. Like you, my right eye is my dominant eye even though before surgery it was 20/400. My left eye, 20/200, had significant astigmatism and I agreed to have the optional expensive lens put into that eye to correct for the astigmatism. I had both eyes done the same day, and with the excellent medication they gave me, I was able to relax throughout the procedure. The followup is to use a goodly number of eye drops, but that was it. My new vision was excellent. I chose to correct for distance, so now I do have to use readers, but that is insignificant to me. Go for it. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks for relating your experience, Buff. It gave me more confidence.
Hi Ron,
l awaited 12 years before deciding to have the operation due to my concerns , but just finished both eyes a week ago. First my right eye and 3 weeks layers my left eye . l was near sighted with astigmatism so l opted for the Toric Intraocular Lens implant. Of course my insurance and Medicare do not pay for these Lens. ($3,000) All went extremely well for both eyes and have no problems so far. Since l am alone ,l purchased an Auto Drop from Owen Mumford on the internet to assist putting drops in my eyes. Inexpensive plastic gizmo .
My vision is much improved with a slight fuzzyness in my right eye that my need glasses to tweak , but l can see to drive and the snow is whiter now.
From Dollar Tree store l purchased reading glasses for one dollar #1.50 power.
Still looking for good sunglasses.
For photography l focus with my Left eye so that was good for me , and for birding l use Binoculars now with out glasses.
l wish you success with your decision and procedure.
LK, thanks very much for the tip about the Auto Drop. I’d never heard of such a thing. I’m jumpy as hell about putting drops in my eyes so I’m pretty sure that’s something I’ll at least check into.
I have not had cataract surgery but my dad and several of my friends have had it. For each of them it was a positive life-changer. One of my best friend had similar vision problems as you. He had difficulty seeing at night, wasn’t able to spot animals when he went hunting with his son, and was considering giving up his passion – fly fishing – because he couldn’t see well enough to tye flies. He was even having some trouble reading.
So reluctantly he had surgery on both eyes staggered several weeks apart. And he was able to resume all his actitivities, and his eyesight actually improved to 20/10. He had the surgery 15 years ago (he is now 77) and he has never had any problems.
Seeing his and other’s success with it has encouraged me to have it as soon as my sight requires it.
Good luck. Kent
Wow, the surgery was really a game changer for your friend, Kent. Very good to know.
Lateish to the party this morning. The youngest of my brothers had it done quite recently. He has worn glasses since he was 10 or 11. He now only wears reading glasses and LOVES his new vision and his increased appreciation of colour.
Good to know about your brother’s experience. Thanks, EC.
Hi Ron. I don’t have a whole lot to add to this discussion and NO first-hand experience. HOWEVER, I researched it extensively both from a human and veterinary perspective, wondering if it were an option for Zoe whose cataracts all but blinded her. She could only see light and dark and I’m sure that contributed to her dementia. Sadly, it was not an option for her financially, but the overall message I got was that it was far better to get it done sooner rather than later. The later the progression of the cataract, the more difficult and complicated the surgery.
So go get it done NOW! Eyesight is a big deal and it’s really something you need. My cataracts are in the beginning stages, but as a result of my research, I will not hesitate to get it done. 😉
Sounds like good advice. Thanks, Laura.
Maybe my mom and dad will comment here, they hare some of you silent followers.
I’ll watch for them, April.
Hi Ron, I had to have cataract surgery about 6 years ago. Since I hadn’t worn glasses before I was a candidate for lenses that would allow me to see both near and far without using any glasses. I had a little depth perception adjustment getting used to them, but the lenses work great and I can do fine artwork again, and see things at a distance as good as I ever could. Those lenses cost a little more, but well worth it. The surgery is a snap and you will be happy you did it.
Thanks for mentioning the depth perception issue you encountered, Marvin. That one was new to me.
I am older than you and have had both eyes done. I used to wear glasses or contacts. I am also a golfer and was having trouble seeing where my ball landed. I no longer have trouble with that and occasionally have to wera readers for small print or in low light. I wouldn’t go back. The surgery was quite simple as far as I am concerned and the recovery quick.
Good to know, Betty. All of it.
Be aware there is controversy about using UV-blocking intraocular lenses in cataract surgery. Proponents say it may reduce the chance of getting macular degeneration and it will enhance color perception but there is downside to not being able to see blue light at all. Specifically, blue light exposure in the morning activates your circadian rhythm. Without being able to see blue, you may find yourself unable to stay awake in the evening. Other effects include higher chances of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. You can always wear sunglasses after cataract surgery when you want to block UV light.
Thanks for that tip, Linda. Based on what you said I’m pretty sure I’ll avoid UV-blocking lenses.
Hi Ron, I am “in the middle” of the process right now. I had my left eye done 1.5 weeks ago and am scheduled for the right eye. Like you, I was somewhat anxious re the procedure, but the nurse anesthetist provided me with some “happy juice” and all was well. 😁 I have really noticed the difference in perceived brightness – if I look at Teddy The Wonder Cat with my left eye, he is gray; if I look at him with my right eye, he is brown! Amazing. Practicing on solid surfaces such as walls, I see white vs ecru, similar to the difference between white and brown eggs. A note: I will always be required to wear glasses, since I have diplopia with a twist – double vision, with one image tilted. Biggest challenge is the eyedrops regimen – the bottle provided to me releases a drop via gravity (without squeezing the bottle), so it is easy to miss the target. After 3 misses, I settled on doing it while lying on my back. Works every time. And, of course, the diplopia means I will have fuzzy vision until I receive new refractive lenses, and that is several weeks away. My wife has reminded me, however, that my domestic engineering tasks can still be accomplished. My recommendation: go for it!
Cheers,
Dick
Dick, assuming I do this it’ll be interesting to see if I find colors more intense afterward. As far as I know I still see colors normally but I may be pleasantly surprised.
I haven’t had the surgery yet, although my ophthalmologist “mentions” it every time I go in. I know several people who have had it. It’s funny you can often tell by the peculiar reflection (eye catch!) of the lens implant through the iris. No one I have spoken to has worse vision; however, it’s a mixed bag in terms satisfaction. Colors and sharpness improved for some and not for others. I suspect it’s mostly because they either they got the surgery too soon or didn’t ask the right questions, or both.
I wonder why ophthalmologists don’t have a test for color perception like they do for distance vision.
About visual acuity: although you passed the driver license test, I don’t think that necessarily means your vision is as sharp as it could be. Has your Dr. said you don’t need glasses for far vision? You say you have reading glasses; I do as well, but even so, as all of us in “your age group” know, age-related changes—accommodation and light-gathering ability—make it difficult to see fine detail without a magnifier and excellent light. My wife has the same problem and she has had the surgery.
As another commenter noted, the far/close vision lens idea isn’t something I would do. I had radial keratotomy years ago and had it done to my left eye first, because it was my “non-dominant” one. Never went back for the right, because 1) the Dr. didn’t make it clear that I would absolutely need reading glasses, 2) I never got used to the difference in vision in each eye, 3) the glare from lights at night is dangerous when driving (not an issue with cataract surgery, as far as I know).
You have gotten a lot of great comments here. I would present all of them to your Dr. They are your eyes, don’t let you or your Dr. gloss over anything. Your Feathered Photography followers are depending on it.
I forgot, very sharp photos of the Sparrow and Eagle.
“Has your Dr. said you don’t need glasses for far vision?”
Lyle, all he’s said in that regard is that I don’t need glasses to qualify for my drivers license.
And you’re right, I’m going to be very careful in making this decision.
I never know what I am going to learn about here! I will need cataract surgery within the next 2 years. Thanks so much for all the feedback from those who are experienced.
I am wondering why so many people chose long distance vision instead of short distance vision. Glasses seem protective outside from windblown materials and even getting poked in the eye when walking through brushy areas.
“I am wondering why so many people chose long distance vision instead of short distance vision”
Pam, maybe it’s because so many of them are probably nature and bird lovers who love to see their critters clearly while out in the field?
I had cataract surgery 3years ago. I did both eyes in a 24 hour turn around. No side effects. Could see color much more vividly and I got a slight correction in the lens they put in for near and far sightedness. I would do it again in a heartbeat!! Absolutely no pain, within a week never knew anything different…..other than I could see better. Don’t wait, your eyes are your porthole to your beautiful photographs.
Wow Susie, both eyes done in 24 hours. That was quick!
Still being a “youngster” haha, I’m not there yet. I’ll be taking notes from all the great advice you’re getting. I’m taking another friend to have hers done next week. Someday they’ll be giving me a ride!
P.S. lucky Everett, 83 and he still has his originals 😁
Diana, based on comments here and elsewhere I think quite a few folks reading this post are in the same boat as you are – they’re not quite there yet but they know they will be soon so they’re taking copious mental notes on all the very helpful comments.
Yes, lucky Everett. .
I had cataract surgery in both eyes about 1.5 years ago (6 weeks apart). The procedures were simple and painless. And afterwards: Drinking water is no longer brown! I can see details I did not realize I was missing (and except for seeing more dust around the house, that is a great thing). I can see small birds at a greater distance than before. One eye is still not great due to a previous infection that messed with the cornea, but both eyes are vastly improved from earlier. I suspect you will be amazed at the difference, Ron, and after the first one is done, will be eager to get the second one done. We are so lucky to live in this age of ‘bionic’ improvements.
“Drinking water is no longer brown! ”
Nancy, that’s the first time I’ve laughed this morning! Thanks for that and for your other relevant feedback.
Ron:
I have not had my cataracts done yet- they are still in the earlier stages, and my ophthalmologist is not recommending surgery yet.
Having said that, and as a surgeon, remember that cataract surgery is the most frequent procedure ophthalmologists do, most of them get very good at it, the incidence of complications is very low (granted- it is not non-existent). Once it starts affecting something you like to do- in your case photography… and you are kinda good at it 🙂 – I recommend having it done. It will only get worse if you don’t, and the frustrations will keep mounting.
I’m thinking the same thing, Roberta. More and more it just isn’t making any sense to put it off any longer. Thanks.
Hi Ron,
Having never had surgery before the cataract procedure that was necessary I was very nervous about the surgery. I chose for far sightedness, since the outdoors, nature and birding are a huge part of my life. Reading glasses indoors are much less of a hassle to put up with, and yes, dry eyes are an issue, but that is also an issue with increasing age, my friend who does not suffer from cataracts still uses eye drops, but I only need them now and then. Since lenses they used are flexible the tiniest incision was made and the benefit was very quick recovery time. One eye at a time, that’s standard procedure. I’ve had the lenses for ten years, never a problem or degradation in my eagle eye vision either. I laugh at my “bionic eyes” but am grateful each and every day since I had the procedure done. Sorry for the long post but I hope personal experience from so many of your readers helps you out. You fill my life with joy every day with your images and stories, love being able to give back to give back something. Good Luck!
I appreciate your “giving back”, Victoria. As you can probably tell I’m a little nervous about the surgery too.
Definitely recommend you get it done. Three caveats: Do them at two different times, and do not make the mistake of having one adjusted for distance and the other adjusted for up close. I got talked into it, and although I can see way better than I could before the surgeries, it was a mistake in my case. Without glasses to bring the two images together, my poor brain really can’t consolidate them. Also, be aware that your eyeball is frozen for some time after the surgery. I scratched my cornea quite severely when putting in the post-surgery eyedrops because I didn’t know I couldn’t feel anything and I have compromised depth perception. Just be careful, and go for it!
Excellent advice, Burrdoo – both about the choice of lenses and about being careful so soon after the surgery. Thank you.
Surgery was ten years ago for me-done in Arizona.
I’d worn “coke bottle bottom glasses” from age 8
until high school, then contacts until menopausal dry eye made that too uncomfortable…..I’ve been absolutely THRILLED with my “new” distance
vision– I opted to be corrected for better far vision, and now use reading glasses for close work. The surgery was an absolute walk in the park, as
was the 24 hour “recovery” period. I do think that it’s very important to obtain
the services of a surgeon who has done hundreds of these procedures–the
more the better, and Salt Lake has an abundance of such experienced people.
As for “dry eye”, I think it is often concomitant with the aging that also produces
the cataracts, and not necessarily caused by the surgery itself-but easily remedied
by drops. If you have to drive at night time, you’ll be impressed by how easy
it will become ( presurgery, it had become impossible for me). Do your background research, get an abundance of LOCAL PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
references for the same surgeon and go for it !
Lots of good advice. Thank you, Kris.
Ron,
I had both of mine done, miraculous improvement! I couldn’t see any detail through my viewfinder before. Now it’s crystal clear.
Every surgery has risks but complications are infrequent and the result, particularly for a wildlife photographer, is amazing.
Tom
“I had both of mine done, miraculous improvement”
That’s great to hear Thomas, especially from another photographer. Thanks.
I’ve had cataract surgery on both eyes. I was near sighted before and opted to have both eyes changed to far sighted. So now I only use reading glasses. I am very pleased with the results and it has improved my ability to see and photograph animals.
Ken, I found part of what you said particularly interesting. I’m nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other so so I have some serious thinking to do about which type of lenses I’ll get.
I am still very outdoorsy, walking/hiking/biking 25-30 miles a week, so I opted for farsighted in both eyes. Reading glasses can be somewhat inconvenient, but I have gotten used to always having them with me. I had surgery about 7 years ago and do not regret it at all.
I’ve had two friends who have had it done. One was very nearly blind before having it done. Both have been thrilled with the results. One said the difference in perception of color was astounding. My eyes showed the beginning of cataracts three years ago when I got my last prescription and my vision has deteriorated since then. I’m going to ask about the surgery at my next appointment.
Then I hope the feedback I’m getting here will be useful for you too, Sharon.
I had it done a number of years ago. They squeezed me in so there was some info I wish I’d had that I didn’t at the time. I’ve always been near sighted and “dreamed” of the distant vision and no glasses so I opted for that. I would go back to being near sighted if I had the choice for my life style. I also had/have a lot of astigmatism and they didn’t get that corrected well so still need the glasses. The biggest frustration is that my right eye came out clearer than my left and I’m “cross dominant”. Also dry eyes are an issue now and sunglasses are a must. That being said I wish I’d waited a little longer even if vision is better in many way. My sister opted for the thing to in effect giving both far and near vision(wasn’t available to me at the time) – think it’s a thing where they do one eye close vision, one eye far away. She doesn’t feel her vision is that great tho it hasn’t affected her photography in a major way. Think “expectations” may enter into satisfaction also. No complications surgery wise. ANYWAY! My 2 cents worth.
I appreciate your 2 cents, Judy. Dry eyes is also an ongoing problem for me, though it waxes and wanes.
P.S. I didn’t notice the color thing but Joe sure did with his as well as the ability to see things he hadn’t in years. His eyes were REALLY bad as his “regular” Dr. wouldn’t do it since he’d previously had a detached retina in one eye and a torn retina in the other. Different Dr. changed all that. Not perfect due to previous damage from the retina thing in his right eye but a world of difference otherwise..
Good for Joe. The more I know about Joe the more I’m in his corner.
Ron – I m sure you will get excellent feedback to your question from most of your followers, but for me at a month away from 83, I am yet to have had the surgery. My ophthalmologist says I am at least a year away and possibly two. And like you my right eye is very weak. My left eye pretty much does it all.
Laughing too at the Tree Sparrow. Good eyes or bad I cannot ID sparrows till I get home and put them on the screen. Tree, Chipping, Song, etc, all look the same to me.
Good luck with the eye problems, but I think the sooner the better.
Thanks, Everett. At your age it sounds like you’ve been pretty lucky with your eyes.
I had the surgery done 20 or so years ago and was amazed at the improvement in brightness and color. Since then my sight has remained as good as it was then. I also know of three others who had the surgery and have had good results, on of them had what he called lazy eye in one of his eyes and even saw an improvement in that eye. I would recommend you have the lenses replacer ASAP.
Thanks, Donald. With all this positive feedback (so far) “ASAP” is sounding better and better to me.
Not only did my dual cataract surgery restore my color vision (I can really see the “blues” that I thought were “brown” now) but it made a huge difference in my night “driving” vision. I highly recommend it. I no longer wear glasses for driving, just the drugstore version for close-up reading. That was also a huge plus for viewing birds with binoculars without the need for eyeglasses.
Interesting about the improvement in your color vision, Michele. As far as I can tell my color vision isn’t affected but the brightness of the colors I see with my right eye in particular is much more subdued than it is in my left eye.
Hi Ron, Like you my Right eye could no longer be “adjusted” with glasses to pass the CDL Drivers examination. My Right lens replacement occurred in 07 and was a walk in the park. The procedure took but a few minutes and without ingesting any drugs or I/V I literally almost fell asleep! I could feel the Doctors hands on my forehead–that was it! No discomfort during the procedure or afterword! Wore the recommended dark glasses he gave for a day after when outside and never again. My Left eye was stated to be “starting” to cataract in 07 and to this Date has not progressed further & no need for the replacement. My wife had both eyes done almost 2 years prior to my single procedure in 07. As I was driving her home after the first replacement on the Right; it was comical as she was so gitty on what she was seeing with the vibrant colors. She had the left done about 30 days later. Trust me, no regrets and so far after all these years no complications worth mentioning aside minimal reading glasses for both of us. You will be amazed! Best of Health, Don
I appreciate your detailed feedback, Donald. Thank you.
Make sure you do the surgery with someone who does a lot of cataract surgeries and is reputable. Do one side at a time. You will be amazed.
Don, my doc says he’s done over 3000 of them so that gives me at least some confidence.
Strange coincidence for your post. Yesterday I had an appointment with the opthomologist. As usual I needed an upgrade in my prescription. The cataracts I have are not ready to be removed yet but getting there. We discussed the surgery and choices of the lens available. She is retiring herself in September and says her cataracts are at the level of mine. The enhanced lens are the way I will go and she said it will be her choice. She said the cost factor is something which holds people back from it. The idea of not having to wear glasses constantly is my main reason…I did not wear glasses earlier in life. Two friends of mine have had surgery within the past year…one had the enhanced lens and is completely satisfied; the other didn’t and wishes he did. My mother had her surgery when she was 87…in and out of the office in an hour and absolutely no problem. This surgery is a very quick and painless procedure compared to what it used to be when I worked in surgery. I have absolutely no qualms about doing it when the cataracts are ready!
Very helpful, Kathy. Thank you.
It’s routine, Ron. Complications are rare. I agree with Bob. You’ll be pissed you waited so long to have it done. Very quick recovery, too.
“You’ll be pissed you waited so long to have it done”
I’ve been thinking about that very possibility, Pierce. Thanks.
Ron,
I had cataract surgery several years ago and it worked out great. I had them done six months apart. In addition to seeing better, because I got enhanced lenses inserted, I no longer needed to wear glasses which I needed since I was six years old. I only need glasses now for reading. No complications or problems. Piece of cake. Do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t have them done sooner.
Surgery took about 15 minutes each time. No pain during or after. Colors will be brighter and truer, too.
Bob V.
That’s very helpful, Bob. And encouraging.