You were all right about my cataract surgery. :)

[crosinski]

A couple of months ago I wrote about how worried I was about my upcoming cataract surgery. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to see close up after the surgery. I was especially concerned that I wouldn’t be able to draw super sharp detail anymore. Well, I’m happy to report that my doctor has made me a little less nearsighted in one eye, and my other eye will be done in a couple of weeks. I can see super sharp close-up detail with my new eye and, surprisingly, things look much brighter through it too! The surgery and recovery was painless and I’m looking forward to having my other eye done. Thank you all for reassuring me!

[Ocelot II]

1. It makes quite a difference, doesn't it?

I still wear glasses to correct for a bit of astigmatism (which was so bad that even the toric lens couldn't fix it perfectly), but my vision is much better and brighter, and the process was completely painless. I actually enjoyed the sedative, Versed, kind of wish I could stay on it for another 3-1/2 years.

[crosinski]

2. Yes, it's surprising ...

… how much brighter my “new” eye sees the world! I’ll have to wear glasses too. I don’t mind though.

[Shellback Squid]

3. good to know! I'm getting cataracts, early stage

[niyad]

4. That is excellent news. And it will be even better when both eyes are done!

[nilram]

5. Brighter, yes, I'm told they're clearer than the original equipment.

I'm quite nearsighted and almost look forward to getting them.

[dcmfox]

6. Had mine done in Colombia

I was concerned of course..But it was 3k cash and bifocal lenses made in Israel. I can see like a hawk

[2na fisherman]

7. Not so good for me

My cataract surgery was done over a couple of years ago and there were complications. Now I can't see very clearly close up or far away even with my glasses and I have an extreme light sensitivity so I need RX sunglasses. I also have dry eye and have to frequently use eye drops which also distorts my vision. I may have to quit driving soon as it becomes harder to see road signs. My vision continues to decline despite getting many new eyeglass RX's. After numerous visits to ophthalmologists I have given up on any hope of improved vision following my surgery. I guess I should be glad I still have any vision at all. I'll just have to accept the hand I've been dealt. This surgery is not as routine as you might think and most patients do okay but your results may vary.

[crosinski]

9. I'm sorry this happened to you!

And I wish it could be corrected somehow. So much of our independence is tied to being able to drive. I’m especially sorry you may be losing that ability. Please take care.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

13. I also had a bad experience with surgery. I should have looked more into finding a top surgeon.

I just took it for granted that it was a simple surgery and went to the eye dr I usually go to. She screwed it up where I had to end up getting a corneal transplant. I couldn’t see out of one eye (I was basically blind in one eye) for months before that surgery. Now my eye sight is pretty poor - I flunked my drivers vision test but was able to renew my license due to going to an eye doctor for a test - which I passed so this allowed me to override not being able to pass the test at the DMV. I need to get cataract surgery in my other eye and am going to get it through the doctor who did my corneal transplant. Needless to say, I’m leery of getting surgery in my other eye and have been putting it off. A mixed blessing - I don’t need to drive anymore except to doctors appointments or a few blocks to the grocery store. My boyfriend does most of the driving. I lost my job (another setback) so I no longer need to drive for that. Luckily, I was able to get on social security due to turning 67.

[crosinski]

14. That's horrible!

I’m sorry to hear you had to go through that and now will always have poor vision in one eye. The truth is, things can go wrong during cataract surgery, and the results can be devastating. I’m glad you were able to retire and get your driver’s license renewed though.

[ReRe]

8. Congratulations, crosinski!

I went through the same thing, with both eyes (separately of course). Have a wonderful ophthalmologist and a terrific team working with him, who were so gracious that they sent me a thank you/get well card afterwards! Haha! After all that was done, they checked my eyes for glasses and got my eyes back to 20/20! I could not believe it. I hope everyone who has to go through this surgery will take heart from you and me that they will come through it with flying colors.

P.S IF by any reason YOU are a little scared of this or ANY surgery, please tell your Dr and he and his staff will go to the end of the earth to help you relax.

[surfered]

10. I've been putting it of as my father had a bad experience.

However a friend older than I said it made a huge improvement in his vision.

I am told I may have to wear cheaters for close up unless I pay extra beyond Medicare.

I am more encouraged after your post.

Also, thank you for the Cloud Nine refresher. I’ve really enjoyed it.

[dcmfox]

11. Mine

I had both eyes done at the same time, blind as a bat for about 12 hours but then back to 20/20 vision at 62

[crosinski]

12. They're doing my other eye at the end of October

Then I have to wait a month before I can get new glasses. I can tell by the eye that is done that my old prescription won’t work for me anymore, so I guess I’ll be feeling my way around for a month. I can see close up extremely well though, and that’s what I wanted. Wish I could have had mine done at the same time!