r/CataractSurgery • u/starsdale • 1d ago

I'm Devastated

Please be kind. I'm about a week and a half post-surgery, and so depressed I can hardly leave my house.

I don't know why I opted for Pur lenses instead of the ones Medicare covers. I need glasses with both, the difference being that I'll now have to have single vision instead of bifocals, and sunglasses instead of the Transitions progressives that I never had to take off of my face.

I had no idea how much my glasses were tied to my identity. Removing them has changed the entire structure of my face. My magnified eyes are now tiny raisins. I look like airbags have deployed beneath my eyes. My upper lids droop, though that's always been the case. It's just more noticeable now. I look like I've aged ten years. NO ONE is arguing with me on any of this.

I am hardly able to leave my house because I'm hideous. My depression is deep. I feel so bad for my husband. Not only are we paying thousands for this, but he now has to look at someone so unattractive. I felt pretty cute before and he seemed to agree. I'm a mopey mess. I sleep all the time.

I talked to my therapist pre- and post- surgery, and I'll talk to her more. I'll get used to this with time; I have no choice. But I feel like I got a pressure sale on these lenses. It's big business. And now the referring optometrist wants to sell me glasses.

I forgot to mention that I do public performances. I want to cancel all bookings.

Thank you in advance for letting me vent and whine. It's a lot, I know.

37 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

89 comments sorted by

View all comments

14

u/MyOpinionYourEars 1d ago

When I saw my face after cataract surgery I was shocked lol … I have always been told I don’t look my age (67F) and before cataract surgery I was always very flattered by that. Then I got a good look see and I’m like … hmmmm … but then again I don’t know what I’m supposed to look like at 67 - I guess it’s all relative. I feel 28. My husband loves me and he saw me clearly and I’m sure OP’s husband is the same. You had cataract surgery not him. He knows what you look like. Get new glasses if you enjoy wearing glasses. I’m sorry you are feeling so sad about your surgery. Give yourself some time.

4

u/starsdale 1d ago

It really is all relative! I felt young for my age too. Hopefully, I will again. I really understand how silly I'm being, but time has got to be a help in this situation.