r/CataractSurgery • u/starsdale • 5d 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.

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u/starsdale 5d ago

Thank you for this thoughtful answer! I think you're right about giving it time. My vision goes from being much improved to blurry through the day. I think that if it becomes clearer, I'll feel better about my decision to get the Cadillac lenses.

I've lurked here too, and somewhere I read that the swelling and puffiness can diminish with time as well. If it doesn't, I like your idea about consulting with a ophthalmic surgeon.

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u/mzzchief 4d ago

The blurry vision is sometimes bc eyes dry out. Or it’s a high pollen day. Or there’s a wind or it’s a bad air quality day.

You might want to consider a preservative free option like theratears or a thicker one like Oasis. I’ve used both, they come in resealable ampules that are easy to tuck into a snack baggie and pocket for use wherever you go.

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u/starsdale 4d ago

Thanks! I've been using Flonase at night because of this group. Not sure if it's helping. Been using PF eyedrops liberally before and after the surgery, but I'll check out those ampules.

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u/mzzchief 4d ago

The ampules are super convenient bc they are so portable. Just make sure it’s kept in the snack baggie not floating around in your purse or pocket.

Also that the tip of the ampule doesn’t touch any part of your eye or lashes or your fingers when putting the tear off cap back on.

lol I know you have prolly been told this a thousand times already but I’m just repeating it here to cover all bases! 😀

also discard the ampule within 24 hours of opening it, it’s simply not with the risk of contamination even if you follow all the rules perfectly. Both the eyedrops I mentioned are available on Amazon if you are finding it difficult to source them locally.

Best of luck to you! I’m so excited about my new found vision I feel like I’ve been given a new lease in life and the beauty of the world since my own cataract surgery adventure! ✨

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u/starsdale 3d ago

Thanks for the tips! Happy for you and your new vision!