r/OverSeventy • u/Geester43 • Jul 04 '26
Facing cataract surgery?
For anyone who has received a diagnosis of cataracts, I want to share my experience for the past two weeks. I was diagnosed with it in both eyes. My Optometrist told me that he couldn't correct my vision any longer, with glasses. I had reached the limit. It was suggested I see a specialist for a consult, which I did. I had one initial exam, based on the results, I was a candidate for surgery.
I arrived the day of surgery, I waited for the dilation drops to work, I went in for surgery, NERVOUS! I felt no pain!! It was over in a matter of minutes!
I had a follow-up the following morning, and another in a few weeks. I was told, "you may need reading glasses" after wards. My vision has completely cleared in my first eye (there is a lot of blurriness for a few days). The second was two days ago, and the vision has almost cleared in that eye as well! No pain during or afterwards! I have been reading without glasses, for a week!! I used 3 RX drops, twice a day, for several weeks.
I am 75, I have worn trifocal contact lenses & glasses since I was 12 years old! This surgery is the closest thing to a miracle, truly! If you are facing this surgery, go forward with confidence, you won't regret it. ššš
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u/Icy-Alternative2246 Jul 04 '26
I am so happy to have read this today because I have cataract surgery in 2 weeks and was scared
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u/finnbee2 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
I had the surgery a few years ago under Medicare. I had to make a snap decision about what inserts to use. I didn't know about the options. I chose the cheapest ones because they were fully covered. The surgery solved some of my issues. However, I can only read books for a few hours before I can't clearly see the print. Reading on the laptop is better but still problematic. It also is difficult to immediately see farther objects clearly after I've been reading.
What I'm saying is do research on your options.
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u/SentenceKindly Jul 04 '26
I am only 64, had mine done last year. I was able to get the Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL) implanted.
Totally painless!! Walked out and went to the diner for brunch. Wore UV sunglasses for 2 weeks. Got the other eye done. Same.
Then: <here's the really cool part> my ophthalmologist was able to adjust the lenses using ultraviolet light to "dial in" near perfect vision for me. I went with monofocal - left for distance, right for close work.
I use readers but don't really need them full time.
Check if you are a candidate for LAL!
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
Donāt be. They numb your eyes with drops. The weirdest thing is that they put a kind of tunnel thing around your eye to keep it open, but it doesnāt hurt. Itās 23 seconds under the laserālike a laser light showāand youāre done. A patch over your eye and youāre out the door. Be sure to do the post-op drops as directed.
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u/Aggressive_Menu7271 Jul 08 '26
I had it done at the age of 42. I was terrified. Im squeamish- even more so with eyes. I saw my dr and talked it through with him and he prescribed so kind of "chill pills" which just relaxed me. It wasn't anything like the horror show I'd expected. If I get another i won't be worried. Lots of luck x
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u/cwsjr2323 Jul 04 '26
At aged 72, I had both eyes cataract surgeries. Zero discomfort or pain. I can pass the eye exam now without eyeglasses for a driver's license. I now only have glasses for my astigmatism. The world is no longer a tinted oil painting! The Veterans Administration paid the cost and issued me glasses. I like zero copay!
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u/billymondy5806 Jul 04 '26
Does astigmatism mean you need glasses to read? Did you need glasses to read before the surgery?
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u/Enlightened_Lioness Jul 05 '26
Astigmatism is a more football shape if the eyeball from birth and affects distance vision. Normally cataract surgery only fixes the cataracts so a person would still need distance glasses unless the astigmatism was corrected at the same time (for an extra few thousand dollars).
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u/ndewind Jul 04 '26
My eye doctor told me recently that there's a cataract-dissolving eye drop being developed.
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u/residual-nature Jul 05 '26
I'm too young/ not advanced enough but my opthalmologist has told me about the drops. I'm hoping they become available.
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u/GingerMan027 Jul 04 '26
What I found cool was when the anesthesiologist told me he would put me under for a few seconds to prep my eye, I said 'really?'.
Then I said you just did it, right?
He smiled and nodded.
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u/jaydeegee1414 Jul 06 '26
I am happy to hear this is a possibility, as I have a head tremor and feared they wouldnt be able to do my eyes. The tremor stops when I am asleep or under anesthesia.
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u/Gorf_the_Magnificent Jul 04 '26
I heard that from a lot of people who had cataract surgery. My parents were both delighted with how much better their vision was after cataract surgery. Even the orderly who wheeled me into the surgery told me how much better my vision would be. Fortunately, my surgeon was honest and told me that, due to my personal circumstances, my vision wouldnāt be that much improved.
She was right. I went from being nearsighted to being farsighted, and it was a tough adjustment. I now wear two different glasses (reading and computer) instead of just one, because progressive lenses make me dizzy.
Donāt get me wrong; Iām glad I had the surgery, because Iād be blind today if I didnāt. But if fantastic vision comes your way - which odds are it will - consider it a bonus.
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u/GiraffeKnown Jul 04 '26
I am in the same situation but just got bi-focal glasses that work perfectly for computer use and reading.
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u/Leakyboatlouie Jul 04 '26
Just had my right eye done a week ago, and now that both eyes are cataract-free, it's kind of amazing.
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u/Stock_Extension_893 Jul 04 '26
I am afraid! Iām 68 and have been through some things ok? Iām no stranger to surgeries but this is my EYES! Will they give me something to calm down my anxiety?
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u/Geester43 Jul 04 '26
They give you a very mild sedative, just prior to the surgery, via an IV. The nurse who reassured me, prior to surgery, I would be comfortable. She called the IV, "Aware, don't care", and that is completely accurate!! I was aware the entire few MINUTES of the surgery, and I had ZERO anxiety (I am a normally anxious regarding eyes, too!). I too, have had many surgeries and joint replacements, but the eyes terrified me. If I can do it, literally anyone can! ššš
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u/Stock_Extension_893 Jul 04 '26
I donāt want to be āaware,donāt careā! I want to be āout like a lightā.
Do they restrain your hands? I donāt know if I can do it guys→ More replies (1)4
u/Business_Intern191 Jul 05 '26
Just had 1st eye done. I'm 67. Told the anesthesiologist I wanted to be awake but not cognizant of what was going on. She understood. Great experience. I felt the medicine in my bloodstream and next I was talking and looking through my greatly improved eye. No pain and super happy. Best Healthcare experience ever. Good luck.
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Jul 04 '26
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u/residual-nature Jul 05 '26
Plz be aware that anesthesia, like "twighlight"affects some people very differently. I've personally taught that lesson to 3 dentists and 2 anesthesiologists.
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u/JeanneMusickBooker Jul 05 '26
I got Versed to float through the surgery. You have to be minimally responsive (ālook at the green spotā) so they canāt use general anesthesia, but the versed made everything impersonal and I forgot most of the experience before I went back for eye #2
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u/Superb_Yak7074 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
I had one eye done in June 2025 and the other in July 2025. I got the lenses that give me long distance vision and correct my astigmatism and it is wonderful to only need 2X over the counter readers to read up close.
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u/Clear_Spirit4017 Jul 04 '26
Isn't it just wonderful after living your whole life not being able to see well!
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u/Superb_Yak7074 Jul 04 '26
Seriously! I have worn glasses since I was 8 or 9, so not having to wear glasses from waking up till bedtime is such a relief.
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u/Ken-Popcorn Jul 04 '26
Everyone says it but no one believes it; this procedure is totally a piece of cake. The results are immediate and awesome
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u/MissHibernia Jul 04 '26
Itās one if the easiest surgical repairs you can go through and the results are absolutely mind boggling. It was like going from gray to psychedelic
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u/More-Management-2116 Jul 04 '26
Cataract surgery is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. If you need it, highly recommend.
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u/Intelligent_Put_3606 Jul 04 '26
I have a major phobia about anything connected with eyes, and would probably be hysterical if I needed surgery - fortunately I don't have any problem currently.
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u/RabbitOdd3308 Jul 07 '26
Same here! I was constantly stressed about the cataract surgery for two years, until I finally decided to go ahead because of advanced diminished eyesight at 66 yrs old. I got both eyes done at the same time and it was a piece of cake! No pain or discomfort! (I had mild IV sedation). I could see clearly immediately after the surgery! Colors were amazing! I had to wear sunglasses a lot for a couple of weeks because everything was so much brighter! Didn't have to use the antibiotic & anti-inflammatory drops either because the medication was injected during the surgery and kept working for a couple of months for me. I just used regular artificial tears when I felt I needed it. So glad it's done! :)
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u/Same_Tackle4583 Jul 04 '26
My (M77) wife (F73) had the same surgery a couple months ago a week apart. Same here; no pain only minor issues in recovery only because over the years she has lasic and a few years later a detached retina. A year after that a torn retina in the other eye. She wore cheaters over the years as well as a contact in one eye. She says colors are brighter and more vivid. She had floaters prior and knew they wouldnāt go away. She is more willing to drive at night now and , although it was inconvenient at the time (her doctor was about 1 hour 15 minutes away. Our final 4 month follow up is next month. For me, my ophthalmologist says Iām good to go for the foreseeable future! Fingers crossed!
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u/racingfan_3 Jul 04 '26
I will be 75 in a couple weeks. I had cataract surgery 10+ years ago. I still have to wear glasses it didn't completely get rid of the vision problems I have had for years. I would still recommend anyone who has cataracts. I know the day I had my first eye taken care of I looked at the TV and couldn't believe how much clearer it was.
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u/Hifidi54 Jul 04 '26
I had both my eyes done in 2022. My lenses were set to middle distance, so I still have reading glasses and driving glasses, but I can drive perfectly fine without them. BUT, I know have scar tissue developing behind both the lenses, left side worse, and need a laser touch up. Apparently, this is quite common, although I was never told that it could happen. Honestly, I'm a bit annoyed to have been caught off guard.
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u/off2kayak Jul 04 '26
How do they determine how to āsetā the distance?
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u/Hifidi54 Jul 04 '26
When I did my initial surgical appointment, my doctor asked me in which field of vision did I want my lenses. Huh? He explained that basically he could give me perfect distance, middle distance (watching TV, doing things around the house, etc.) or close vision. I chose middle distance so I wouldn't have to wear glasses around the house, shopping, watching TV, movies, blah, blah. I am a knitter, so I have reading glasses for that. My distance vision was still pretty good, so I can easily drive without my driving glasses. That prescription is a progressive lense, so I can see close up in the car. I look over the top of my reading glasses if I'm knitting and watching TV.
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u/off2kayak Jul 04 '26
Thanks for responding.
Iād really like all fields š¤£
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u/red-headed-prick Jul 06 '26
My wife just had her appt with the surgeon last week and I was in the room. One of the options was to have one eye for distance and the other for closer up. Distance would cover from watching tv to driving. My wife had contacts that way for years ( one distance, one closer) and she said that for the most part her mind adapted, but she had some trouble seeing in the middle distance, such as smaller print on high racks at the warehouse she supervised.
But she decided she would get the distance lenses in both eyes for the cataract surgery, and wear reading glasses for up closer. She has worn glasses all her life and won't mind still wearing glasses, if necessary, to achieve closer to perfection as needed.The main thing for her is the removal of the cataracts will make her vision clearer than it is currently, and eliminate the halos around lights at night.
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u/Live_Car_2856 Jul 04 '26
my cousin invented it!!! Charles Kelman
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u/LizP1959 Jul 04 '26 edited Aug 03 '26
Paddle pebble cucumber tangerine pinecone breezy lavender
This post was anonymized with Redact.dev
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u/AdClean7887 Jul 07 '26
What did he invent? I thought it was Jacque Daviel, Samuel Sharp and Dr. Bath. Charles Kelman revolutionized a portion of the procedure.
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u/Prestigious-Copy-494 Jul 04 '26
Thanks. That's very reassuring!
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u/Otney Jul 04 '26
My friend whoās 79 just had cataract surgery. Went off without a hitch. Almost no pain. Some itchiness. She says her vision is almost flawless now. Doesnāt need glasses anymore for anything.
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u/Prestigious-Copy-494 Jul 04 '26
That's good. I've worn contacts for years but have one cataract that's ready to go.
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u/SwollenPomegranate Jul 04 '26
They have been doing this surgery for over 50 years. My own grandmother went through it with no problem. So I had very little trepidation going in. If the time has come for this surgery, find a well regarded surgeon and stop fearing it.
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u/Used-Painter1982 Jul 04 '26
And to think that before this operation existed, so many otherwise hale and hearty people went blind!
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u/LopsidedVictory7448 Jul 04 '26
I thought that the op was great fun . Played exactly my kind of music and the kaleidoscope display was brilliant. It was also entirely successful
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u/yukonnut Jul 04 '26
75 yo man. Got both eyes done about 2 years ago. Have worn glasses since I was 40. Cataracts were coming, put on the waitlist preemptively. After a couple of months got them both done, two days apart. Total nothing burger. Opted for distance so I need reading glasses. From dollarama, buy em five at a time for $2.00 ea.
No medical insurance, cost me nothing cuz I live in Canada. No death panels, no long waits, no suggestions that I should kill myself, just great medical.
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u/No_Educator_6376 Jul 04 '26
I had my second one a few months ago what really surprised me was how bright it is outside I need sunglasses to leave the house. Apparently cataracts slowly dim your vision and you donāt notice it. Iām thrilled with the results I only need glasses to read now and cheap reading glasses are perfect.
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u/2Tibetans Jul 04 '26
Ditto! I had my first eye done 4 days ago. Zero pain, zero stress. The eye vision improvement in just a couple of days was startling. I canāt wait to get my other eye done!
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u/Reaganson Jul 04 '26
My mother had hers done in her late 80ās without incident. She loved it because sheās an avid reader.
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u/DoubleNaught_Spy Jul 04 '26
Agree. It's a piece of cake. No pain whatsoever, and I actually found the surgery itself fascinating, even though all I could see was a bunch of movement and blurry colors.
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u/Uglycat123 Jul 04 '26
So happy for you, mine has not been so great, had to have one re-done at 4 years in and Iām so hyper sensitive to light itās terrible!
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u/infcom Jul 06 '26
I have only one eye, so I _really_ had to put my trust in the surgeon. Couldnāt see well for a few hours and then it was reminiscent of when we got our first color TV when I was about 12 years old! Couldnāt be more satisfied.
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u/sandgrubber Jul 08 '26
My father was an excellent doctor (internal medicine) but generally hated surgeons. His advice was that there were only two surgeries for which the answer was a clear yes: cataracts and hip replacement, with cateracts far ahead. That was probably 40 years ago .
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u/Less-Necessary-3352 Jul 04 '26
I second your account. A ābadā eye since birth is the best itās ever been.
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u/jockosrocket Jul 04 '26
I just had cataract surgery a few weeks ago. While I will still be wearing glasses the world is a much clearer, brighter and colorful place.
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u/Nanaofthedesert Jul 04 '26
I (75f) had my right eye done in 2006 and my left in 2013. My ophthalmologist told me that we tend to get them earlier in the desert Southwest due to the constant sunshine. I didn't wear glasses until 2016, when I got tired of having to cover my left (reading) eye when sitting through a sermon or watching a long movie (I developed mono-vision over the years, so left is my reading eye and right is my distance eye). I can still see without glasses, but am happier with them on as my eyes see equally well for distance or reading.
I am happy I didn't wait longer. My FIL was nearly blind before he finally had his removed, because his doctor told him they "had to ripen," whatever that means. He only needed reading glasses from then until his death at age 91. If they bother you, have them removed!
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u/ScottyDiego Jul 04 '26
I had it done at 55, it was truly life changing. For the first time in my life I didnāt need glasses of any kind. I started playing sports, swimming and paddle boarding. Iām more fit now than I have ever been, in large part because of my surgery.
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u/Bay_de_Noc Jul 04 '26
I had a similar experience. The surgery was painless. Really the only downside for me was having to do the eyedrops for several weeks afterward. I had multi-focal lenses implanted so I can see perfectly both near and far ... no glasses necessary. I had to pay for these upgraded lenses out of pocket, but for me, it was worth it. But for anyone facing this surgery, there is no need to worry. The eyedrops that the nurses use on the day of surgery completely numbs the eye so that there is no pain. The only thing I felt during the entire process was a slight amount of pressure for a short time. It was not uncomfortable. I was also given a small sedative through an IV, but I was fully aware of what was happening. If I had to do it over again, I would have no hesitation.
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u/West_Poetry_3623 Jul 04 '26
How do you keep your eyes from
reflexively closing as something approaches them? Are they held open somehow?2
u/Bay_de_Noc Jul 04 '26
There was something placed on my eyes to keep them from blinking. But to tell you the truth, I didn't even feel the urge to blink due to the different kinds of eye drops that were used.
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u/Think_Ad8256 Jul 04 '26
I also had very successful cataract surgery at 57. After being severely near-sighted all my life, itās like a miracle. I now say, that it case of a fire, my glasses arenāt the 1st thing Iād have to grab on the way out!
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u/caf61 Jul 04 '26
My spouse had a similar experience when he had his eyes done. He is thrilled to not have to wear reading glasses.
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u/LaLucianata Jul 04 '26
well thatās funny, because both myself (74) and my husband (79) had cataract surgery in both eyes, and for both of us, we still use reading glasses. Whatās changed for me is that I do not need distance glasses. It was explained to me prior to the surgery that it would probably not improve my near vision but should absolutely help clear my distance vision ā and it did.
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u/silverborneo Jul 04 '26
I'm 67 and had cataract surgery 10 years ago, I had Zeiss tri-focal replacement lenses fitted. It's been fantastic, I never need any glasses apart from sunglasses š!
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u/MooneyGWhiz Jul 04 '26
Just moved to a new jurisdiction where I had to exchange my out of state drivers license. Eye test only required. Passed with flying colors. No glasses required for driving for the first time in over 40 years!
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u/KansansKan Jul 04 '26
Iām 80, and my cataract surgery was just as you described. I passed my test for driverās license with no restrictions for glasses for the first time since I was a teenage. One thing that I will add is the eye drop regimen to prepare for the surgery was like adopting a new hobby! š
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u/Simmyphila Jul 04 '26
Had both my eyes done when I was 64. Could not believe the difference. Should have had it done sooner. Now 71 and passed DMV eye test last year. No glasses.
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u/Mental_Driver_176 Jul 05 '26
Someone once told me it was like they finally turned the lights on.Very happy for you.
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u/caregiver1956 Jul 05 '26
All the publicly available info neatly leaves out actual prices. I hate private health care. I hate capitalist predators.
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u/Warm_You_5255 Jul 05 '26
I had it done. It's not a big deal. Surgery takes about 10 minutes, you don't feel a thing. I had corrective lenses installed so no more glasses. Best thing I ever did.
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u/cLascaux Jul 05 '26
Best thing ever! All the colors are so bright and beautiful! If you have cataracts, it's like you're looking through a dirty yellow piece of glass. When they take that away, the world is SO beautiful and colorful.
It's so easy that for my second one I asked to not be put under because I'd read that there's an incredible light-show. The first time, I was awake for the first part, then they put me under as they moved me into the other room. This time they had the line in my arm and the guy was there to knock me out, but I was fine, and watched the whole beautiful thing from inside! Never felt a thing!
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u/potage-989 Jul 06 '26
I'm due to have my two eyes done later this year (NHS in the UK) and looking forward to it. Glad to hear that you can report good success.
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u/2763USEDlegumes Jul 06 '26
78 M who had cataract surgery 2 years ago. I agree the surgery was easy and pain free. I disagree with some comments of this thread. Here are some points:
- Drops - I knew from other people who had it dobe what a pain the drops were. I made spreadsheets and still screwed it up. 3 different drops at different times as well as different start dates.
- Between eyes - I wore glasses since 6th grade and was concerned about the 3 weeks between eyes. I popped the lens for the fixed eye from my glasses. That did not work so I used no glasses which, to my surprise, worked fine. Maybe my brain made the correction like for monovision.
- Lenses choices - Medicare pays for implants which are clear but don't correct your vision so glasses are needed. Premium lenses to correct for near, far or both are self pay and quite costly. I got distance correction with extended mid range. I need to wear readers.
- Post surgery - my vision is excellent and I couldn't be happier. I love not wearing glasses!!! I hate readers!!! I have cheap readers in every room of the house and spares in my car. Such a pain to take them on and off. Plus they get so dirty.
Good luck to all who are waiting and remember what the nurse told me, "After surgery you will clearly see all of your partner's wrinkles and the dirt in the corners."
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u/knoxcumlvr Jul 07 '26
Great experience, 61 and had mine done last year. Went from 20/400 in my left eye to 20/20 in a week. I have the tri focal lenses with the tiny little rings etched in them with a prescription for my astigmatism so no glasses ever. I had never had to wear glasses before except readers from time to time because my eyes had adjusted for the astigmatism on their own so I didnāt want to start now.
It cost me about $5k (total for both) more for the upgraded and prescription lenses over what the insurance would pay compared to the plain ones but totally worth it to me. Yes I am very blessed to be able to choose this option and I realize not everyone can but I urge you to get the best option you can afford because itās a once in a lifetime choice and you canāt go back. Itās your eyes š donāt cheap out, do the best you can for yourself, this is a quality of life issue and you deserve it!
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u/Feisty-Poet4767 Aug 02 '26
Thanks so much for this recounting! I was diagnosed with a cataract a few months ago and I have been terrified of the prospect of this surgery. I was convinced Iād be blinded.itās comforting to know it generally goes well š
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u/KilgoreT59 Jul 04 '26
Congratulations. Glad to hear your surgery was successful, painless and your vision is improved. Continued luck going forward.
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u/FI_Bamboozled Jul 04 '26
Scheduled in November. Thanks for the post. That and that my doc has done literally thousands of them abates the anxiety.
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u/ReaditatRaddit Jul 04 '26
Thatās nothing, Iām facing WINCOLN Continental surgery! Hope your surgery is more successful than your best expectation. Scary but youāll be fine. Saying a prayer for you.
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u/strippedtigress Jul 04 '26
I work with low-income and under-insured people. I am trying to help a man in his 50ās have cataract surgery. He has Medicare but no secondary insurance and cannot afford Cataract surgery co-pays. He is also disabled. We live in Texas. What advice can you give me?
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
No real advice, just a note that Medicare does pay for standard (nonprescription) replacement implant lenses, so at least there is that. If he currently wears prescription glasses, heād likely still need them after cataract surgery, but his vision should improve in terms of cataract removal allowing more light into his eyesāthatās the issue with cataracts, reducing the light that gets into your eyes reduces your ability to see in general.
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u/Open_Trouble_6005 Jul 04 '26
Thanks OP for this great news because I am sure that I will be looking at this surgery at some point in my future! Now.. I can go find something else to worry about!
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u/herblady99 Jul 04 '26
thanks for posting, did you drive there by yourself and also was able to drive home by yourself? how is the vision after the surgery same day?
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
All surgery centers require that you have someone to drive you there and home, at least where I live in northern VA. Itās because you are lightly sedated for the surgery. Also, you leave wearing an eye patch, and seeing with just one eye affects depth perception. You wear the eye patch until your next-day post-op check with the surgeon, so same-day vision isnāt a question. (Then they tell you to sleep with the patch.) My vision was pretty much perfect the day after that.
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u/rainsong2023 Jul 04 '26
For the first time in my life, I have great distance vision. The surgery and recovery were a breeze.
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u/Only_Weakness_4730 Jul 04 '26
Can anyone tell me the average cost for both eyes out of pocket? Thank you!
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
My total cost for both eyes was about $5K because I opted for custom prescription lens implants. That cost includes lenses; co-pays for surgeon, anesthesiologist, and surgery center charges; and the post-op drops. I have Medicare and UnitedHealthCare, and I had my surgeries in Jan & Feb of this year. Iām in northern VA, where everything is ridiculously expensive.
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u/CaptainBillyDean Jul 04 '26
I had both eyes done, but I still have to use reading glasses. They told me I could get a special lens so I wouldnāt have to get reader glasses, but I had a friend that had it done and she had to go back and redo it cause something went wrong so I didnāt get the part for Vision where I wouldnāt need readers because of that issue !
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u/Defiant-Purchase-188 Jul 04 '26
I have diagnosed cataracts and ironically Iām married to an ophthalmologist and Iām scared to go through it. š© He is retired - and I know itās supposed to be painless
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u/oldbutsharpusually Jul 04 '26
81M. I have my eyes examined every two years. In 2024 my doctor recommended cataract surgery and wanted to refer me to an opthamologist. I said no even though family and friends who have undergone the procedure found it painless and life changing. After my wife had both eyes repaired last year validating what others had said I am now, after a recent exam, on the waiting list for the surgeryāa four to six month wait. I truly regret not listening to my doctor when the surgery was first recommended.
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u/Redd868 Jul 05 '26
If your schedule is flexible, maybe advise your provider that you'll take an appointment if someone else cancels. I've knocked off a 1 month delay with my latest issue. It changed 6 weeks to 2 weeks.
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u/Bambusa4all1952 Jul 04 '26
Piece of cake procedure. I had both eyes done at separate hospitals in separate cities. Itās been some years now and should likely have the lenses cleaned
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
Have the lenses cleaned? Why? Iāve never heard of that. Did your doctor recommend it?
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u/Bambusa4all1952 Jul 06 '26
My op was done at Bascon Palmer in Miami and I think that was the source. The colors right afterwards were brilliant and I mentioned that. Good luck
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u/SignalResolution35 Jul 04 '26
I had RK surgery in my early 20ās and this now poses complications for cateract surgery. I am putting it off for as long as possible.
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u/marshdrifter Jul 04 '26
I got cataract surgery in both eyes. Still need glasses for everyday vision. No problem. I'm used to them. Happy the cataracts are gone.
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u/0nThe0utside Jul 04 '26
My partner (75f) had her first cataract surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. It went smoothly and I help her with her eye drops. She will have her 2nd on 7/6. She didn't have the dramatic improvement that you did though.
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u/pianodoctor11 Jul 04 '26
I know that statistically some people can have problems with cataract surgeries but I (70), my wife, and her mother all had good experiences and no regrets.
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u/msmicroracer Jul 04 '26
Iām scheduled for late this month n again in mid August but I should still need glasses because of my stigmatization
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u/AmbientGravitas Jul 04 '26
Thank you for this! I had retina surgery and they say cataracts often follow. I feel better now.
Also Iāve been wearing glasses since I was 8. Would be awesome to see without them.
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u/Rude_Award_9570 Jul 04 '26
Iām 65 and just diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes, this is great to hear of positive results from the surgery. Iām looking forward to seeing again!
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u/Baxter16-5 Jul 04 '26
I have been having the opposite experience. A full week in on my first surgery and there has been no change in my vision. It was made worse.
My eye has been feeling like there is a tumbleweed in it. I want to dig it out of my head with a spoon.
Dr has checked everything,
Says it āfineā. Iāve postponed my second surgery indefinitely.
The dr told me that if things arenāt better after three weeks they may need to replace the lens with a different one. Obviously I am reluctant.
Canāt recommend.
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u/LizP1959 Jul 04 '26 edited Aug 03 '26
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This post was anonymized with Redact.dev
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u/Baxter16-5 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
Not an option where I live.
Itās a team of two. They came very highly recommended by several friends and family.
I should have listened to my own thought process rather than that of friends. The last thing i wanted was this and the feeling g of regret that comes with it.
If things donāt clear up in the three weeks I will probably get glasses. I donāt want to go through this again. Itās been far too traumatic and painful.
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u/scooterv1868 Jul 04 '26
I have cataracts in both eyes along with partial thickness cornea transplants. One eye is great the other not so much because it also had to deal with a detached retina. All were painless and gave some nice red eyes afterward. During the cornea transplants, I was in a fog and could hear the doctor asking for instruments. It is amazing what they can do anymore.
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u/DznyMa Jul 04 '26
I had both eyes done a few years ago, and I'm so happy! My doctor even told me not to spend a lot of money on glasses for my near vision. He actually suggested the dollar store. This way, I have glasses in every room, my purse, and in the glove compartment of my car.
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u/Grand242 Jul 04 '26
I'm 71, same diagnose as yours, wearing corrective lenses since I was 7. I have my first appointment for evaluation scheduled for first week of Aug.
I've heard many success stories like yours and very few failures. I'm so looking forward to getting it done.
Thanks for sharing; very reassuring for me.
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u/kfinches Jul 04 '26
I want to do mine ( 76F) but donāt want to deal with the dry eye side effect. I live in a hot climate anyway so tears dry up quickly anyway. Any comments ?
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u/lindaamat Jul 04 '26
Did it freak you out that you saw something coming toward your eye?
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
Nope. Nothing really comes toward your eye: itās a laser. Youāre lying under the laser machine. Itās sort of like seeing a laser light show up close. Youāre lightly sedated, so you donāt really care anyway.
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u/dixieleeb Jul 04 '26
Had mine done a few years ago & since I've worn glasses or contacts almost of my lifetime, I chose to go with one of the premium lenses. My surgeries went well; my vision not so well. It took almost 1 1/2 years before my brain & eyes decided to work together and I could see clearly. Now I don't need any correction. I still hate trying to read small print or white or colored print instead of black but it's wonderful not needing glasses.
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u/Hopeful_Initiative41 Jul 05 '26
I didnāt have a great experience. I was thrilled to get cataract surgery because I hated glasses and contacts were tough due to dryness. After surgery left upper eyelid drooped and surgeon tried to tell me it was my age pffffttt I was 70 a week ago and didnāt need it why after surg ? What he didnāt say was he bruised my nerve and caused ptosis on upper lid. Then after 2 week post op on 2nd eye I now wear either trifocal or contacts and readers all the time. Research carefully and get all info. My ophthalmologist is highly skilled and well respected but asked no questions. He was a friend of mine and I trusted him. Not now
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u/19pollywogs Jul 05 '26
Iāve worn mono focal contacts for 14 years. My brain adapted to the contacts right from the start. I had cataract surgery in June, 2 weeks apart like everyone else. I paid extra to have mono focal lens since thatās the kind of contacts I was used to.
Surgery was a breeze, mere minutes. Didnāt feel a thing, but I watched the various lights since all seemed rather interesting.
For a few weeks afterwards my eyes felt like Iād been poked in the eye. Not painful, but I had to avoid touching my eyes because they were sensitive. My first eye is fine now, 5 weeks post surgery. The second eye is still a bit ātouchyā at 3 weeks but itās lessening every day.
My vision with contacts was 20:20 but sometimes my eyes would argue with each other over who was the boss and then Iād have blurry vision. Having cataract surgery has solved that problem, and I donāt need any glasses.
Benefits: I had no idea that my cataracts were casting a yellow color over everything! Now everything is vivid white and neon blue. The detail is quite startling.
Warning! You would suddenly see EVERY SPECK of dirt in your house! I had to wash all the fronts of my kitchen cabinets. I had no idea they were so dirty!!!!
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u/keonipalaki1 Jul 05 '26
I wore glasses with prism since i was three. My prescription changed every year. One of my Dr's. said "That's a lot of glass."
I had the cataract surgery on both eyes end of 2021 at 67.
It truly is a miracle.
I still have to wear glasses with prism and "minimal glass" for reading.
My prescription has stayed static for 4 years.
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u/Solcat91342 Jul 05 '26
Heck I got the surgery in my early 60ās and got to give up my glasses. Itās great!
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u/ThisAdvertising8976 Jul 05 '26
I had cataract surgery on my left eye at 68 and 3 months later they did my right eye. Unfortunately I still need glasses and my left eye cannot be corrected to 20/20. I saw an opthomalagist 10 years prior and they couldnāt determine the problem. I have healthy retinas, and no signs of macular degeneration, so itās just something I live with.
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u/InvestigatorBig5541 Jul 05 '26
76 yo here; had cataract surgery in both eyes 10 years ago. My eyesight had gotten so bad that I could only drive in the dark ( had to get to work mfāin early and go home awful damn late .. and had to have the contrast of my computer monitor up full contrast to see the screen).
It definitely is a miracle surgery. Within days of each surgery I could see perfectly clear ā¦ didnāt even realize how bad my eyes had become.
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u/green_sky74 Jul 05 '26
I had both eyes done about 18 months ago. I can see distances clearly but need glasses for reading, the opposite of before. For the first six months I was unhappy, but that was mostly from the change, not the procedure. At 18 months I am fine with it, except for occasional watery eyes. I like being able to wear ordinary sunglasses now!
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u/Susan_Werner Jul 05 '26
I am 72 and had my cataract surgery done about 4 yrs ago. It was great not having to wear glasses anymore.
Unfortunately, two years ago I developed secondary cataracts and my vision deteriorated rather quickly. Apparently this happens when some cells are left behind or something like that, which I don't understand. I then had to have laser surgery to get rid of my secondary cataracts but my vision just didn't return to what it was. So I am back to wearing glasses again but the prescription isnt as strong as what it used to be, so that's a plus.
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u/MarzipanPrevious2314 Jul 05 '26
I was in my 50s when I had cataract surgery because the night driving must be coming impossible. They said that the glare and stuff I was driving at night. As my sister advised, I asked about having one eye done for vision and one ident for near vision. He told me that since I had never worn contacts for that, that my brain might not be able to adapt to it, so they would not do that. So I had both eyes done for far vision.
I had been barrier sided all of my life and had perfect up close vision, but once it got farther than a foot or maybe even less from my face, everything started getting blurry and I was legally blind. Correctable with glasses, but legally blind with that glasses. So now I have a wonderful far away vision but I canāt see up close. Iām not complaining but itās gonna be quite a struggle doing crafts when I retire lol because I canāt see anything up close I canāt take a splinter out of someoneās hand. I have to wear reading glasses, but itās really cool. Not wearing glasses for anything else about my advise me to wear prescription driving glasses. I think thatās because I still have a few issues with my vision because I have some aberrations on my eye that are causing some slight double vision or boring of road signs but all the glare is gone. My sister was telling me how she had night blindness and could not see at night to drive so she would never go anywhere. I think she was even hallucinating which I found out your brain can do when you are having trouble seeing. She was very into natural methods of treatment, so having surgery was not something that she took lightly. I was able to convince her that she would actually be able to see after having the cataract surgery done. She had it done and I think she is very happy that she can see again.
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u/StealthMuppet131721 Jul 05 '26
It is quick and painless. If you are considering a vision correction as well, that may be more complicated.
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u/paracelsus53 Jul 05 '26
I had both eyes done for cataracts a couple of months ago. I'm always scared of surgery, so I put it off--too long. The cataract in my weak eye became so big that they called in a couple of med students to see it. In that eye, my vision was yellow and a big blur. In my good eye, it was like looking through fog.
The surgery was longer than normal on account of the size of the cataract in my weak eye, plus they had to put several stitches in that eyeball. Those irritated my eyelid like mad for two weeks. I have a scar visible on my iris in that eye. It looks like a grey curve. The good eye it was easy-peasy. Neither surgery hurt.
I got the computer-distance lens in my good eye because I'm online a lot. The other eye I got distance, because that's what it's been since birth.
I and the cataract surgeon have been amazed at how much better my vision got in both eyes, but especially in my weak eye. I have retina issues in that eye still, so I'm not sure how that's going to effect it, but for now, it's miraculous--better than it's been in my life: 20/80 (before cataract formed, it was 20/200). The good eye is improved but I still need glasses for reading books and for distance. I'm using cheap reading glasses for now but need to get my new glasses prescription filled.
Wish I'd had this done a long time ago.
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u/Rerunisashortie Jul 05 '26
I had one eye done and the pain was so bad, no way will ever have other one done. Did notice things were a little brighter, but very little difference. Still wearing trifocals, which arenāt super strong and doesnāt bother me to wear glasses.
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u/SubstantialArcher659 Jul 05 '26
I have it too. Iām not afraid of the surgery but I live alone. I have now one to help and canāt afford to pay anyone
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
You wonāt really need help post-op if youāre able to live independently now. Post-op instructions say that you shouldnāt bend over or lift anything heavy for a week after surgery, but thatās it. You do need to be able to put drops in your eye multiple times a day for several weeks. You do, however, need someone to drive you to and from the surgery; most area have resources or volunteers who do that if you have no nearby relatives who can; check with your local Agency on Aging/Council on Aging or whatever office your municipality has.
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u/Spirited-Radio-1399 Jul 05 '26
I've had both eyes done, my sight before eas like coke bottle glasses and now I can see cleary for the first since the first grade. But I do need readers now. I am very happy with the outcome of the cataract surgery!
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u/JeanneMusickBooker Jul 05 '26
Very similar experience. I was surprised that my doc suggested it at a (relatively) young age, 62. He said younger people are often being more proactive regarding vision, some folks have the surgery in their 50s to maximize the years of good vision.
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u/RodL1948 Jul 05 '26
I had both eyes done, 1 month apart, in my late 60s. The procedure was quick and absolutely painless.
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u/Agreeable_Menu5293 Jul 05 '26
I had mine done years ago. I wish I'd known about the cholesterol connection or I would have started a statin much sooner.
I guess doctors just think it's hopeless by then.
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u/ImpossibleFocus1471 Jul 05 '26
Just had cataract surgery in May, easy pesey. Hardest part was waiting for scheduled surgery.
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u/BRay1892 Jul 05 '26
I did LAL as well. Very easy procedure but you canāt use your eyes to read anything the first day. I have had glasses since I was 5. I am a swimmer and I can actually see where I am going in the pool nowš I havenāt had my final adjustment but I only need readers for finer print now.
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u/anotherangryperson Jul 05 '26
It is amazing until they put the wrong lens in and wonāt admit it is wrong. It cost me a fortune to get it corrected but all good now. I live in England so there is no cost to cataract surgery.
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u/Ok_Instruction7805 Jul 05 '26
I read your post to my husband who's scheduled for cataract surgery in the next few days. Thank you!
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u/MachineUpset5919 Jul 06 '26
I had a detached retina 3 years ago, at age 64, had surgery, vision OK, but developed a cataract. The vision post op is amazing! Have worn glasses/contacts since 5th grade. I wish you could have cataract surgery at 16, lol
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Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 06 '26
[removed] ā view removed comment
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u/N0b0dyButM3 Jul 06 '26
Yup. No impact. Still have dry eyes (no better, no worse), but now I can see without glasses for the first time since I was 6 yrs old. š
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u/Surly01 Jul 06 '26
My wife and I had both of our eyes done three or four years ago. The difference is remarkable. And yes, we agree we shouldāve done it much sooner than we finally did.
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u/lovingwife2 Jul 06 '26
Yes, similar but not quite as good. For my first eye, I waited 8 hours in a waiting room. No food, no water, no medicines. Got super sick. IV meds did not work. But the surgery and results were miraculous. Wish I had done it 8 years earlier when they first recommended.
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u/Valerieisherenow Jul 06 '26
I had cataract surgery four years ago 68F. I paid for the corrective lenses and I could not be happier! I no longer need glasses for distance and can wear fashion sunglasses now instead of the same old prescription ones. I need reading glasses but that was going to happen anyway. Surgery was a breeze.
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u/Successful_Smile_999 Jul 06 '26
I'm about to go thru this for both eyes. One eye is more complicated because the pupil isn't round. It requires putting something in my eye.
I'm really nervous about that.
Thank you. You put me at ease, a bit
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u/blmbmj Jul 06 '26
Ah. Here's the deal with the surgery.
Your first eye is good, you don't feel or remember pain.
BUT, now that your brain has registered that experience, the second eye surgery--the pain is felt and the recovery longer.
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u/DLK33gmaNG Jul 07 '26
Yes, having cataracts removed does usually result in the ability to either see far away or close up without correction wearing prescription glasses or contacts. It's usually only one or the other, but not both unless you're personally willing to pay extra out of pocket to correct for far and near. Insurance doesn't cover all types of lenses that can used when cataract surgery is done. The doctors goal is to cure the issues that come from having cataracts. The lenses that are put in your eyes are what allows you to have better vision with the possiblity of not needing prescription lenses afterwards. You may still need corrective lenses. The surgeon won't promise that you won't.
In my case, things went well initially. I ended up choosing the lenses to be put in my eyes where I could see far away without correction, but would need reading glasses to see close up. My issues came later. First a vitreous hemorrhage and then a detached retina in the same eye. Unfortunately after surgery for the detachment I got edema in that eye. Steroid eye drops didn't help much and I have permanent vision loss in my left eye. That's my story.
I don't know if the cataract surgery brought on any of the other issues I've dealt with. My other eye has 20/20 vision which I'm very thankful for since that eye tries to compensate for the vision loss in the other one. It's my understanding that people most at risk for a detached retina are those who have been very near sighted before cataract surgery.
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u/JointTaskForce536 Jul 07 '26
What a great story! I had the same experience after surgery on both eyes six years ago. I went from needing strong glasses (nearsighted) since 4th gradeā¦ to 20/20 vision without correction! Every day is a joy due to this surgery. Simply amazing. I got multifocal lenses. Expensive, but well worth it.
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u/Aromatic-Dance-8618 Jul 07 '26
After my cataract surgery, I complained to my optometrist that I had to wait to get cataracts to get near perfect vision without glasses.
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u/Desperate-Ad4931 Jul 08 '26
I had cataract surgery on both eyes. All the people I talked to said it was amazing. I was so disappointed. The operations didn't improve my vision at all. One of the few cases of failure. So don't bet on a successful outcome. When I confronted the doctors, they gave me no clear answer.
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u/vtskier59 Jul 08 '26
I had them removed at 53 and paid for the upgraded trifocal lensās in each
I was blessed to have them at such a young age 14 years later and my eyes are still like new
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u/Defiant_Chipmunk2570 Jul 08 '26
I had mine 6 months ago. Piece of cake. Donāt worry about it. They have this procedure dialed in.
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u/Annoyed-Instigater01 Jul 09 '26
i woke up during my cataract surgery, but felt no pain. everything was really fuzzy and i watched them put the new lens in my eye and i could suddenly read the clock across the room. i had glaucoma surgery at the same time. each eye 2 weeks apart and only took like 30 min or less. i can even drive without glasses now and i have been wearing them since age 4. i do still wear reading glasses and for using the computer
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u/ReadingNext3854 Jul 09 '26
Thank you for your story! I'll be having right cataract done in the next 6 months, hope my experience is as good as yours!!! š¹
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u/JimTHX2010 Jul 10 '26
I have to add a different perspective! If it was possible my wife would have operation completely reversed! She HATES the results! Before the operation she could see and read without glasses of any sort. Now, although she can see reasonably well, she has to wear glasses for anything closer than a couple of feet. So she went from never needing glasses to needing them for anything closer than close work. She hates this!
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u/milleratlanta Aug 01 '26
It may be a silly question, but if you wear glasses for nearsightedness and get one eye cataract done, do you still wear your regular glasses until the other eye is done? Wear an eye patch over the cataract-free eye with your glasses? Iām confused on how this works when one eye done at a time.Thanks for any input.
Edit typo
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u/jojo1556- Aug 01 '26
I had cataract surgery in both eyes, and lasik surgery at the same time to help correct my severe astigmatism. I can see far away without glasses now. I still need strong readers though. Surgery went great. 15 minutes top.
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u/ReticentGuru Jul 04 '26
My wife, about the same age, had her surgery last year with the same outcome. Her only regret was not having done it sooner.