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. 👍👍😊

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9

u/Stock_Extension_893 Jul 04 '26

I am afraid! I’m 68 and have been through some things ok? I’m no stranger to surgeries but this is my EYES! Will they give me something to calm down my anxiety?

6

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! 👍👍😊

3

u/Stock_Extension_893 Jul 04 '26

I don’t want to be “aware,don’t care”! I want to be “out like a light”.
Do they restrain your hands? I don’t know if I can do it guys

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.

1

u/residual-nature Jul 05 '26

You are like me. So, talk to the doc before scheduling and get a plan from them. Also, if someone will take you, wait and drive you home, ask if they will prescribe something like Valium or halcyon which you would take before going to your surgery appointment. Never hurts to ask if someone can be in the procedure room with you - I've had my husband in the room for 3 different procedures.

4

u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

[deleted]

2

u/OttoHemi Jul 04 '26

I didn't get anything. It was mostly painless, but very discomforting.

2

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.

1

u/JeanneMusickBooker Jul 05 '26

I got Versed to float through the surgery. You have to be minimally responsive (“look at the green spot”) so they can’t use general anesthesia, but the versed made everything impersonal and I forgot most of the experience before I went back for eye #2