cataract surgery

[Mark J cleary]

I go in next Friday for my left eye cataract surgery. I cannot wait my
vision uncorrected in 20/200 legally blind and maybe 20/100 corrected. I
can wait because riding outside it a challenge. I can drive ok my right
eye is 20/30 but hard to judge distances and depth. On a bike that is
critical. I then go in 2 weeks later for the right eye it is not nearly
as bad but it did not have the detached retina. The retina surgery
speeds up the cataract formation exponentially. The retina has healed
and done well.

They seem to want to push the more costly laser assisted surgery but
fact is traditional cataract surgery has the same outcome long term and
only small out of pocket as cover by my health insurance mostly. The
only real benefit to laser is possibly quicker recovery but that is not
much.

I do challenge the lens implant formula because I had LASIK 24 years ago
and high myopia. They have a formula for folks like me but a bit more of
a fudge factor. I am going for full distance vision and will require
reading glasses. My right eye they are going to slightly under correct
just to possibly make up close not as challenging. The detach retina eye
present a bit more but hopefully not any trouble. The doctors are clear
they make no provisions and tell you that you will need glass full time
no matter what. They cover there asses completely.

WOuld be curious what other here have done if they have had cataracts.

[AMuzi]

Post by Mark J cleary
I go in next Friday for my left eye cataract surgery. I
cannot wait my vision uncorrected in 20/200 legally blind
and maybe 20/100 corrected. I can wait because riding
outside it a challenge. I can drive ok my right eye is 20/30
but hard to judge distances and depth. On a bike that is
critical. I then go in 2 weeks later for the right eye it is
not nearly as bad but it did not have the detached retina.
The retina surgery speeds up the cataract formation
exponentially. The retina has healed and done well.
They seem to want to push the more costly laser assisted
surgery but fact is traditional cataract surgery has the
same outcome long term and only small out of pocket as cover
by my health insurance mostly. The only real benefit to
laser is possibly quicker recovery but that is not much.
I do challenge the lens implant formula because I had LASIK
24 years ago and high myopia. They have a formula for folks
like me but a bit more of a fudge factor. I am going for
full distance vision and will require reading glasses. My
right eye they are going to slightly under correct just to
possibly make up close not as challenging. The detach retina
eye present a bit more but hopefully not any trouble. The
doctors are clear they make no provisions and tell you that
you will need glass full time no matter what. They cover
there asses completely.
WOuld be curious what other here have done if they have had
cataracts.

No direct experience but you may find Dr Ridley's story, or
actually stories, as fascinating as I did:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/271999

[Catrike Ryder]

On Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:43:36 -0600, Mark J cleary

Post by Mark J cleary
I go in next Friday for my left eye cataract surgery. I cannot wait my
vision uncorrected in 20/200 legally blind and maybe 20/100 corrected. I
can wait because riding outside it a challenge. I can drive ok my right
eye is 20/30 but hard to judge distances and depth. On a bike that is
critical. I then go in 2 weeks later for the right eye it is not nearly
as bad but it did not have the detached retina. The retina surgery
speeds up the cataract formation exponentially. The retina has healed
and done well.
They seem to want to push the more costly laser assisted surgery but
fact is traditional cataract surgery has the same outcome long term and
only small out of pocket as cover by my health insurance mostly. The
only real benefit to laser is possibly quicker recovery but that is not
much.
I do challenge the lens implant formula because I had LASIK 24 years ago
and high myopia. They have a formula for folks like me but a bit more of
a fudge factor. I am going for full distance vision and will require
reading glasses. My right eye they are going to slightly under correct
just to possibly make up close not as challenging. The detach retina eye
present a bit more but hopefully not any trouble. The doctors are clear
they make no provisions and tell you that you will need glass full time
no matter what. They cover there asses completely.
WOuld be curious what other here have done if they have had cataracts.

My Cataract surgery did not return me to my previous farsighted
capability, but I no longer need readers. My wife went from extreme
nearsightedness to seeing much better distances, but now needs
readers. She also had an optional stigmatism correction on one eye.

--
C'est bon
Soloman

[cyclintom]

Post by Mark J cleary
I go in next Friday for my left eye cataract surgery. I cannot wait my
vision uncorrected in 20/200 legally blind and maybe 20/100 corrected. I
can wait because riding outside it a challenge. I can drive ok my right
eye is 20/30 but hard to judge distances and depth. On a bike that is
critical. I then go in 2 weeks later for the right eye it is not nearly
as bad but it did not have the detached retina. The retina surgery
speeds up the cataract formation exponentially. The retina has healed
and done well.
They seem to want to push the more costly laser assisted surgery but
fact is traditional cataract surgery has the same outcome long term and
only small out of pocket as cover by my health insurance mostly. The
only real benefit to laser is possibly quicker recovery but that is not
much.
I do challenge the lens implant formula because I had LASIK 24 years ago
and high myopia. They have a formula for folks like me but a bit more of
a fudge factor. I am going for full distance vision and will require
reading glasses. My right eye they are going to slightly under correct
just to possibly make up close not as challenging. The detach retina eye
present a bit more but hopefully not any trouble. The doctors are clear
they make no provisions and tell you that you will need glass full time
no matter what. They cover there asses completely.
WOuld be curious what other here have done if they have had cataracts.

Mark, before surgery they give you something that feels like eyedrops but is a pain killer. Sometimes they forget this and when they cut into the eye to remove the lens it is extremely painfuol so before the opthemologist actually operates make him state that you have been anesthetised.

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:43:36 -0600, Mark J cleary

Post by Mark J cleary
WOuld be curious what other here have done if they have had cataracts.

I had my left eye done on Jan 3, 2024 and the right on Jan 17, 2024.
In general, it went well but not perfectly. There were some problems,
but few that you are likely to encounter.

The surgery was done using a laser which I was told was more precise.
Other than preparation, setup and post op recovery, the laser portion
took about 10 minutes, most of which was strapping me down so I
wouldn't move. I don't know about your costs or insurance, but I
wasn't given a choice. The hospital bought the laser equipment and
was therefore inclined to use it. With Medicare, I don't believe that
there was a cost difference or that a surgical option was available.

Four days prior to the first surgery, I was given a vinyl bag with 3
types of eye drops along with charts for when to use each eye dropper
and how often per day.
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/pWLvv31GFGtBRdYRA>
It was somewhat of a challenge organizing what to take and when. I
wasn't accustomed to using eye drops and often missed the target. I
had to try again until my aim improved. Near the end, I ran out of
one of the eye drops and had to buy a replacement bottle. This was
not my idea of fun.

After mid March, 2024, my vision started to resemble normal vision. It
was a major improvement over everything I had seen previously. I was
elated, but it didn't last. One of the eye drop is an
anti-inflammatory. After I stopped taking it, the eyeball began
returning to its normal shape, plus a little astigmatism. Immediately
after the surgeries, I could focus clearly from about 2ft to infinity.
Now, I can only focus clearly from about 4 ft to infinity. I was
hoping that it would remain at 2ft to infinity, but that didn't
happen.

I also have difficulties with "dry eyes" and some eye fatigue. These
were minor, not debilitating, but also disappointing. Today, about a
year after the surgeries, the dry eye is gone thanks to warm and wet
eye compresses:
<https://www.amazon.com/Bruder-Activated-Recommended-Professional/dp/B01N303YPU>
Everyone I met (about 20 people) that had cataract surgery also had
some form of "dry eye" problem.

Currently, I use dollar store +2.00 diopter reading glasses for
reading and computer work. For driving, I ordered cheap bifocals with
distance vision set only to correct for astigmatism, and +1.50 diopter
and astigmatism correction for viewing the automobile dashboard.
<https://www.zennioptical.com/b/wishlist/NDI0MTYy>

The various documents I was given to read included a warning not to do
anything that involved shock, bouncing, or getting hit on my head,
which might dislodge the new lens. There is nothing really supporting
the lens in the eye and banging the head around could cause problems.
There was also a warning about placing my head below the level of my
waist, which raises the fluid pressure inside the eye. I never did
get a clear answer for how long after surgery should I wait before
resuming these exercises. I ended up totally abstaining from chainsaw
repair and preparing firewood for about 4 months. Giving up bicycle
riding was easy because I have some back problems and riding was
painful. I resumed going on flat walks and hikes after about 3
months.

I hope this helps. Good luck on the surgery. If you have any
questions, feel free to ask, send email, or call.

[Mark J cleary]

Jeff,
Thanks for the information. I am inclined almost to call your situation
seems very different than most I have talked to. Mt first question is
how old are you? THE copay is $300 for me but any laser option would be
$3900 for both eyes. No real better guarantee. Medicare will not pay for
laser but I don't have medicare.

How is your uncorrected distance vision? Could you pass a driver test
without needing any glasses? My history is I am highly myopic -12 and
-13 in each eye. That put me in the top 1 percent of all nearsighted
people. I had LASIK 24 years ago and correct me to no need for glasses
for anything for 18 years> I was about 20.25 but regressed a bit in my
right eye now to 20/30. I have a macular pucker in that eye but not a
real issue but cannot get 20/20 with it.

SInce the lasik it throws the normal math calculations off on lens
power. They have to use a different formula so more room for errors.
Seems like yours took a long time to get better.
Mark

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:48:08 -0600, Mark J cleary

Post by Mark J cleary
Jeff,
Thanks for the information. I am inclined almost to call your situation
seems very different than most I have talked to.

That's not surprising. I talked with about 20 people who have had
cataract surgery. Basically, everyone I know over the age of 65 has
had the surgery. Half had experiences similar to mine. The remaining
10 were all very different. Most had existing conditions that made
any kind of surgery somewhat risky.

Post by Mark J cleary
Mt first question is how old are you?

77 years old.

Post by Mark J cleary
THE copay is $300 for me but any laser option would be
$3900 for both eyes. No real better guarantee. Medicare will not pay for
laser but I don't have medicare.

I only have Medicare classic, which pays 80%. Medicare will only pay
if my visual acuity is worse than 20/50:
<https://www.mmplusinc.com/kb-articles/medicare-requirements-for-cataract-surgery>

I found several articles that indicate that Medicare will NOT pay for
laser cataract surgery. Although I was told that I would be getting
laser surgery, I was not billed for anything extra. Therefore, it's
quite possible that I misunderstood the instructions and did not get
laser surgery. I'll double check.

Post by Mark J cleary
How is your uncorrected distance vision?

Quite good. It's currently usable from about 4ft to infinity.

Post by Mark J cleary
Could you pass a driver test without needing any glasses?

Yes. I renewed my drivers license in Nov 2024. I passed with one
slight difficulty. I was nervous and was seeing double. The double
vision went away about 30 min later, after eating a late lunch and
sleeping for about 30 mins in my car. I get to do it again in Jan
2030.

Minimum vision requirements are 20/40 in both eyes:
<https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/medical-conditions-and-driving/vision-conditions/>
I can't find the paperwork but as I recall, my vision was 20/25 in one
eye and 20/20 in the other during the follow up visit after the 2nd
surgery. Since then, I'm sure the numbers have changed. I have a
Snellen eye chart on the kitchen wall and just re-tested myself. 20/20
in both eyes.
<https://www.google.com/search?q=snellen%20eye%20chart&udm=2>

Post by Mark J cleary
My history is I am highly myopic -12 and
-13 in each eye. That put me in the top 1 percent of all nearsighted
people. I had LASIK 24 years ago and correct me to no need for glasses
for anything for 18 years> I was about 20.25 but regressed a bit in my
right eye now to 20/30. I have a macular pucker in that eye but not a
real issue but cannot get 20/20 with it.

Wow. That's quite a history.

Post by Mark J cleary
SInce the lasik it throws the normal math calculations off on lens
power. They have to use a different formula so more room for errors.

Yes. I read a little about that, but since I didn't need Lasik
surgery, I just skimmed over that part.

Post by Mark J cleary
Seems like yours took a long time to get better.

Yes. That was partly my fault by waiting about 11 months to do
something about the dry eye problem. If I done something earlier, I
would not be disappointed or complaining about the long recovery.

[Rolf Mantel]

Post by Mark J cleary
Jeff,
Thanks for the information. I am inclined almost to call your situation
seems very different than most I have talked to. Mt first question is
how old are you? THE copay is $300 for me but any laser option would be
$3900 for both eyes. No real better guarantee. Medicare will not pay for
laser but I don't have medicare.
How is your uncorrected distance vision? Could you pass a driver test
without needing any glasses? My history is I am highly myopic -12 and
-13 in each eye. That put me in the top 1 percent of all nearsighted
people.

Similar to my wife. She had on the order of -10 on the right eye and
-15 on the left eye; as LASIK in the past claimed not to be able to
repair -15, she did not bother with it and relied on contact lenses.

This also greatly increased the probability of a retina detachment,
which she had around the age of 45. The SF6 treatment of the detached
retina had the known side effect of "needing a cataract surgery with 30%
probability", so she had cartatact treatments (on both eyes) before the
age of 50. Continuing the old eye imbalance, she chose to have the
right eye set to -0.5 and the left eye for more near vision. She then
needed glasses (right eye blank) for the car and (left eye blank) for
intense reading but not for everyday use, including bicycling (one eye
good enough for far vision) and shopping (one eye good enough to read
the detalis on the package).

However, a few years later she got "cloudy vison" on the distance eye,
which means she now needs to use the distance glasses a lot more than
expected originally.

[Catrike Ryder]

On Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:39:10 +0100, Rolf Mantel

Post by Rolf Mantel

Post by Mark J cleary
Jeff,
Thanks for the information. I am inclined almost to call your situation
seems very different than most I have talked to. Mt first question is
how old are you? THE copay is $300 for me but any laser option would be
$3900 for both eyes. No real better guarantee. Medicare will not pay for
laser but I don't have medicare.
How is your uncorrected distance vision? Could you pass a driver test
without needing any glasses? My history is I am highly myopic -12 and
-13 in each eye. That put me in the top 1 percent of all nearsighted
people.

Similar to my wife. She had on the order of -10 on the right eye and
-15 on the left eye; as LASIK in the past claimed not to be able to
repair -15, she did not bother with it and relied on contact lenses.
This also greatly increased the probability of a retina detachment,
which she had around the age of 45. The SF6 treatment of the detached
retina had the known side effect of "needing a cataract surgery with 30%
probability", so she had cartatact treatments (on both eyes) before the
age of 50. Continuing the old eye imbalance, she chose to have the
right eye set to -0.5 and the left eye for more near vision. She then
needed glasses (right eye blank) for the car and (left eye blank) for
intense reading but not for everyday use, including bicycling (one eye
good enough for far vision) and shopping (one eye good enough to read
the detalis on the package).
However, a few years later she got "cloudy vison" on the distance eye,
which means she now needs to use the distance glasses a lot more than
expected originally.

I was told that a few years after the cataract surgery my vision would
get cloudy and that it could be corrected by a one-time minor laser
process. Indeed, my vision has gotten cloudy and will soon go through
that process.

--
C'est bon
Soloman

[John B.]

On Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:39:10 +0100, Rolf Mantel

Post by Rolf Mantel

Post by Mark J cleary
Jeff,
Thanks for the information. I am inclined almost to call your situation
seems very different than most I have talked to. Mt first question is
how old are you? THE copay is $300 for me but any laser option would be
$3900 for both eyes. No real better guarantee. Medicare will not pay for
laser but I don't have medicare.
How is your uncorrected distance vision? Could you pass a driver test
without needing any glasses? My history is I am highly myopic -12 and
-13 in each eye. That put me in the top 1 percent of all nearsighted
people.

Similar to my wife. She had on the order of -10 on the right eye and
-15 on the left eye; as LASIK in the past claimed not to be able to
repair -15, she did not bother with it and relied on contact lenses.
This also greatly increased the probability of a retina detachment,
which she had around the age of 45. The SF6 treatment of the detached
retina had the known side effect of "needing a cataract surgery with 30%
probability", so she had cartatact treatments (on both eyes) before the
age of 50. Continuing the old eye imbalance, she chose to have the
right eye set to -0.5 and the left eye for more near vision. She then
needed glasses (right eye blank) for the car and (left eye blank) for
intense reading but not for everyday use, including bicycling (one eye
good enough for far vision) and shopping (one eye good enough to read
the detalis on the package).
However, a few years later she got "cloudy vison" on the distance eye,
which means she now needs to use the distance glasses a lot more than
expected originally.

I "had my eyes done" twenty or so years ago. In my case they removed
the lens in both eyes and replaced them with fixed focus lenses, one
close focus and one far focus. The brain (I guess) decides which eye
to use by the required distance. At least if I'm reading and look at
what is happening across the street I notice no change in vision.
vision.

I had the operation doe before noon on one day, wore a bandaged over
both eyes overnight and went home by noon the second day. My wife
drove that day but I was driving the day after.