It's time to get my cataracts out. You?

My ophthalmologist told me in August that I needed cataract surgery. I decided to wait until I can no longer see. I started wearing contacts when I was 17 and couldn't let the doctor put them in my eye without blinking. I would lower my lower eyelid and slide them up. So I'm afraid of the surgery because of this eye reflex. Anyone else have this problem?
 
Knight said:
Different doctors different opinions. I tend to believe my doctor since my night vision is a tiny bit blurry now. Oncoming lights have that best way for me to describe is a slight aura instead of clear look.
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From what my specialist said that’s actually a different problem that occurs in some people and they use a laser to fix it but they don’t remove and replace the lenses that they originally placed. He warned me that it could happen. It’s been 4-5 years so I can’t remember what that problem is called.
 
I had the same exact symptoms as you FB...car lights blinding me, not being able to drive after dark...not even as dusk set in. I also had glaucoma. My eye doctor did cataract and glaucoma surgery at the same time...right eye first. It was nowhere near as frightening as I thought it would be. I asked her if I could bring my fully disinfected iPod into the room so I could listen to relaxing music and she said it would be okay. I had to be awake the entire time. Truthfully I was more afraid of the needles for IV and numbing than the surgery itself. What they can do now during eye surgeries is amazing. She literally changed my vision so I could (after the left eye was done) see 20/20 and ditch the glasses. I was wearing glasses since I was 10. I never had a problem but had to stay on certain drops and get a couple of laser surgeries afterward. They are quick and painless. Best part, my insurance (Aetna HMO) paid the surgeries and post op visits in full with no paperwork necessary on my part. (Just) cataract surgery should be a piece of cake!
 
Teacher Terry said:
From what my specialist said that’s actually a different problem that occurs in some people and they use a laser to fix it but they don’t remove and replace the lenses that they originally placed. He warned me that it could happen. It’s been 4-5 years so I can’t remember what that problem is called.
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After your post I thought I should look up if Cataracs can return. You were right they can't. What I'm experiencing must be capsular opacification. No doubt my next eye exam I will have a serious conversation with my doctor.
 
One thing bothers me about cataract surgery, it's choosing the type of lens implant. My vision is still where I can do whatever, EXCEPT drive at night. I'm totally blinded by oncoming cars. Here, in winter, it's dark at 4:30 PM, that pretty much ruins most of your day, My doc was very noncommittal about which lens I should have. I can afford the lenses, but which one?
 
wcwbf said:
there's no cutting in cataract surgery.
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Beside the cut into the eye to gain access. They need access into the eye in order to remove the cataract & install the replacement lens. The incision is just large enough to fit a needle into the eye. Through this needle the lens is pulverized using a ultrasonic device and is asperated out. The new lens is rolled-up and slid through the needle then unfurled. It has a couple of metal hooks which are attached to the eyeball to hold it place. Everything it done through this one needle. After they pull out the incision flaps closed because of the angle it was cut. Typically you don't need any stiches and your good to go.
 
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