Having cataract surgery today.

Happy Heart said:
My doctor didn't have me far enough under so I could feel enough that I had night mares for a year after that. I am in need of the second eye surgery and have a new doctor.
My husband developed some type of common issue years after he had his done, it was a simple fix that was just using a laser to clean off the new lens. Have your eyes checked at least yearly to stay on top of things.
Be sure to follow the doctor's orders and your recovery will be fine.
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I have not heard before, of a person not being the correct amount, under, with the meds given during this procedure. There is someone right there who monitors that, so it could have/should have been noticed and corrected or modified.

They don't routinely put you entirely to sleep for that, so you shouldn't expect that, unless you and your new doctor specifically agree to do it that way for you.

But with the usual level of sedation, you really should not feel uncomfortable during it.
I hope that never happens to you again, HappyHeart, and I dont think it will.
I am sure you have discussed it with your new doctor,
and I hope you will manage to go thru with it, for the other eye, and that it goes much, much better for you.

I will add that I do get horrific nightmares (and more) for long afterwards, as part of my drug reactions/allergies to the meds used for sedation, so there's a chance that is what you had, but of course, I don't know.
I am just adding my info, in case it helps you or anyone else who is reading.

And yes, about 25 % of people, they say, have to have that other procedure at some point later on, that your husband did, to clear up the lens again. It is MUCH easier than the cataract surgery; it does not require any sedation or any drops, and works very well.
 

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Kaila said:
And yes, about 25 % of people, they say, have to have that other procedure at some point later on, that your husband did, to clear up the lens again. It is MUCH easier than the cataract surgery; it does not require any sedation or any drops, and works very well.
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This second procedure often happens 6 - 12 months later. It’s not another cataract forming, though many call it a secondary cataract. It’ll just be in the office. Takes about 20 minutes.

You’ll be so amazed how bright your vision is now, @Wigglestein

ETA oops (I referenced the wrong person.)
 
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I had both eyes done at once - not all surgeons will do this - as I was legally blind w/o vision correction, so the hassle of waiting to heal to get new glasses that would have one old prescription and one w/o, then have to go through it again later, was not worth it.

Used dark sunglasses for a couple of days. We ALREADY HAD swim goggles, because you can shower but NOT get water in your eyes for at least one full week. I didn't use a sleep mask as our bedroom stays pretty dim and I hate having anything on my face when I sleep.

Fortunately, no problems with glare while driving at night, which is good as I do 99.9% of all the driving!

I chose the single-focus lens for computer distance - mid-range, which has worked very well for me. I can read down to 8 pt fonts w/o glasses and can watch our big-screen TV from 12 ft away w/o using my long-distance glasses. In fact, I only use the LDG when I'm driving.

Been 1+ yr, had my annual eye exam 2 days ago. Dr said everything looks fine except a small membrane is forming in my right eye. She told me if starts to grow and dims my sight, return to my HMO and they'll do a YAG laser treatment (outpatient surgery):

YAG laser eye surgery after cataract surgery
Posterior capsulotomy (or YAG laser capsulotomy) is laser surgery you might need sometime after cataract surgery. It helps you see clearly if your vision becomes cloudy again.

HTH! Good luck, I had no problems during or after surgery except for bloodshot eyes for over a week.
 
Thank you everyone! It went just fine. I was concerned about being awake but the mild sedative made it okay. I asked the anesthesiologist if I could get a to go bottle of that. Just think of all the unpleasant things in life that could be just fine with a little bit of whatever that was.😁 Two weeks till number two.
 
I have not had it done but was my Mother's caregiver after, she had no problems. I will admit I am scared to have anything done with my eyes, just a normal check for glasses is a torture. I have never worn contacts for that reason and even have a problem with eye drops. I will also admit that the that the fear was not warranted for. Just my own perception that things would be painful or difficult. We all have that when going into a new situation IMO.
 
Wigglestein said:
Thank you everyone! It went just fine. I was concerned about being awake but the mild sedative made it okay. I asked the anesthesiologist if I could get a to go bottle of that. Just think of all the unpleasant things in life that could be just fine with a little bit of whatever that was.😁 Two weeks till number two.
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Just reading this post, so happy it went fine! Mine are supposed to be one week apart. Hope your second eye goes as smoothly!
 
Wigglestein said:
Thank you everyone! It went just fine. I was concerned about being awake but the mild sedative made it okay. I asked the anesthesiologist if I could get a to go bottle of that. Just think of all the unpleasant things in life that could be just fine with a little bit of whatever that was.😁 Two weeks till number two.
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How are you doing today? Are you healing well, any discomfort from the surgery? I hope you have no issues and your eye feels okay. ☮️
 
SeaBreeze said:
How are you doing today? Are you healing well, any discomfort from the surgery? I hope you have no issues and your eye feels okay. ☮️
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I'm doing great. On Wed Eve I had what felt like a little stinging in the eye but Tylenol took care of that. That was it. It took a while for the dilation to wear off but once it did I could see clearly in that eye. I can't believe how painless it is. The hardest thing is remembering to not bend over or lift anything. Thanks for asking😉
 
Wigglestein said:
I'm doing great. On Wed Eve I had what felt like a little stinging in the eye but Tylenol took care of that. That was it. It took a while for the dilation to wear off but once it did I could see clearly in that eye. I can't believe how painless it is. The hardest thing is remembering to not bend over or lift anything. Thanks for asking😉
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Good to hear, take care while you recover! (y)
 
@SeaBreeze
Most people find cataract surgery, easier to go through than they'd expected or anticipated, while understandably nervous about it beforehand.

Most also feel the results are worth it, from this one.

Even with other limiting vision issues, at least this procedure does correct one of the issues, so that you'd at least have whatever improvement in eyesight that it gives you, and you could enjoy that much.

Maximizing whatever you are able to see, for as long as possible, and before any other eye problems worsen, adds so much to quality of life!
 
Kaila said:
@SeaBreeze
Most people find cataract surgery, easier to go through than they'd expected or anticipated, while understandably nervous about it beforehand.

Most also feel the results are worth it, from this one.

Even with other limiting vision issues, at least this procedure does correct one of the issues, so that you'd at least have whatever improvement in eyesight that it gives you, and you could enjoy that much.

Maximizing whatever you are able to see, for as long as possible, and before any other eye problems worsen, adds so much to quality of life!
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I agree Kaila and am hopeful for a good outcome and improved vision, I will be happy with anything I can get from this. Thank you for your thoughts and kind words, much appreciated. 🧡
 
Wigglestein said:
I'm doing great. On Wed Eve I had what felt like a little stinging in the eye but Tylenol took care of that. That was it. It took a while for the dilation to wear off but once it did I could see clearly in that eye. I can't believe how painless it is. The hardest thing is remembering to not bend over or lift anything. Thanks for asking😉
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Congratulations on your success so far. Do you happen to remember how long it was between having cataracts diagnosed and having your first surgery? I just got the diagnosis earlier this year so I guess I’m on the clock. From what you describe I’m now looking forward to the benefit of getting it done.
 
Glad it went fine for you. These days eye surgeries are a piece of cake. I hope the next one goes as well. It's going to make a big difference in your vision. Years ago, I had cataract and glaucoma surgery one eye at a time. I was freaking out because I hate needles and the numbing one had to be put under the eye. I think I was more afraid of that than the surgery. I was aware that I would have to be awake so I asked my doctor if I could bring my sterilized iPod in with me to listen to calming music...she said yes and that's what I did. I really helped. After the second eye was done, I didn't have to wear glass for several years and I had worn glasses (thick ones too) for most of my life.
 
MarkD said:
Congratulations on your success so far. Do you happen to remember how long it was between having cataracts diagnosed and having your first surgery? I just got the diagnosis earlier this year so I guess I’m on the clock. From what you describe I’m now looking forward to the benefit of getting it done.
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I was told 5 years ago that I had a slight cataract in my left eye. Then 2 years ago I started having double vision in my left eye and doc said it was the cataract. Last year the right went double as well. Contacts made some improvement but with age comes dry eyes so contacts were limited and painful if I wore them too long.So this year I made the decision. Eye surgeon was great and my vision in my left eye has never been better. Looking forward to getting the right one done on the 22nd.
 
Wigglestein said:
I'm doing great. On Wed Eve I had what felt like a little stinging in the eye but Tylenol took care of that. That was it. It took a while for the dilation to wear off but once it did I could see clearly in that eye. I can't believe how painless it is. The hardest thing is remembering to not bend over or lift anything. Thanks for asking😉
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Glad to hear recovery going well.
 
Wigglestein said:
I was told 5 years ago that I had a slight cataract in my left eye. Then 2 years ago I started having double vision in my left eye and doc said it was the cataract. Last year the right went double as well. Contacts made some improvement but with age comes dry eyes so contacts were limited and painful if I wore them too long.So this year I made the decision. Eye surgeon was great and my vision in my left eye has never been better. Looking forward to getting the right one done on the 22nd.
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Thank you. My eyes have never been dryer or more easily irritated. Using lots of drops.
 
Wigglestein said:
I was told 5 years ago that I had a slight cataract in my left eye. Then 2 years ago I started having double vision in my left eye and doc said it was the cataract. Last year the right went double as well. Contacts made some improvement but with age comes dry eyes so contacts were limited and painful if I wore them too long.So this year I made the decision. Eye surgeon was great and my vision in my left eye has never been better. Looking forward to getting the right one done on the 22nd.
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You will be in my thoughts on the 22nd, sending positive vibes your way. 🧡
 
Wigglestein said:
Eye surgeon was great and my vision in my left eye has never been better. Looking forward to getting the right one done on the 22nd.
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I hope you don't mind my asking, but I'm curious. During the surgery, were you lying flat like on a bed, or were you in some type of reclining chair? Thanks. :)
 

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