Hello, and hope you can tell me about laser-assisted and/or standard cataract surgery

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June

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Hello, and glad to be here. My reason for joining is that my 89 year old mother is going to have cataract surgery, and I'm wondering about your experiences.

We're trying to decide between standard "no needle, no stitch, no patch" cataract surgery and newer, laser-assisted type surgery. I'm concerned about her advanced age, and trying to make best decision.

I'd appreciate any, and all, info you might have.

Also, after having wandered around this forum, it occurs to me I may stick around after this medical decision's been made to enjoy the many interesting conversations. Thanks a lot!
 

My wife and I both had the surgery with the implants. Each procedure took about 20 minutes and went
home the same day. No pain; no fuss and we both wound up with 20;20 vision in both eyes.

However, it has been several years ago, so I don't know about any procedure improvements.

Perhaps someone else can help you.
 
Thank you, Falcon! I appreciate hearing about you and your wife's positive experience.
I'm going to get as much varied info as I can and put it all together.
 

Have no fear. My mum had both lenses replaced under sedation as day surgery. As I waited in the reception area I talked to the other old ladies who were lining up for their second eye job and all were very positive about the benefits. Then Mum walked out with one eye covered but otherwise no ill effects. The next day we returned and the dressing was removed to check the eye. She could see perfectly and was disappointed to have to wear the dressing for another week. She had the other eye done after about 12 months.

What I am trying to say is that the lens implant was easy enough for the elderly. I imagine that laser assisted surgery might be even easier. Being able to see is a wonderful thing, no matter how old one is.
 
Dame Warrigal,

Thank you so much for your comment. It really helps to hear of your positive experience since your mom is elderly also.

Is it possible for you to tell me what sedative was used? One Doctor wants to use Versed and I'm worried that my mom could be harmed by that--there are mentions on the Internet of possible memory loss. Another Doctor will only use Valium and local anesthetic-drops.

Also, was your mom seen before the surgery by the Doctor who was to do the surgery, or an Optometrist. It seems like you should meet the Doctor and get a feel of who he or she is.

Thanks so much....June
 
Hi, SeaBreeze,

Thanks for welcoming me. Looks like you're near the water. Lucky you...it's sooo hot here.

June
 
Hello, Knightofalbion,

Thank you for your welcome and kind words. Wow, Glastonbury, England. I watch "Doc Martin" and "As Time Goes By regularly"....June
 
I've no idea what the sedative was but all day surgery over here is done that way now. It is administered intravenously but is not referred to as an anaesthetic by the doctors. They say you will still be conscious but I'm always in dreamland.

Mum did say that she was conscious and saw a dazzling light during the procedure.
Her operation was performed by an ophthalmic surgeon.

My mother in law had a laser procedure for glaucoma. They made a circle of tiny holes in the iris to allow the pressure to be relieved but it was not successful in keeping the pressure down. Later they made some sort of pressure valve in the eyeball where fluid would be released if it built up too much. This was very successful. This too was done by an eye surgeon. Later she had a lens implant but because of the damage done by the glaucoma it was less successful than Mum's.
 
Hi June, welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I cannot give you answers you are looking for. A few months ago when I saw my eye doctor he told me I had cataracts in both eyes. Too early for any procedure to help. I mentioned to him that I remembered in my mother's case, she had to wait for the cataract to 'ripen', and by then she was nearly blind. My doctor told me there had been recent advances made in cataract surgery and they no longer require the patient to wait that long for treatment. He said this new method has had wonderful results, but he didn't go into any further detail about what was done.

Good luck June.
 
Welcome June! Both my parents had laser surgery. My father's was a complete success and he does not wear glasses anymore, he is 83. My mother, on the other hand, went to a different surgeon and he damaged her right eye to the point where she cannot see out of that eye so she canceled surgery on the other. So, wherever you go, I would recommend that you do your research to make sure it is a reputable surgeon. If my mother had done some research, she would have found a lost of pending lawsuits against this so-called doctor.
 
Thanks so much for your input, Dame Warrigal.

I asked a pharmacist about the sedative, Veresed, to be possibly used on mom, and she gave me helpful info--said it should only be used in hospital where you are monitored by healthcare pro, not in surgical center where you are discharged same day. At this point we're leaning toward ophthalmologist who evaluated mom, and not practice where mom was evaluated by optometrist. I have faith in optometrists, but feel a person should be evaluated by and able to meet surgeon who will perform procedure.

Lots to consider, and I really appreciate your help. You have helped to put my mind more at ease.

A lot of friendly, interested, and interesting people, on this forum. I think it is neat you're from Sydney, Australia. A friend of mine moved from Utah to Perth a couple of years ago, and he seems very happy. Glad all went well for your "mum". Take care...
 
I just finished both right and left eye surgery for cataracts the end of May. I had the latest procedure with implant lenses and it was a piece of cake. It is a well tolerated procedure for people irrespective of age and improves vision greatly. I am now 20/20. Your mom will do just fine I'm sure. I am 79
 
Thank you, Lois. I appreciate knowing that your doctor mentioned new advances. Both for my mom's sake, and you and me. I'm not sure if I have signs of cataracts yet, but will be asking eye doctor at my next visit.

By the way, I noticed your pictures of your mom's doilies. Very pretty. I've dabbled in different crafts and art through the years, and plan on, when things settle down, trying crochet, embroidery, something along that line.

Again, thanks a lot for your input; it really helps.
 
Thanks so much, Mirabilis.

It's good to hear that laser surgery worked for your 83 year old father, and I'm so sorry that it didn't work out well for your mom. I will do as you suggest and put time on the research.

It's a shame that we all have to be so careful when it comes to the medical world, but from all I've seen, we do indeed need to be very aware. There's a lot of good, and a lot of bad.
 
Lon, oh, thank you so much for your info. The fact that you had both eyes done with the laser, and it worked out so well--20/20 vision. Well, that's very encouraging.

Do you mind telling me what kind of laser they used for your procedure? We're considering the LenSx by Alcon. Also, if you don't mind, were you sedated, take Valium, or what? Thanks again.
 
Hi, Meanderer,

I appreciate your warm welcome. I talked to our Doctor today, and he gave us reassurance. I'm starting, especially after all well wishes here, to feel encouraged.

It's a lazy day here too, very hot and sunny.
 

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