Cataract Surgery

[franhines]

I am so scared. I have to have surgery on my eyes. I can't even tell my family. I have cataracts and I can hardly see. Its either surgery or go blind so I guess I'll have to "buckle down" and get it over with.

[bhiett]

Unless you are at high risk for other medical conditions, cataract surgery is greatly successful and should improve your quality of life.  I know it is fearful to have someone mess with your eyes, but the surgeons are very qualified and do hundreds of them.  I have know a lot of people who have had cataract surgery on both eyes and they can see so much better.  Just make sure to have them done one at a time-- as far as I know, the doctors never do both at once.  After the first one, you will wonder why you waited so long.

[pstovall]

Any time you are having surgery, it is scary, but cataract surgery is in the future for many of us.  I've known lots of people who've had the surgery with no problems.  In fact, I have never heard of ANYONE having a problem with cataract surgery.  The worst part is keeping up with all the drops you have to put into your eyes afterwards, but I can think of many worse things than having to deal with putting drops in your eyes.

[erinelise2]

My mom had it done not long ago and it was a breeze.  Did each eye separate days. Each time she was completely done and ready to go home within 1 1/2 hours.  Greatly improved her sight.  i think you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck.

[mill8277]

I'm so sorry you are going through this....I know three ladies who had cataract surgery on their eyes and it went well....I went with two of them and was there while they had the procedure done, after a few week of healing they could see much better...the other lady is my dads girlfriend and she had no problems and can see much better now....good luck...

[franhines]

You are all so very sweet and reassuring. I appreciate that very much.  
Thank you, very much:)

[Optiwoman]

When you are ready, talk to the doctor about your options.  As an optician, I see people who have had cataract surgery every day.   Implants are a modern marvel, and have come so far in the last 30 years.   You now have choices to correct your vision for both distance and near vision.  Some people do not do well with mono vision (one eye is corrected to see far, and the other is corrected to see near).  There are now bifocal implants that enable better fusion, but they are more expensive.  Many people prefer to have only their distance corrected and wear reading glasses.   This is the best option for people who suffer from vertigo, or wish to maintain full vision for distance and not have their peripheral vision compromised.   

Once you have the surgery, follow the doctors orders  - go to your follow up appointments and use your drops, and you should be fine.  I generally see people the day after surgery, and they are thrilled with their vision, and wonder why they waited so long.