Anyone have cataracts?

[ar10]

Been having more and more trouble seeing targets and sight alignment the past couple of months, (came on really fast). It got so I couldn't even the bull at 25', everything was white. I got to the doctor last Tues and found out I have cataracts in both eyes, right eye being worse than the left.
I've never had this kind of operation and compare someone screwing with my eyeballs with finger nails scraping a blackboard. I was told they will do one eye then wait a week and do the other. I guess they put some kind of lens in your eye and sew it up. The bad part is I was practicing for Camp Perry this year and it really screws up my practice.
The Doc says it's easy and I won't need glasses anymore. He also state I should be able to start up again in a "few weeks".
Has anyone ever had this kind of operation and realistically how long does it take to recover. Does it really eliminate glasses?

 

[Naphtali]

According to my ophthalmologist, you will probably need spectacles. I am recounting information furnished by him.

While your vision may be perfect after surgery (you did not identify what surgery has been recommended, and there are several available), there is almost always a shift - that is touch-up surgery needed.

And unless you have cutting edge lenses installed, that flex similarly to the way your eyes' lenses functioned before presbyopia, your vision will be perfect along a restricted range of distance focus.

What has been recommended for me is to have vision adjusted to achieve 20/20 vision (or better) for distance vision. This correction is much less likely to wander over time. Reading spectacles will be required.

Parenthetically, I have not yet had the surgery. While my cataracts become more severe, my visual acuity has become sharper. Spectacles' prescription becomes weaker. This, apparently, is routine progress. When cataracts reach the stage where surgery is necessary, there is a severe reversal.

Hope this helps.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

I haven't yet, but my wife has had surgery on both eyes at different times. She says it is absolutely painless and she only took one day off of work each time. And her vision improved greatly each time too.

 

[tickfarm]

I had it done about a year ago. I am able to see 20/20 in the eye it was done on. It did cause me to need glasses for close up vision in the eye it was done on. I thing I was limited to what I could do for about a month, no straining or lifting over 5 pounds. I'm glad I had it done it is nice not to need glasses all the time.

 

[James T Thomas]

high anxiety

I've had them in both eyes.

The surgery is comfortable.
You must remain quiet; in bed, the first day of recovery to initiate healing.
Your eye; one at a time, will be shielded with a clear plastic cover which is taped on. After that, I believe it requires one week, or perhaps two to finish healing.

There is no sewing the eye after the lens insertion. The puncture is quite small, and heals well.

My recommendation is this. If you have cataract in both eyes, do not wait any longer than the minimum your doctor recommends to have the other surgery! Should the cataract be given sufficient time to spread into the "capsule" that holds your lens, it will reqire laser surgery to cut a hole in it to allow passage of light through your newly inserted interocular lens, and the cutting of it weakens the capsule, making you vunerable to eye impact and permanent blindness. Don't wait too long.

I'm now at 20:20, and yes if your physician inserts lenses that do not give the 20:20 -without eyeglasses; he will be correct. If you have worn glasses your entire life; your brain would have great difficulty adjusting to the 20:20
correction. As crazy as that sounds.

 

[Zoogster]

There is no sewing the eye after the lens insertion. The puncture is quite small, and heals well.

There is a couple different common methods for the procedure. Each carries different risks and benefits.

There has been many forms of the surgery over the years.
Some are less invasive but more risky requiring more from the surgeon. Some use devices that can damage the eye with the slightest slip by the surgeon. While some are hard to do wrong.
Phacoemulsification requires the use of a device to destroy the old lens, chopping it into pieces for removal. Which can destroy the eye if the surgeon makes the smallest of mistake.
While the larger incision method once common for extracapsular cataract extraction has much less risk of accidentally damaging anything else, but creates a larger incision on the eye. There is a less invasive micro version as well.
Smaller incisions also require a folding flexible lens which can be inserted and unfolded. While a larger incision can use a solid lens. In case you have some info on the quality of various lenses available (doctor always says whatever they are planning to use is fine , you have to do your own research .)

The methods and operations have changed over the years. In many ways for the better, but sometimes slightly for the worst because it is faster or more cost effective.

I am no expert and have never had a cataract myself. But have known people who have. As with any surgery there is normally several different methods. Some being less or more common. Sometimes the medical profession as a whole uses a new device or changes methods for cost, time constraints, or other reasons. Some newer things are better, and some have new complications. While some can even be slightly worse.
Sometimes the object being replaced or inserted comes in multiple different forms or is made by several companies (some with better products), yet the average patient will never be aware of this and is limited to what that particular hospital or surgical center, or surgeon uses and presents as options to the patient.

 

[otblue]

Cataract surgery is now one of the commonest surgeries performed because the population is aging. It is also one of the safest and most successful.

Find a really good surgeon though as results tend to be related to the experience and competance of the surgery. This is not the time to try to save money.

All good surgeons today use the small incision phacoemulsification technique where an ultrasonic probe is inserted through a small incision in the eye and the cataract is emulsified (dissolved) and simultaneously sucked out of the eye. Rarely do these incisions require stitches and even more rarely is the older technique requiring lots of stitches and a larger incision performed.

With this modern technique, the sooner the operation is done the easier it is. The simple test of when it is necessary is as soon as the cataract interferes with your way of life.

There are lots of lens choices which will require discussion in depth with your surgeon. Don't be rushed into the fancy new multifocals etc without lots of research to satisfy yourself that they will suit YOU.

The procedure is essentially painless and recovery is rapid. Complications are rare when performed by a good surgeon.

To answer your specific questions, you should be shooting at the end of 2 weeks, don't rush these things, they have to last you the rest of your life. Will you need glasses, depends on the lens implant you choose. I suspect that you would be happiest with a standard implant that corrects for normal distance vision and then use prescription safety glasses that brings the sights into focus.

 

[Zoogster]

To answer your specific questions, you should be shooting at the end of 2 weeks, don't rush these things, they have to last you the rest of your life.

Yeah don't rush things. The performance of the eye is very dependent on shape. Straining too soon that causes increased ocular pressure could cause slight changes that could have permanent effects on vision.
The recoil forces of some firearms could also pose an increased risk while healing.
I have even heard of detached retinas from really heavy recoil in healthy people, so lower levels of recoil in an eye healing from surgery could pose other risks.
I would just wait the time needed for it to heal and minimize risk.

 

[ar10]

My first surgery is on 3/3 the second is on 3/10. The doctor I'm seeing is, according to the checking I've done so far, is pretty well known and competent. He practices at Riverside hospital in Columbus and does surgery at the Northwest Eye Surgery Center.
He was pretty honest with me last Tuesday giving me the options available. The first was trying to correct with glasses but the downside is it won't last and the best he could do would be 25/25. He also told me that what will happen if I have the surgery is my right eye will be corrected but then I'll start noticing the problem with my left eye, even though it's not as blurry now. He told me the choices of lenses were up to me. Insurance will cover the "regular" lenses but I will need to keep wearing glasses. The advanced lenses are not covered by insurance and will cost about 1k, but it will correct the astigmatism in both eyes. (something I've had for 40yrs). He stated, honestly, he wouldn't know if I would have to wear glasses afterwords but didn't think so.

 

[ar10]

The recoil forces of some firearms could also pose an increased risk while healing.
I have even heard of detached retinas from really heavy recoil in healthy people, so lower levels of recoil in an eye healing from surgery could pose other risks.
I would just wait the time needed for it to heal and minimize risk.

Zoogster:
That's my biggest concern. My rifles are AR-10B, M1A match, and M1 Garand match. I've done very little to any of the rifles other and competition sights and trigger modifications, but with stock butt plates. The M1A will have a scope but I'm not sure what I'll get. I haven't started really looking yet but I know It'll have work well with the 600~800 yd ranges. The first two rifles will be open sights.

 

[mbopp]

I'm recovering from cataract surgery now, the right side was on 2/1 and the left on 2/8.
Yes the surgeon used ultrasound to remove the lenses in pieces. I had been wearing glasses for 12+ years before that. Right uncorrected now is 20/30, left is 20/25. I will need reading glasses, now I'm wearing a pair I had from 5-6 years ago.
What I do notice is that handgun sights are out of focus. Using a peep rear rifle sight is OK but the front post is very fuzzy. But this is without glasses.
In the in-between week I really noticed the increase in sharpness and brightness in the first eye. White is white, not a dim yellow-gray, like I was looking through a 30% filter. And distance sharpness and contrast are vastly improved.
I just had a bandage / patch over the eye for 24 hours after surgery. After a week I was free to get the eye wet when taking a shower. Other than the 28-day regimen of using anti-inflamatory drops 4 times a day I have no restrictions and I did tell the doctor I was a shooter.
My vision may not quite be 20/20 but the increase in clarity alone was worth it. When I mentioned the fuzzy handgun sights they said to take a measurement of the distance to the sights and they'd work it out in the prescription. I may have to try a Merit aperture on my glasses - we'll see.

 

[Tommygunn]

I had cataract surgery 7 & 8 years ago. In both instances I was comfortable, there was no pain, and aside from wearing a plastic pad ovr the particular eye overnight for a few days and taking some eye drops there were no residual effects. I wasn't told to lay in bed for a day or anything.
I had put off the initial surgery for a looooong time, because I too feared the idea of cutting into an eye. In fact, when I went to the doctor my right eye was effectively blind; shining a light into it revealed a white milkyness. When my left eye started going bad I realized I was being stupid and would be blind and unable to function if I did nothing. I was amazed at how well I could see out of my right eye after the operation.
A year later I had the left eye done.
I had specifically asked the eye doctor about firing guns, and recoil possibly affecting the lenses, which in my case were the fixed kind, and he said there would never be a problem with recoil; the lenses would not be hurt.
I understand some newer lenses can actually focus like the normal human eye lens. Great idea. But I don't feel bad at all not having them. I've had eye correction -- contacts or glasses -- all my life and it's no big deal for me.
It was so nice to be able to see again!!!!!


Don't be stupid like I was, you guys, any of you ..... if your vision is blurring, see a doctor. So you may have a cataract. Whoopdeedoo. It is not painful at all.
It sure as anything beats going blind!!!

 

[Superposed]

Had cataract surgeries for right eye on 12/03/09 and left eye on 12/18/09. I have a significant astigmatism in both eyes. I have worn glasses for 50 years. I went with the regular lens knowing I would have to wear glasses after the surgery. I could have put off the left eye surgery but I didn't want to have one clear eye and one hazy eye at distance. Three days of drops four times a day before the surgery and four weeks of drops after the surgery. I lost my ability to read without glasses that I had before the surgery. But I can see clearly at a distance without glasses. Surgeries corrected eyes to 20/20 and 20/40 (legal to drive in Tennessee without glasses) at a distance. With glasses my vision is 20/15 in both eyes. Can read well with glasses.

I am glad I did both eyes and am happy with my eyesight. I can now drive with or without glasses but still need eyewear to read. I am seeing detail at a distance I haven't seen in years. Surgeries are a breeze.

Good luck with your surgeries.

Superposed

 

[ar10]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll know in a couple of weeks. I don't go to doctor often and this in new territory for me, but from what everyone said it's not as bad as I imagined. When I lost the sight picture a couple of weeks ago, I thought I was going blind. I knew things were getting a little fuzzy but thought I'd just need a new prescription. I've been wearing tri-focals for years.

 

[marv]

I had the surgery in my right eye 2 yrs ago at age 75. Piece of cake. I've always been colorblind. Can only see blue, yellow, black, and white. With the cataracts everything is various shades of grey. After the surgery I can see the 4 colors with my right eye. With my left eye it is all grey. Weird. Also the right pupil is 2-3 times as big as the left. Gotta get the left done to make things even again.

 

[Art Eatman]

My wife has had both eyes worked over for cataracts. Overall, no big deal, and her vision improved from a focus standpoint as well as for light-gathering.

I'll be going through the same deal, soon...

 

[Buck Snort]

Does Medicare pay for any of this? How about private insurance thru my employer (Pacific Care)? I'm also interested in information anybody here may have about AcruSof, IQ Restor, ReZoom, and Crystalens lenses.

 

[ar10]

Does Medicare pay for any of this? How about private insurance thru my employer (Pacific Care)? I'm also interested in information anybody here may have about AcruSof, IQ Restor, ReZoom, and Crystalens lenses.

I have medicare primary and humana secondary. All I know is the surgery is and standard lenses are covered, I don't know how much is paid by each. I am not getting the "standard" lenses and will be paying for the "advanced" (don't know the term), out of my pocket.

 

[aerod1]

Last year I gave up my cataracts for lent. Of all the lenses mentioned, none would fit me as well as the "Toric" lense. It is a relatively new lense implanted at the time of cataract surgery. I've had severe astigmatism for over 50 years and had been wearing tri-focal glasses. Now all I wear is reading glasses (drug store).
For years I struggled with tri-focals when I would be involved in the shooting sports. I now need NO glasses when I am shooting, except for safety.
Best thing I ever did. I can see better than I have been able to see since I was 14years old. I will be 66 in April.
The surgery was painless. I had both eyes done about a month apart.
Like has been mentioned, this is no time to be economical. Get the best doctor available, regardless of the money!!!

 

[Buck Snort]

"Like has been mentioned, this is no time to be economical. Get the best doctor available, regardless of the money!!! "

Geeze. I wish I had that luxury.

 

[aerod1]

I didn't feel I had the option because at the time of the surgery it is either the standard cataract implants or the Toric implants. Insurance would not pay for the Toric. I had to bite the bullet on that part.
Mine was performed by Dr. Shelby Wyll in Garland, TX.
By no means am I a rich man!!

 

[otblue]

Each of the "fancy" lenses have their advantages and disadvantages and must be matched to your individual prescription. You cannot get that sort of information on a forum like this and you really need to discuss this with your opthalmologist.. You also need to ask him/her if their choice is any way being influenced by a sweetener from the manufacturer. I hate to say that but it happens.

Keep in mind that there are alternative ways to deal with astigmatism during or after surgery. LRI and/or operating on axis according to a computer program which defines the best axis and even the option of laser surgery after the cataract surgery.

Some of the best surgeons may even offer a refractive "guarantee" that if astigmatism is not eliminated during the cataract surgery using one of the above methods then the laser surgery top up is free. Naturally you would be required to pay more up front for this sort of service and I have no idea how the US system of insurance deals with this.

The majority of cataract implant surgerys around the world (and I am referring to 1st world countries) are still standard lens corrected for distance and then use reading glasses which are often just over the counter magnifying type.

While there is an increasing use of the newer multifocal type lenses not every user is happy with them which is why you really need to research this before you have surgery.

 

[Iron Sight]

I have had cataract surgery done on both eyes. If its recommended I would say get it done as soon as possible to improve your quality of life.

 

[dairycreek]

I just completed cataract surgery on both eyes in early December. Having cataracts was a real pain in the - - - !

On the other hand the surgery was a piece of cake. The surgery was quick, easy, and absolutely painless. Vision improvement was immediate (particularly the color vision).

If you need it, don't wait, get it done immediately.