Community Chat

[Mominohio]

I took my 80 year old mom to the eye doctor last week, and she is in need of cataract surgery. Both eyes.

I'm in the process of learning all about it, to help her make decisions. 

I'd appreciate any experiences you or yours have had (recently), what questions to ask, what tips and information you might not have known till undergoing the experience.

Differences between regular vs laser, tips on after care, anything you have of value to share as we embark on this adventure.

I didn't put this in the Wellness forum, as I think many more people read this one, and lots of people have experience in this area.

Thanks for any information or experiences you can share.

[MalteseMomma]

I will be 79 tomorrow (I call myself 80) My eye dr said I need the surgery but I said,"no thank you"  Truthfull I am afraid..........

I don't seem to have any problem seeing imo but  I guess if it were a problem for me I might get it

I'm not much help with info for you.Have you googled for info. Google is very good.

I do know many people,including my own adult son that have had it  (lazer)and everything went well for them.

[I am still oxox]

I developed cataracts early in life, I had my first surgery at 35 and my second at 43, the first one was a breeze, the second not as easy. But I would do it again in a second

[mackie]

I had it about 4 years ago at age 70. Didn't know I had cataracts. Had eye exam as I noticed my vision changed.  Oh what agood difference.  It didn't hurt & was quick. Vision greatly improved.

[JustJazzmom]

MIL had it and after she had it done noticed the grass was green and not yellow.

Laser incision is more accurate for lens removal from the little video I've seen on his TV on waiting room than the doctor using his instruments.

Definitely an improvement in quality of life for elderly.

[glb613]

---

@Mominohio wrote:

I took my 80 year old mom to the eye doctor last week, and she is in need of cataract surgery. Both eyes.

I'm in the process of learning all about it, to help her make decisions. 

I'd appreciate any experiences you or yours have had (recently), what questions to ask, what tips and information you might not have known till undergoing the experience.

Differences between regular vs laser, tips on after care, anything you have of value to share as we embark on this adventure.

I didn't put this in the Wellness forum, as I think many more people read this one, and lots of people have experience in this area.

Thanks for any information or experiences you can share.

---

My cataracts aren't bad enough for surgery.  When they are, I will have them removed.  Cataracts can cause blindness so they shouldn't be ignored.  Don't wait to long either.  A friend did and it's much harder to fix. 

[Havarti]

My mother was a voracious reader from the time she was a little girl – she dearly loved her books and felt like they, and the characters in them, were her personal friends. She could get lost in the story in a matter of seconds and become so immersed in it that she didn’t hear what was going on around her. Each story seemed to magically transport her to the time, setting and location portrayed within the pages. She loved the feel of a book in her hands and never took to audio books – she said the introduction of that one voice changed her imagination and perception of so many aspects of the story. It was a much loved relationship between her and the characters only. Books would comfort her when nothing else could – she lived to read. Her eyes were the key to her very treasured joy.

When she was in her early 80’s she needed cataract surgery on both eyes. The doctor never discussed “options” with her and she didn’t know there were “options”. When she could not see clearly after the first eye surgery was done her doctor told her that was normal, to wait for the other eye to be done and then give both eyes time to adjust & heal. She so missed her reading and could not wait for it all to be back to normal, just clearer – it seemed like forever. Well, it was forever; that day never came for her because the doctor had decided (all on his own – without discussion) to put a lens in one eye that favored nearsightedness & the other eye to favor farsightedness. If it worked out well she would likely never have to wear glasses (bifocals) again. They often do this with contact lenses and for many people their eyes adjust to balance each other out and give better clearer overall vision. That never happened for my mother, she never adjusted to the differences (some never do and unfortunately she was one of those). She was never able to read again and it broke her heart and she also lost confidence in her doctors.

So, be sure your mother and her doctor talk through all the “options” and possibilities and that she has a say in what decisions are made. It would have been so simple in my mother’s case…she would never have gambled and taken the chance – she was content wearing her reading glasses – she just wanted to read.

Wishing your mother well and for a happy outcome!  You are smart to be exploring all the details.

[Andreatoo]

My boss had it done as did a good friend of mine in her early 50s.

Both said it's painless and were very pleased with the results and virtually no down time. The downside is that there's no guarantee they wont come back...

[Carolm]

Hi - I had both of my eyes done, two weeks apart, when I was 69.  It was by lazer, and the doctor used only drops in my eyes, no needles.  It was a breeze, although I was nervous and I got a mild tranqualizer from my regular physician.  It was very easy, no pain, and I am able to see and driver without glasses, even at night. I decided I wanted distance vision,  so I chose that type of lens.  I do use reading glasses.  Best of luck with the surgery. 

[Bjjo]

My brother in law has now both eyes completed. Loves being able to really see perfectly. It was a breeze for him😃 A friend had both eyes completed10 years and said she has freedom from wearing glasses and has enjoyed life so much more. My husband Will have this done in a couple of weeks.