CATARACT QUESTION ABOUT CHOICES - Page 2

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

@Shelbelle wrote:
I had both eyes done last year, no one ever asked me about any choices for any of it, my doc decided everything, both were a piece of cake, no issues and mine were paid 100% by Medicare. I did get the compounded drops, highly recommend that to using 3 bottles instead. Unless he is having a dropless procedure done. I had no anestethic, only drops in my eyes. My choice.

@Shelbelle

So are you awake to see the whole procedure? I would freak out.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

@Nightowlz wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
I had both eyes done last year, no one ever asked me about any choices for any of it, my doc decided everything, both were a piece of cake, no issues and mine were paid 100% by Medicare. I did get the compounded drops, highly recommend that to using 3 bottles instead. Unless he is having a dropless procedure done. I had no anestethic, only drops in my eyes. My choice.
@Shelbelle

So are you awake to see the whole procedure? I would freak out.

Yes, totally awake and conscious, didnt feel a thing and saw very little, just lots of flashing colors and lights. My doctor was funny, told me in addition to lying still I was not allowed to speak, he said you will hear the nurses and myself speak and you will have the urge to chime in but do not !!!

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

My doctor's office played a video explaining the benefits of laser surgery, especially if you have astigmatism. Also it is considered to be more accurate.

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@Nightowlz : I am freaking out. I have cataracts in both eyes and worse in my good eye. Referred to specialist because doctor also thinking glaucoma. First available appointment in April. My eyes are cloudy like I need to clean my glasses.I had a panic attack when they tried to do the eye pressure test. I had eye surgery in 1958 and 4 years old. I remember waking up and not able to see because of my bandages . My hands were tied to the hospital bed. People have argued with me and stated no way that I can remember that and especially at home : learning to walk around the house touching everything.

blueroses47 · ‎03-09-2010

@SouthernBee wrote:
@Nightowlz : I am freaking out. I have cataracts in both eyes and worse in my good eye. Referred to specialist because doctor also thinking glaucoma. First available appointment in April. My eyes are cloudy like I need to clean my glasses.I had a panic attack when they tried to do the eye pressure test. I had eye surgery in 1958 and 4 years old. I remember waking up and not able to see because of my bandages . My hands were tied to the hospital bed. People have argued with me and stated no way that I can remember that and especially at home : learning to walk around the house touching everything.

Of course, you remember having surgery when you were four, I have no doubt about that. It's the traumatic, important things that we remember most clearly about our very, very early years.

I had my tonsils removed when I was about 3 and a half, and I remember so many things about the surgery. I remember going to the hospital, and being very afraid. I think I remember getting the anesthesia, having a mask put over my face (it would have been gas at that time, I guess), and I remember seeing a swirling thing as I was put under.

I remember at some point waking up in a crib in the childrens ward, and seeing the night nurse reading in a chair under a lamp, and I remember my parents coming in to visit, before I was allowed to go home. And I remember how sore my throat was, and how I was given ice-cream to eat during my recovery.

So sure, it's more than possible to remember your surgery. I don't remember all that much from that early age, but I certainly remember that.

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@Nightowlz : Thank you and I totally understand. Several years later , my mother stated they gave me gas that made me really sick and not able to eat. I remember fighting with my hands when they tried to put the mask over my face and they said: Please be good and we will give you all the ice cream that you like. The only thing that I could eat was potato chips and ginger ale. Mom said that they fed me baby food at the hospital and that gave me stomach problems. Mom stated at home she and my Big Mama cooked black eyed peas and butter beans and mashed them up with corn bread . Stated that made me feel better, had more strength and gained weight. My childhood memories😀.

rissajaneen · ‎12-10-2012

I have had surgery on both eyes, one just done the end of October. Had the standard way done,not laser, and got the lens to just help me with distance.The first cataract was very bad, and I had a small amount of anesthesia, and felt nothing, and woke up fine. The second operation I would say I could faintly hear the doctor and see a bright light but I had no pain. I got the compound drops for my eyes,. My eyes healed fine after both surgeries, and it was good to see so much better. I wear a 1.75 reader at night to read books. Glad to have it all over and wish I had not put it off because of my fear. My only advice is find a good doctor with a good education and plenty of experience. I went to Carolina eye in Pinehurst, and am glad I did. Hoping your experience will be great!

Lilysmom1 · ‎11-08-2020

@Shelbelle @Nightowlz I had one eye done with anesthesia and one without. During the one without I was awake. I didn't enjoy it but the procedure doesn't last long. The benefit of doing it without is no fasting beforehand and quicker recovery. Not sure I would do it without again but thankfully don't have to make that decision.

My doctor gave me four options for lenses with a take home piece of info that was very helpful. I followed his recommendation and the result was great. I shared his literature with family members who also found it very helpful.

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

I had both eyes done last year. I was afraid it would hurt, but I didn't feel a thing. I upgraded one level---I think it was an extra $1000 per eye, but the doc recommended it. I misunderstood however about needing glasses. Apparently, they can have the new lens EITHER for distance or for closeness. So while I could see better long distance, I couldn't use the computer, nor read ingredients on food products. For a while I had readers for the computer and stronger readers for close up. I solved the problem myself by getting trifocals with clear at the top, a little help in the middle and stronger at the bottom. Now I don't have to switch back and forth. 2 things to note. After about 6 months I started getting blurred vision. The eye doc used a yag laser to clear it up. I only heard about a yag on these threads. They only do that once. 2nd thing--Medicare will pay for 1 pair of prescription glasses after cataract surgery. So I went from trifocals from amazon to a pair from Lenscrafters. They sent in the paperwork and I got a partial refund from Medicare. Win-win.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@D Kay wrote:
My doctor's office played a video explaining the benefits of laser surgery, especially if you have astigmatism. Also it is considered to be more accurate.

Those lenses seem to be great if they are placed correctly. If not, they need to be adjusted. You can't just insert them like you do the standard lenses. They must be placed perfectly by a skilled optamologist.

If there is a problem with them, it's not pretty trying to get them corrected.

I have really bad astigmatism. I have the standard lenses and I am not sorry I chose them. I don't need glasses, but I do wear a medical contact lens in my right eye that is huge. It covers the white of my eye as well as the colored part. It is paid for by medical insurance as an eye prosthetic.