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From: Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: cataract surgery
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:08:29 -0800
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On Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:43:36 -0600, Mark J cleary
<mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

>WOuld be curious what other here have done if they have had cataracts.

I had my left eye done on Jan 3, 2024 and the right on Jan 17, 2024.
In general, it went well but not perfectly.  There were some problems,
but few that you are likely to encounter.  

The surgery was done using a laser which I was told was more precise.
Other than preparation, setup and post op recovery, the laser portion
took about 10 minutes, most of which was strapping me down so I
wouldn't move.  I don't know about your costs or insurance, but I
wasn't given a choice.  The hospital bought the laser equipment and
was therefore inclined to use it.  With Medicare, I don't believe that
there was a cost difference or that a surgical option was available.

Four days prior to the first surgery, I was given a vinyl bag with 3
types of eye drops along with charts for when to use each eye dropper
and how often per day.
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/pWLvv31GFGtBRdYRA>
It was somewhat of a challenge organizing what to take and when.  I
wasn't accustomed to using eye drops and often missed the target.  I
had to try again until my aim improved.  Near the end, I ran out of
one of the eye drops and had to buy a replacement bottle.  This was
not my idea of fun.

After mid March, 2024, my vision started to resemble normal vision. It
was a major improvement over everything I had seen previously.  I was
elated, but it didn't last.  One of the eye drop is an
anti-inflammatory.  After I stopped taking it, the eyeball began
returning to its normal shape, plus a little astigmatism.  Immediately
after the surgeries, I could focus clearly from about 2ft to infinity.
Now, I can only focus clearly from about 4 ft to infinity.  I was
hoping that it would remain at 2ft to infinity, but that didn't
happen.

I also have difficulties with "dry eyes" and some eye fatigue.  These
were minor, not debilitating, but also disappointing.  Today, about a
year after the surgeries, the dry eye is gone thanks to warm and wet
eye compresses:
<https://www.amazon.com/Bruder-Activated-Recommended-Professional/dp/B01N303YPU>
Everyone I met (about 20 people) that had cataract surgery also had
some form of "dry eye" problem.

Currently, I use dollar store +2.00 diopter reading glasses for
reading and computer work.  For driving, I ordered cheap bifocals with
distance vision set only to correct for astigmatism, and +1.50 diopter
and astigmatism correction for viewing the automobile dashboard.
<https://www.zennioptical.com/b/wishlist/NDI0MTYy>

The various documents I was given to read included a warning not to do
anything that involved shock, bouncing, or getting hit on my head,
which might dislodge the new lens.  There is nothing really supporting
the lens in the eye and banging the head around could cause problems.
There was also a warning about placing my head below the level of my
waist, which raises the fluid pressure inside the eye.  I never did
get a clear answer for how long after surgery should I wait before
resuming these exercises.  I ended up totally abstaining from chainsaw
repair and preparing firewood for about 4 months.  Giving up bicycle
riding was easy because I have some back problems and riding was
painful.  I resumed going on flat walks and hikes after about 3
months.

I hope this helps.  Good luck on the surgery.  If you have any
questions, feel free to ask, send email, or call.


-- 
Jeff Liebermann                 jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272      http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
Skype: JeffLiebermann      AE6KS    831-336-2558