So…how many of you have undergone cataract surgery? I only ask because on August 1, I’m having the procedure performed on my left eye. The right eye will be done on August 22. Of course I’m a nervous wreck. But I’m happy to have the corrective work. Hopefully, when the first proof of my cookbook arrives in mid-August, I’ll be able to read it!
Here are two common symptoms of cataracts:
Foggy vision. By “foggy,” I don’t mean “blurry.” Blurry vision is usually corrected with contact lenses or eyeglasses. If your cataracts are like mine, you’ll think your eyeglasses are dirty. Ditto for your computer monitor, bathroom mirror, and car windshield.
Nighttime glare. You’ll swear that every oncoming motorist has his or her “brights” (high beams) turned on. When I’d angrily flash my own brights at these thoughtless drivers, they’d angrily return the gesture. Oops.
Probably I should have expected cataracts. My parents and other relatives had them, along with the corrective surgery. Silver Fox had the surgery, too, several years ago. He no longer needs glasses.
Anyway, if you suspect you might have cataracts, please don’t do what I did for two consecutive years, and waste your time and money at LensCrafters. Get thee to an honest-to-goodness ophthalmologist!
And if you’ve had cataract surgery, please talk to me in the comments field below. How long was the recovery time for you?
xKevin
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Marilyn says
I have, in 2012, and I’m working up the nerve to have the other eye done now. It’s not painful, easy, peasy, but still makes me very anxious. Good luck with yours!
Louise Brouillette says
Kevin, I had the left eye done in April and the right in May. I chose to have “monovision,” so that my left eye is for close up, and my right eye is 2020 for distance. Monovision isn’t for everyone, though, so if you’re considering it, talk to your doctor and see what he advises. I personally love it because I no longer need glasses for anything! It does take some getting used to, but I think it’s worth it. Keep us posted on how the surgery and recovery goes.
Trudi Tucker says
Had both my eyes done last Fall. I did what you did and waited, Kevin. Dumb! Should have done it way earlier. You can see clearly right after the surgery although my dr had me wear a patch for a day. Some drs don’t even do that. It was so easy. No pain. Biggest problem, to me, was deciding what kind of lens to have put in. You’ll be fine! And amazed at the difference.
Vicki S says
Kevin, I had both eyes done about two weeks apart in 2013. I went from 20/60 in one eye and 20/600 in the other, to 20/2o overnight. Both surgeries were easy to go through, recovery was incredibly fast, and I only reflect on why I waited to so long to get it done! This one is a slam dunk as long as you have an excellent ophthalmologist.
Jerry Miller says
HI Kevin, my mom had both her eyes done a few years ago. She’s happy to have had it done. The first thing she noticed is that everything appears brighter because she doesn’t have that cloud in her eye obscuring light.
The worst part is following the eye drop schedule. I needed up making her a spreadsheet so she wouldn’t forget any medicine. The eye drop schedule was something like four times a day for the first week, then 3 times a day for the next week and 2 times a day the following week. On top of that, she needed to prep the second eye for the upcoming surgery and that eye had its own routine.
Good luck and enjoy your new eyes!
Linda Holcomb says
Well, I’m one of the naysayers. I had both of mine done in March, a week apart. I wish I never had them done. The doctor put in corrective lenses (had no idea there was any other option.) The left eye was still not clear enough He said it was because I had Laser surgery done back in 2001 and that can have an effect when they do cataract surgery. So, he tweaked the right eye, so the vision is better, but not perfect. The problem is that I was given this pretty good distance vision and NO short vision. Before, I could go without glasses during the day. See what was in the shelves, read my prescription bottles, etc., but no longer. I was satisfied previously by having to wear bifocals for reading, needlework, etc. and the top for watching the TV that us about 20 feet away, but now I have two separate short visions. One for the really close up and one for laptop distance. My optician can’t seem to get my vision corrected appropriately for my new issue, so I’m constantly changing between magnifying glasses and the bottoms of my old bifocals. I got distance polaroid sunglasses, but the peripheral vision is wacky. A friend of mine said she had hers done and they put in clear lenses and she went back immediately to her regular glasses with no problems. When I mentioned it to my surgeon, he told me they don’t make clear lenses. I am not happy and my husband is tired of my constantly asking him to read something for me because I can’t see. I wish you much better luck.
Ruth says
I had mine done June 29th and July 13th. I am glad I had the surgery. My surgeon was excellent and my vision is brighter. I do not need glasses except for close work like reading or needle work. I haven’t had my final exam but after both surgeries I was 20/20 in both eyes. Restrictions of lifting and keeping water out of the eye for two to three weeks after surgery. Lots of drops and a little discomfort. You will be amazed at the colors!
Mary says
Both eyes done a couple of years ago. Recovery time was minimal. The trick is finding a very good surgeon who specializes in cataract surgery. There is no guarantee you won’t need glasses after surgery. It depends on how your eyes adjust. I have near in left eye and far in right and no problem adjusting. No glasses needed for driving. Sometimes I need them for reading…depends on the print. Good luck!
Katrina Hall says
I had left eye done years ago – time for the right eye, I think! I had a great surgeon (there were 9 of us in “eye chairs” – 2 were sent home because they had colds). Saw lots of beautiful colored circles during surgery . It took a while for my brain to figure out what had happened, so briefly saw everything black and white and upside down. Make sure someone is there to escort you to a car and home. No heavy lifting for a week. Best of luck to you!
Karen says
Both eyes done back in 2002 in London. Best thing ever! Need reading glasses but after waiting for too long to pluck up courage, it’s a small price to pay for the years of clear vision since
Barb says
Thanks for the encouraging comments. I have a consultation with the opthamalgist in two weeks. I too have been putting it off. My doctor said it’s not an emergency but it will have to be done at some point. I am just concerned about the post op restrictions since I am my husband’s main caregiver and need to lift him at times. Good luck to both of us!
lin willett says
Me too, not even a smidge of discomfort. You got this.
Marcia says
I had both eyes done several years ago. They said don’t eat any breakfast, but I was really hungry and had my friend stop to get a small sandwich. I promptly threw up on the doctor while he was trying to do all this. I had no idea I had thrown up, except I was a mess. I’m a gagger, so I don’t know if that was a factor or not.
I did not have the add-on expense lenses, but the plain ones. I have to wear glasses for very close up work, but I consider them to be safety glasses as I break needles and need eye protection.
I would have it done again if need be. No pain, could see right away.
Lyn says
I have had both my cataracts done a few years ago ,, no complications,,, colours were so bright and lovely it was incredible,,, now I have macular (nothing to do with the cataracts) so look forward to having injections every 6 weeks,, yuk!!!!!
Joyce Langan says
Good luck Kevin.
I am in England, I have cataracts forming in both eyes but have to wait until they “ripen” before they are lasered off.
Other people have mentioned choosing new lens, I have not heard of this option.
I really enjoy your site, both the contents and recipes.
Take care of yourself and keep us all informed of your progress.
sandra says
Good luck, Kevin. You will be so happy with new, clear vision. Thinking of you. xo
Julie Culshaw says
I was so happy to read your post, not because you have to undergo the procedure, but because I wondered what was wrong with my eyes. Tests show nothing and I have been assured I don’t have cataracts, but I haven’t seen an ophthalmologist about this, only an optometrist. I will get an appt soon and check it out. Your description is me to a t. Thanks for sharing your dilemma with us. All the best and keep us posted. Look forward to reading your blog.
Mary says
Had my left eye done in April and was scheduled for the right eye two weeks later. Left eye felt like glass shards piercing my eye. Doctor said all was fine but I couldn’t stand it and went back to the surgeon. Oh, no problem, just a scar where the incision was made! Six to eight months for it to heal and then new glasses. Obviously cancelled second surgery. Just a miserable experience. I would recommend several consultations with surgeons before taking steps to have someone cut your eye. Mine was done by a very reputable eye surgery center so you never know.
Angeline Angela says
Hi Kevin
My mom had her lenses replaced in both eyes. And she is 74. All went well and she is happy she can see much much better. My husband had a laser procedure for cataracts in both eyes. He is still having problem with his right eye. Doc says there is some moisture behind the retina. He is being treated and hopefully it will be gone soon. My mom had to stay one day with an eyepatch. And recovery was fast but no cooking or bending over etc etc. No sneezing hahahaha that was funny cus she is a morning sneezer and she had to wear dark glasses for weeks. My husband had to sit an hour in the docs office after surgery but then drove home and had to put drops for a week or so. So same problem two different procedures. I wish you all the best and a soon recovery. Be positive and follow docs orders.
Jean says
Hi Kevin,
I am also in limbo. Have waited 5 years now and the eyes just aren’t bad enough yet for cataract surgery. He gave me a new prescription for my glasses and said come back next year. I presently have monovision as I had Lasik years ago and love monovision but he told me they have better results not doing monovision for this procedure so I will have to decide maybe next year. I hear it is a “piece of cake” so good luck and I’ll be sending you positive thoughts! Gotta be able to read that new cookbook that we are all waiting for. Good luck!
linda faatz says
Oh yes. It has to be a rite of passage for us in middle age. Not a big deal and the recovery was not long. The biggest thing was not lifting anything heavy for awhile. Protect your eyes from sun glare for awhile. Amazing what they can do nowadays. I find that my eyes may be a little more sensitive to sun and wear sunglasses when I work in the garden or drive.
Good luck. You will see much better. You can choose near sighted or far sighted.
Mary K Jett says
I had my right eye done in 2006 and my left eye done in 2014. My doctor said another cataract has come back in my right eye and will have laser done on August 10, 2017. I was awake during surgery in 2014, a little scared, but I was so focused on the beautiful colors that I forgot I was having surgery. I can now see without glasses, but need them to read. I enjoy your blog and all the recipes.
Debbie says
Had them both done WAY BACK ohhhhhhhh, 17 years ago… Like Linda (above) I too had Monovision lens inserted(left eye for distance & right eye for reading) … it took about a year for my eyes & vision to completely heal and my vision to me Super clear ~
HOWEVER….
What this surgery did beyond correcting my vision was “triggered” a recessed Glaucoma gene to activate. Ten years later my vision when to Haites in a Handbasket – I can’t tell you how many surgeries I have undergone at this time… the last was 2 years ago when I said ENOUGH is ENOUGH! I’m going to one of our best Glaucoma doctors in Boston. Thank the heavens she is “more stubborn than my eye”. (<~ her words 🙂 )She is doing everything she can to keep what visio I have now… but there are NO guarantees in life … about any thing in life.
Would I do the original surgery again?
YOU BET YA!
For ten years my vision was SPOT ON and had I not had that recessive gene . . . I may have been DOWN TOWN today…. unfortunately for me – my vision STINKS and it isn't getting any better
I just hope I can keep enough vision so that I can continue to garden and cook.
Diana says
Hi Kevin, I had my left eye done for farsightedness July 20. The surgery is done with twilight anesthetic, so you are awake. No big deal. I found the changes in lights and colors to be psychedelic and wonder if that’s similar to what people on illegal drugs see. I wore a clear, plastic, protective cover over it for the rest of that day and during the night for a week. Also, no water in the eye for the first week. The first morning after, I was amazed how clear everything was! I can see individual leaves on trees, shadows, and street signs. I haven’t yet been on the road at night, but the moon (yes, there is only one moon!) and street lights no longer have halos and shatter into a zillion pieces so you can’t tell where the light actually is. I am currently wearing my usual progressive eyeglasses., so don’t see the benefit of the surgery until I take them off (which I do – a lot!) I will be off the eyedrops in a couple more weeks. I am getting the right eye done (for nearsightedness) on Aug 16. This eye has other issues, so will be amazed if it turns out as well as the left has. My opthamologist told me once all this is over, I should get prescription night driving glasses for night driving.
Please keep us posted with your surgery and recovery. Wishing all the best to you!
Sue in Louisville, KY says
Kevin, I had my cataracts removed three years ago and it was wonderful. Quick, easy, and painless. I had been a monovision contact lens wearer for 25 years prior to the surgery so I opted for monovision lenses for my eyes. It is wonderful, like having brand new eyes. No need for glasses or contacts. After the first eye was done I couldn’t wait to have the second one done and it went just as great as the first. Nothing to be nervous about but I think we all have a bit of anxiety before any surgery. Good luck and enjoy your new vision.
Janis says
It will go well, Kevin. My father-in-law is now retired but he was an awesome opthamalogist. He said the surgery has come so far from when he started out as a young doctor. The healing does not take long, usually you feel great after a day but is very much up to the individual. Best of luck to you for a successful surgery on the 1st and the 22nd. ( Guess you will miss the total solar eclipse )
Dennis R says
Hey Kevin…. how many optometrists does it take to
change a lightbulb? Is it one or two? One….?
or ……Two…?
Good luck with the procedure and feel better soon !
Lois says
Hi Kevin,
I have not had cataract surgery but stayed with my sister during her first time (both surgeries went well). She was very nervous because of a congenital situation that may’ve complicated surgery, but didn’t (and is actually quite common and routinely handled), so she put it off longer than she should’ve. As others have said, the worst part is keeping up with the eye drop schedule before and after. She was seeing amazingly clearly for distance shortly after the eye patch was removed the day after the surgery and has been very pleased with the results. Have non-prescription sunglasses ready because your eye will be very sensitive to bright light. Best wishes!
Elizabeth says
Hi Kevin,
I have had my left eye done & it was an easy procedure to have done. You are not given anaesthetic so the recovery time is quite short. There are a few limitations post procedure like not bending over & not lifting anything too heavy but you will feel fine. You are lucky to have them both done so quickly. I had mine done in February & have had to wait till this December to have the other done. I thought I would get it done right after the first one was done.
Good luck with yours.
Paula says
Oh, Dennis, thanks for my morning laugh!
Kevin, my mother just had the operation done. It was a snap. Modern laser technology is amazing.
Nickie says
Kevin, so far I have good eyesight only needing reading glasses, but my sister won’t drive anymore because of cataracts. However, her doctor says they are not bad enough to operate (yet). My mom had hers done when she was in her 80’s. She is now 91 and sees perfectly. Doesn’t even need reading glasses. Cheerio!
The other TRUDI says
Prayers and good wishes for your eyes AND your nerves dear one. My husband had the surgery and I told him if you’re gonna have the surgery get the best lenses. At our age (we are WAY older than you) we don’t get to do it again. . So he got the 6 grand lenses and had a short recovery time for a few days, while i played step and fetch it.. The doc told him their patients had to have a ride home . He is PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS It’s been the first time since adolescence that he has not had to wear glasses! I believe you will love the results .It took him years to work up the courage and three interviews with different docs before he found one he felt comfortable with.
Nancye says
An absolute piece of cake! Left eye corrected for distance in April and a month later, the right eye for reading and computer. Wore a patch overnight, took it off and drove to my followup appointment the next morning.The eye drop routine is a very minor hassle for healthy eyes. Wait until you see your garden with your new eyes! You’ll be so glad you did this.
Carol Belvedere says
Dear Kevin, I had cataract surgery on both eyes, one month apart in 2014. I was also annoyed at drivers flashing their brights at night! I was a bit apprehensive, after all, these eyes are very precious, but I am so glad I had it done. I also had astigmatism in both eyes. The doctor implanted lenses to correct this, so now I only need glasses for close reading. The surgery went very smoothly, I wil say a prayer for you!
Marion says
Hello Kevin,
I just had cataract surgery – both eyes, two and a half weeks apart – in July. Am still on the eye drop routine. Surgery was painless and quick. Are you going to the Latham center? Great staff there. They will calm your nerves. You will enjoy being able to see so much more vivid colors! All those veggies in your garden will be even more beautiful. Good luck!
Carol Hanson says
Kevin I had the right eye done mid April and the left the first of May. First time in over fifty years not wearing glasses! I was given a choice of having distance or close up vision and I chose distance. Need glasses to read and for close work of any kind but it’s wonderful not wearing them all the time and having 20-20 for the first tie in my life! I have glaucoma and dry eye and so the added drops pre and post surgery were a challenge to keep straight but I’m really glad I had the surgery. You’ll do great!
Irene Wilkinson says
Kevin, my surgery was done several years ago about 2 years apart. One eye was considerably worse. You will be glad to hear that once you’re done it’s good forever. The cataracts never grow back. Found that out by asking questions after a successful surgery. It takes longer to prep you than the actual surgery. In my case there was no pain and the only problem was following the eye drop schedule before and after surgery. Good luck and best wishes.
sandra says
Kevin- find the right surgeon!! Check the “rate your doctor” website and see what your current surgeon’s patients say about their experiences. Hubbys first experience on the right eye was NOT good. Went to a highly recommended (by opthmologist) surgeon. Results: hubby was blind in right eye for 3 months. That was followed by many laser treatments to “push aside the gunk” to create a line of vision. Many Rx’s for drops & ointnents, no lifting, no driving. And no less than 18 follow up visits. $$$
Then came time for left eye. We checked with everyone we knew personally, and online. Then we interviewed the short list. Went to Bochner Institute in Toronto. Marvin Stein is an awesone surgeon. Surgery done in less than 15 minutes. Immediate success. Hubby was drinking coffee & eating homemade cookies in recovery. I was allowed to watch procedure on the monitor that surgeon uses but I was watching through a glass wall positioned behind surgeon. One follow up appointment. Drops for a couple of weeks. No subway for a week because suction in the “subway tube” can distort newly operated eyeball. That was it!! Yay. Bottom line – theres a world of differences in surgeons.
Lynne Lillie says
Have had both eyes done. Easy surgery (you’ll be TOTALLY relaxed and will even chat with the doc a bit as he’s doing the procedure); fast recovery (about 24 hours of wearing a patch as I recall). No pain, new vision: how does it get better than this!? Be at ease, my friend.
Sue says
Piece of cake for both of mine, too. Mine were 6 years apart. After the first…no more glasses. Now, though, I need them to read and do close up work like sewing.
Ann says
My husband had his eyes done a few years ago – he is 86 in a few weeks time, no problems. You are having your first op on my birthday! Good luck – I’ll be thinking of you.
Sandy says
Kevin, I’m on track with you. Left eye on Aug 8 and right on Aug 24. I’m 77, not afraid at all. The positive feedback from your fans (above) has strengthened my resolve. Notto worry , Kevin. We are in this boat together!
Cornelia Vick says
The surgery for cataracts is a very easy. Be sure to notice the beautiful new colors that you will enjoy….Cataracts are yellow, so you have had a yellow film over your eyes for a while. My house
looked like I had redecorated !!!!! Love all the bright fabrics……. Good luck….. My surgery
was early in the morning, so I was home by 9 o’clock…..stopped by Starbucks for a coffee
before coming home. Will be thinking about you tomorrow………
Joni D. says
Best thing I’ve done! Easy – piece of cake (mmm!)! So interesting when one can see again and how bright the colors are! I actually hollered at my husband for letting me paint our bathroom – it was too bright after the surgery! I got corrective lenses – no glasses, no contacts – LOVE IT! Was a little worried before the first one – could hardly wait for the second surgery so I could see all of the bright colors again!
Maraya says
I had mine done about 20 years ago. At that time, the doctors here were using injections all around the eye to numb the area before surgery. I was lucky; I had a great surgeon who was very progressive, and all I had were some numbing drops, like they use during an exam. No pain at all, and I was fascinated by the procedure. Of course, I still needed a ride home, but I was alert and felt great!
I don’t know what “6 grand” lenses are. The only choice I had was distance vision or monovision. I chose monovision because I had done that with contacts before. I’m so glad I did! I don’t need glasses for anything, and I can read the tiniest print. I used to be extremely nearsighted, and needed glasses to find my contacts. When I got older and developed presbyopia, I had to go back to glasses again, because they didn’t have bifocal contacts at that time.
Do be precise about following those recovery instructions. There are some negative results listed in this column, but you will find that with any surgery – even simple and ordinarily successful kinds. The risk is very small – certainly far lower than crossing the street or driving your car – so try to view this as an adventure and a gift of clear vision.
Everyone is right – the colors are amazing! You don’t realize what you’ve been missing! Wait until you see that purple and green kitchen equipment, and the flowers in your garden! Along with the tension, I hope you feel some anticipation and excitement!
Best of luck, and keep us posted.
Rosemary S. says
Hi Kevin, well all I can say is that you are about to see your world through an amazing set of eyes. Your garden will be greener, each flower petal, tree branch, blade of grass, herb bud, drop of dew ….. well, you get the picture ….. will appear as if you are seeing it for the very first time. It’s all rather exciting. Blueberries are bluer, butter is more yellow, your green mixing bowl, your adoring puppy and even your little people, will appear to you in life as vividly as they live in your heart. Kevin, enjoy it all and know that as each ‘big, painless 15 minute surgical event’ is underway, hundreds x 1000 of us will lovingly and appreciatevely be holding you in our hearts and minds. Enjoy the wonder of it all !
P.S. I’ll be thinking of the Silver Fox too and wishink him steady nerves and a happy ‘recovery’. Please let him say ‘I told you so’ a few times so that he can ‘revover’ too. Love to you both ……
Kip Morrissette says
Every time I went for my yearly eye check-up, I’d say, “Please don’t tell me I have cataracts because if I do, I’ll go blind first.” I am one who HATES anything to do with touching my eyes. She said I had them but not that bad…yet. However, this last exam she said, “You need to get the cataracts removed.” Long story short, I am having Right eye done Sept 14th and Left done a week later (but seems most have said it was longer between second eye done so I’m going to check about that.) I will ‘try using eye drops’ but if I can’t tolerate them, he will prescribe pills v.s. drops. I have a problem especially with night driving. Many times an on-coming vehicle has 4 headlights but I’d scoot my eyeglasses down on my nose and they’d become 2 headlights. One gal in the office told me her most horrifying experience following her cataract surgery was walking into her kitchen and seeing the color on the walls! No one had told her it was the ugliest color they’d ever seen. She called a painter immediately. Good luck and will add YOUR name to MY OWN prayer list. 🙂
Barb says
I wondered why I didn’t do it sooner. A new colorful world opened up to me within hours after surgery. Will be thinking of you on August 1.
Maraya says
Kip, about those eye drops – try this method: Lie down, or tilt your head far back. Place the bottle tip just above the inside corner of your eye and then CLOSE YOUR EYES. Squeeze a drop onto that corner, and then open your eye, blinking and tilting slightly outward. The drop will flow into your eye. You will not have to see that drop coming toward you. It’s really easy.
Samantha Gray says
Hi Kevin! I’m writing as a nurse practitioner who has NOT had cataract surgery, but has seen many patients receive it. All our patients who have had it done are happy and report better vision, and no pain at all (some say the drops are a royal nuisance, although essential). I have a small cataract which is not ready for surgery yet, complicated by an astigmatism, so surgery for me will be a bit tricky. But in the hands of a really good opthalmologist every one’s vision should improve post-operatively. Good luck and please keep us posted! You’re the best, and I love reading and watching the videos on your site.
Beth says
I had both eyes done. One for reading and one for distance. Don’t need any glasses. No real anesthesia but I think they call it twilight sleep. All I know is I remember the ruse telling me to stop talking. I guess I was talking lots!!! Just had to use anesthetic drops for a few days. Mine “ripened so fast I didn’t have time to put off the surgery
Ing-Marie Peck says
Good Luck with the surgery, and speedy recovery.
Carmen says
I am wishing you speedy recovery, Kevin. I, too, have had both eyes “done”, and later had a quick laser procedure called a capsulotomy (I think) when the lens capsule also became opaque.
Linda says
Its a fairly easy process. I worried far more than I should have. A good surgeon will explain everything he is going to do. Whatever is the medication they give you ahead of time, you may be technically “awake” but you could care less what they want to stick where. Haha. It was over and done with before I knew it without any anxiety once I had that medication. The best part was how much my vision was improved WITHOUT glasses. My last driving test, I didn’t need my glasses to get my license renewed, it was that good!
Barbara says
I’ve been told it’s inevitable, but not yet bad enough to have insurance cover it. So i wait. And wait. And now, with my vision in one eye so bad that it unnerves me constantly, i’m kind of afraid to make an appointment with my ophthalmologist because i fear she’ll finally say, “It’s time.” [insert chicken sound here]
I feel your terror, but most of these comments are very reassuring. 🙂
Patty Jausoro says
Kevin, I did it. Got the lens replacement surgery. Aside from it being a very strange experience, the greatest part of it is that even after just one eye, COLORS came alive! I only had a very very slight cataract, not enough to get it covered. So I paid. Didn’t think there was anything at all that I would see differently. I hope you have fun with that. With all your flowers and plants, you might just feel like you slipped into another dimension. And I too was awake. The weirdest part is when they described exactly what I would see in terms of shapes as they did the surgery and I did!
Recovery is fast – use the drops. And no more looking for your glasses! But get good sunglasses. You’ll need them. Get several pairs and keep them everywhere.
I do have halo-ing which is much worse than it was before, but not everyone gets that. It is getting better. Good luck!
Deva says
I had cataract surgery for both eyes about three years ago. It was all very positive. I don’t remember any discomfort. Recovery was easy. The most import thing is how well you will be able to see. So clear, so sharp, and the most important thing, the colors. Amazing how the colors are so pure and sharp. You are in for a treat. I still wear glasses because it’s easier to read and cook without taking the readers on and off. I don’t need them for driving, but I wear them all the time. Do you remember when you first got glasses and you could see blades of grass for the first time. It’s the same thing!
Elaine R says
My husband had his done over ten years ago…decide ahead of time whether you prefer a reading distance or driving distance. He had opted for distance vision for the first eye but realized after, that he spends lots of time doing close work and reading and was then limited in his choice for the second eye.
However, luckily or unluckily he had two separate detachments in the “distant” eye which required a band to reshape the eyeball . That converted that eye to work better at near vision and mostly he needs glasses for driving.
The main caveat after surgery is no lifting or straining . And take a pair of sunglasses along…dilation makes things too bright for comfort for a few hours.
Maraya says
One more thing, Kevin: You still may see some light halos or a slight sunburst effect during the healing stages, which will fade gradually over time, so don’t think the surgery failed.
Linda A says
Kevin, When the time comes for cataract surgery for me, I’ll stick with the straight-forward tried and true method and not add corrective lenses. I’d rather wear contacts or glasses for that. Much easier to adjust a prescription that way.
But, during recovery, do tell Lily to sit at your feet or jump on the sofa on her own!
Will wait on your “good news” report.
Catherine says
To Joyce in England – my doctor said waiting until cataracts “ripen” is
not necessary but when you get to the point where they interfere with what you are trying to do it is time to remove them.
CathyP
Virginia – USA
Catherine says
Kevin, I had first time and secondary surgery – couldn’t believe how quick
it was. The hardest part for me was waiting to get my new glasses after
the surgery. Tomorrow is August first, good luck, you’ll do great!
CathyP
Anne Schmidt says
You will love the results! Recovery is next to nothing and your good looks will not suffer one iota! I’ve got my eye on you, so be sure to let us know how things go.
Marcia Colby Truslow says
Had both of my eyes done at a relatively young age (60’s) due to years of Cortisone therapy. Easiest surgery I’ve ever had. Was somewhat awake through first one and saw lovely underwater scenes of the entire process. Told the anesthesiologist and he hung his head to say he had not given me enough to put me out. Consequently, 2nd surgery was a total blank. I have 2 different lenses, one for distance and the other for more close up work. From the beginning I have always had to wear readers to read unless I kick up the print size on my Kindle. Still have halos around lights at night so no improvement there. At least I was able to ditch my trifocals and I am happy with that. Great good luck to you, Kevin. Don’t be shocked if they take a purple marker and put an X on the white of your eye that will be operated on. The marker is antiseptic!
Harriet Littlefield says
Had my cataract surgery in July – Monovision – right eye for reading and left eye for distance. My contacts had been set up with this configuration years prior. Best decision I ever made. Minimal recovery time.
The first one I was not aware of anything the second only during set up.
Can’t confirm anything already posted with regards to seeing light etc during procedures.
Went out to lunch as soon as procedure was over.
Good luck-you will do great.
Cindy Woods says
I work for three ophthalmologists and we do about 70 eyes a week. You will be thrilled with your results. Day of surgery, you will get lots of drops (numbing, dilating, antibiotic), and, if your surgeon chooses, some sedation right before the procedure. The surgery itself is so quick and you’ll be home about two to three hours later. Many of our patients go out to breakfast or lunch afterwards…of course they’re starved! If you have sedation, you’ll want others to drive you around until the next day. We put a patch on the operative eye for four hours, mostly for comfort and protection; your eye is numb and dilated. Each surgeon is different here. Keep your sunglasses handy. Postoperative drops are a reality for some, but it goes by quickly, and you may get a chart to keep track. Two of my surgeons place the antibiotic and steroid right in the eye, slow release, while they are doing the procedure. Those patients go home with an nsaid eye drop to use at bedtime for two weeks and that’s it!! Again, each surgeon is different. Most patients comment on how much brighter the world is and many don’t need corrective lenses anymore. Some just need cheater readers. It will depend on your choice of lenses…talk to your surgeon about options. Our only restrictions are no swimming or hot tubbing for a week, haha! We allow patients to resume normal activities, including bending and lifting. Good luck! Truly enjoy your Sunday visits!
Judith says
Kevin…. I agree with those who have had success…. Had mine done (both eyes…. two months apart) Like you I was fearful of any surgery…. but had a great doc….. Now I drive with confidence , no more glare… colors beautiful… no fog….
You will notice a difference almost immediately…. Mine was can I read license plates…. street signs… and yes….
Recovery… is minimal… Like everyone else said… Just eyedrops for a few weeks after….
Restored eyesight to 20 20 in one eye and almost 20 20 in other….
Just use readers….now for small print… but I can read print I didn’t read before….
Amen….
PS Surgery…. is fast….fast fast fast….Thank you Lord for Kevins safe surgery and good doctors and caregivers…. Amern
Emy M. says
May your eye surgery go really well and may the Lord grant you a speedy recovery when you follow all that the doctor tells you to do and not to do after the procedure.
Maggie says
Just do it. No pain and only caveat is follow instructions concerning no eating before go time and take the drops correctly. I still like my glasses when I drive at night but it is a special lens for that. You will be happy you did this.
Maggie Smith says
Just do it. No pain and only caveat is follow instructions concerning no eating before go time and take the drops correctly. I still like my glasses when I drive at night but it is a special lens for that. You will be happy you did this.
Robert S. says
I have had cataract surgery in both eyes. I was a bit concerned before I had the surgery so I only scheduled one eye. The surgery was easy and I had no pain. Three days later when my eye cleared up I scheduled the other eye. I went from 20/40 in one eye and 20/50 in the other to 20/20 in both eyes. I was amazed at how clearer my vision was. After the first operation I noticed that everything had a dingy, yellow tint when I looked through the eye that didn’t have surgery. I still sometimes use reading glasses when the light is dim or the print is small. Some surgeons offer to correct your astigmatism. Mine is very mild so I didn’t do it. Friends who did pay an extra $5000 (not covered by insurance) per eye still had to use reading glasses.
Jeannie says
I’m praying for your great results in surgery. In the meantime, this may help the headlight glare problem.
Warning, you must do this when you are ready to pull up the covers and go to sleep, not any walking around AT ALL, as your vision will be temporarily very blurry. VERY blurry.
Just have a bit of olive oil in a dish or cup and have clean fingers. Dip a finger in the oil, and then put it on your eyeball. Do the other eye, too. Go to sleep, the blur will be gone by morning.
I did this and the glare left. I had found it in a natural cures book.
Leslie says
My 78 yr old husband just had both eye done 5 days apart, both procedures done in under a half hour. He’s already commenting on the wonderful colors! The doctor expects he will have 20/20 vision! I’m envious!
My only suggestion when they give the handy tracking charts for the eye drops is to actually note the time each different type drop is given. It is so easy to wonder when you get busy was that 3 hours ago or 4 etc.??
Good luck! I bet you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. The technology is phenomenal.
I look forward to your humorous down to earth blog every weekend. It’s part of my Sunday ritual. I actually propagated some boxwood to see if it works in the high desert, 2 in the ground & 2 in pots. So far none have died.
SueEllen says
The absolute best surgery ever!!
I had both eyes done last year (two weeks apart). I had no problems at all. Actually, could see clearly soon after my first eye surgery and wore a patch on the other eye so I could enjoy the view with out the cloudy dull film until I got the other eye done.
Yes, driving at night was just awful!! I felt like I was looking at bright sparklers when looking at the on coming lights and then the tail lights were like bright red circles that kept expanding.
I just gave up driving because it was so bad.
Yes indeed, the best surgery for me and it will be for you too!
Karen Wheeler says
Hubby had it done to both eyes several years ago, no probs. He is an artist so his vision is essential… though I think that goes for us all, artist or not! He had no problems, and his vision is a lot better than mine. I have been told my cataracts are not ready for surgery yet, so maybe another year before I really NEED them done; I think I still see fine with my reading glasses! You will do fine, Kevin. It is a snap, from the many friends and relatives I’ve observed having the implant surgery. You’ll be in my GOOD THOUGHTS, guy! ❤️.
Thank you for the lovely clafouti recipe. And the garden tours are the BEST. I always look forward to getting your blog!
badger gardener says
Wow, I had no idea you could get your vision corrected at the same time as cataract surgery. There is a strong family history of cataracts in my family so I wouldn’t be surprised to need this a bit down the line. The idea of having my vision corrected afterward makes it seem like something to look forward to in some ways. Thanks for sharing your story. I really learned something from everyone’s experiences. Best of luck.
Liz says
I had both eyes done within weeks of each other about two years ago. Piece of cake–with a good specialist. I selected to see better when driving so I went from nearsighted to farsighted.
I still don’t know why I had to choose. It might be my astigmatism problem.
Mariska says
The very best of luck with the surgery My parents both had theirs done years ago and they were happy that they did. It will be my turn soon as well.
Glenda says
Had cataracts removed from both eyes a year and a half ago. As others have said….its an extremely easy procedure and really nothing to it….well other than all the many eye drops one has to use. When I took the eye patch off the morning after my first cataract operation, I couldn’t believe the clarity of the sun shining through my beautiful glass front door and the houseplant on my dining room table almost had a 3D quality about it!
One recommendation Kevin, after the first operation, and since my previous sunglasses were rendered useless, I went to Walmart and bought a cheapy pair as here where I live in Canada, the sun is always out and of course strong. Might be worth having such a pair on hand. Initially had some problem with lighting in stores but after a while that problem went away. Be sure to use the drops as prescribed…you will be fine! Sending you my very best.
Janet Metzger says
Kevin,
all the best. Dad had cataract surgery on both eyes. it went well. cataracts now have a relatively easy solution (unlike macular degeneration or glaucoma); still scary but within limits. praying for it all to go well Janet
Linda.. says
Recovery is hardly any time at all. Just the colored glasses at first. Energy level for me was quite low because I had worked myself up into high anxiety, being scared to death. Others had tried to tell me there was no pain but I simply could not believe it. There literally is no pain to the procedure! Just make sure you have a very highly recommended Opthamologist, as THEY need to know what kind of lens, size and strength, you should have. They will probably give you a choice in whether you want both eyes the same strength, or a little variance, but they will explain all that. Size of lens is important. I had to have my first one redone, as the Dr put a lens in that was too small and it caught all the light on the beveled edge and bounced off into all these refracted light patterns! Headlights, porch lights, indoor lamps….all created halo’s and bouncing beams of light! Having an IOL replacement, is much more difficult than doing an original cataract surgery. I had a different Dr for the second eye. So make sure your Dr has done a LOT of them, and that they have a stellar reputation! Then……it is easy peasy! Oh, and it is still important to wear sunglasses in bright sunlight afterwards, as those lenses can be affected by the sun just like your own natural eyes can.
Barbara Gunther says
Kevin,
Yet another Barbara to leave advice. Hey, I was the biggest chicken! I don’t like needles at all (still don’t) and was determined not to have the procedure. I gave in as my once perfect distance vision was awful. If the operation that covers implant lenses that improve distance and close up is covered by your insurance or if you have the means to pay – go for it. I have an excellent ophthalmologist and it’s been a awesome improvement.
You should do all of the pre and post surgery eye drops, wear the eye patch protector at night and make sure to have all of your post-op exams.
It’s been four years now and I’ve had what is called a Yag laser procedure in both eyes to blast away normal (cellular) buildup. Some folks don’t need that, but I was so jazzed not to absolutely need glasses for driving that I had it done one year ago. Take it from the queen of cluckers – It’s a piece of cake!
Dominique says
Good luck Kevin, from New Zealand ! Will be thinking of you and I am sure everything will work well . I am off now to make that scrumptious looking ” clafouti aux myrtilles ” and will have a slice just for you. A bientot mon ami.
Deonna Bishopp says
Kevin, my dearest friend Adrienne had hers done and she calls them now her bionic eyes! They put special lens in her cornea so she can see like she’s the 6million$ woman! Post op she had to protect them for a bit from light, but then, look out eyemazing!!!
I know you’ll love it and like the Knees, you’ll be glad they’re replaced!!
Thanks for always sharing things that make me Smile!
Deonna
Deb Mercer says
CATARACTS…
I had the surgery done 9 years ago in the same manner you’re having it: one eye at a time 2-3 months apart. Recovery time for each surgery was 2-3 weeks, but that has to do with the NO bending over and no heavy lifting. You’ll be able to see in 2-3 days!
TO NOTE…
Before my surgery the world was gorgeously golden-hued and lovely. Afterwards everything had a harsher, blue-white look which was not as aesthetically pleasing. However, I was glad to see “true color” as I was designing and building a 3,200 sf home in RI!
Bev Fisk says
I’ve had both eyes done. Dreading the surgery was the worst part. Turns out the procedure was a breeze. Recovery was pretty easy, too.
I only regret that I spent my energy worrying about that first surgery. Don’t make me start singing that ‘Frozen’ song, lol!
Deborah S Cripple says
Nothing to it! I had both of my eyes done at 2 weeks apart…you just put eye drops in after the surgery and wear a protective cover over the eye…I can see clealry now! 🙂
Wishing you the best!
Nora McDowell says
I had cataract surgery a few years back. I barely remember the blurriness but the glare was awful. The glare from oncoming signs would go from the sign down to the roadway. I eventually had to give up night driving.
My recovery was a little slower as I had a small tear in the capsule that holds the lense, causing a secondary cataract within two weeks. A secondary cataract is taken care of by laser but I had to wait 90 days for that.
Before cataract surgery I was very extremely short sighted. Now I can see very well without glasses except for the astigmatism, so I still wear glasses, and I really, really need reading glasses which my glasses include.
Some people do one eye short and one eye long but I did not do that.
I am very happy with the results.
Also, during the surgery I found it to be a real light show with brilliant turquoise and pink. Not everyone sees this, but never having done LSD in the day, it was quite the trip.
Nora McDowell
Lew says
There are herbal lotions that can be used to get rid of cataracts.
Trish says
My Mum had both her eyes done a few years ago when she was in her early 80’s. She loved it and never wore any type of glasses again. She also had done one eye for closeup and one for distance.
Carolyn says
Hi Kevin….
I had cataract surgery 6 years ago-huge success, and I never looked back!
Carolyn
Carol Ann says
I haven’t had it done but may have to in the future. My prayers for you that it’s easy and successful and a very quick recovery. God bless.
Dale Gasque says
My husband had both eyes done at the same time, and it was a breeze( and this was a man who shuddered at the very thought of ever wearing contact lens because touching his eyes made him cringe). The hardest part was keeping track of the drops before and after. He didn’t need distance glasses anymore after the operation. If you have an astigmatism, opt for the $400 extra to have cuts into the part of the eye (I forget what it is) that should be round instead of a football shape. The cuts make it (?) lie flatter.
Good luck!
Deborah Goodman says
My mother had hers done just this last spring. She has had very good results and she now only needs glasses for reading and knitting. She did get smart and gave her home a good cleaning ( can’t be around dust for a bit afterwards) and did a freezer meal or two in case she didn’t feel like cooking afterwards. I’m not sure if she ever did need to use the freezer meal but it is always nice to have one on hand for any number of reasons. Hope all goes well and keep us posted.
Julie says
Kevin- no fears! I have not had “that” surgery but worked in the field many years ago and back then it was close to 100% success!
PJ says
I too delayed having my cataracts fixed until I was having difficulty reading up close (I always was short-sighted and could read books without glasses). The day after my surgery on each eye, I had sharp distance vision (hiking without rain messing up my glasses is outstanding!). I have to wear glasses to see close.
Because I use a computer for hours a day, I elected to have “computer glasses”. The top of the lens is set for clear vision at the (accurately measured) distance from my eyes to the computer screen, and these have bifocals (NOT the graduated type which made everything out of focus most of the time) for reading notes on my desk (or a book in my lap). I suggest this. My husband has the same sort of work environment and has the same set-up.
Pauline says
Just want to say God Bless you on your surgery today!! Hope it goes extremely well!!
Julie R says
I have not had cataract surgery, but I have had RK (Radial Keratotomy surgery, which is a eye surgery to correct nearsightedness) done on both of my eyes. My eye sight never got perfect after the surgery, but considering how bad my eye sight was prier to surgery, and how much it did improve after surgery, I am just thankful for any improvement that I did receive. I had worn glasses since I was a kid and then wore contact lenses for several years until my eyes started to have a dry eye condition that made it too uncomfortable to wear the contact lenses any longer. So I went back to wearing glasses only. My vision continued to get worse over the years, to the point where I could not see the time on my alarm clock clearly without my glasses, with the alarm clock right next to my bed. Without glasses, I had to get really up close to it to see it clearly enough to read it. Now I can read it from farther away, but now that it has been several since the RK surgery, my eyes sight has slowly been getting worse again. I hadn’t been to an eye doctor in a long time, so I know that I am due for a eye check up.
My mom had cataract surgery done, I remember putting her eye drops in both of her eyes leading up to her getting the surgery, because she could not do it herself. After her cataract surgery, her vision was still blurry, so I took her to get bifocals.
I enjoy reading the posts from everyone, I learn so much good info.
Sally Thomas says
Dear Kevin
Hope the surgery went well. Like you I refused to do anything for almost three and a half years. Finally to an eye doctor. When the surgeon finished he said “you did not have a cataract you had a brick.” I had perfect vision from immediately after the surgery.
Glad you are not waiting any longer. The longer it is put off the more difficult to give Len enhancement..
All best wishes ,
Sally
Shirley Parran says
Hope all went well. I am looking at the surgery in about 7 months or so. I refuse to drive at night. Yes, blurry is point on. I have known several people who have had the surgery and none of them had any complications, and all raved about how much better their eyesight was.
Jane says
Hope your cataract surgery went well.
Carmen Cassivi, Val-Morin Quebec says
Dear Kevin, do not worry a second about cataract surgery. I had it done 2 years ago, and like you, I was so nervous I did not sleep the 2 previous nights.
Well, it lasts something like 10 minutes, my surgery specialist was super professionnal, I joked after that he operated me while the music playing was Jimmy Hendrix, believe it or not, that was for the first eye. I kidded him that it was kind of psychedelik. My second eye was 3 weeks later, and this time I had classical music. Seriously, all this to say that science has all the new technology, there is no pain whatsoever, and these clinics offer very good care before and after the operation. You will immediately realize the change, in my case I did not need any more glasses.
Let us know how it went, I’m sure you will be back in your kitchen and/or your garden a few days later.
Jan Hurlow says
I’m on my way. Have already had one eye scraped, sounds awful but it wasn’t bad. Looking forward to having cataracts done, done, done.
Maire Collins says
Good Luck. I had my left eye done in August, 2017, the very next morning my vision was almost perfect. Had the right eye done three weeks ago; very different story. Knew something was wrong half way through the surgery, but was told all was fine. My Dr. is supposedly one of the best in the WORLD. Well, I still have blurred vision, cloudy, and painful right eye with many disturbing spider web floaters, which I never had before. The day following my surgery showed worse vision than my left eye, but still no explanation of what went wrong. I knew because they were squirting water into my right eye to the point that my hair was wet and dripping down my neck; they finally finished the surgery and said all was well. It wasn’t, and still isn’t; however, no one will tell me what happened. I have an appointment 11/10/17 for my final check up, but don’t really expect anything different. My eye hurts everyday. The only time it feels better is if I keep it shut, which really sucks as I do a ton of driving every day. Wish I never had it done. I went to this particular doctor because I had known him for years and thought he was the best.
Debrina says
Best of luck on your surgeries. I hope yours goes better than mine did. I had my left eye done 11/6/17, for left eye mono vision to see close up. Got poked at the very end of the surgery, Cataract Specialists (Well known in the area, one of the best eye centers and surgeons within a 3 state range, supposedly). Dr. said he poked my eye because he was too aggressive and my eyeball was extra soft. (kinda strange, I have looked u soft eyeball and nothing reasonable comes up). The white part of my eye was red except the little white part closest toward your nose. The rest of my eye looked like a Zombie. IT had pains in it off and on, sharp pains, but it finally ease off after a week. Had to wear patch over it 2 weeks. So far I have had to go back 4 times. He thought he was going to have to go in and put more stitches in, because it had a hole in it but he put some contact thing in it for a week, like a plain contact I had to wear to keep it from getting infected. And I had to use glaucoma drops (I do not have glaucoma), but it is for eye pressure. I guess the surgery or drops made eye pressure go up. I made sure I didn’t take any aspirin or any kind of drug what so ever in my body to make sure I didn’t have any type of reactions with surgery that day. Not even a Tylenol for headache, not even vitamins, not even my hormone medicine. It would have been okay, I just wanted to be extra careful because I had read so much and did months of research going into this cataract procedure. Vision got better every few days. But night vision way worse than before. I can see in the day time without contacts or glasses but my eye feels strained like I need to close it and it’s red, it feels irritated like I have a contact on the outside of it and like it has vaseline or baby oil on it. Weird feeling. The bloody red eye cleared up. And he said hole was cleared up. I can see a little thing in my eye when I look in the mirror. LOL. I have to laugh to keep from screaming or crying. Looks like a snow flake in one of those little Christmas water globes you shake and snowflakes fall down around a house or a snowman. And then you shake again for it to fall down again. That is what it reminds me of. I looked it up online and there was people on youtube that had the same thing. People said it was normal. I told the Dr. what I was seeing at night and how I went from seeing a long streak or glare around streets lights and car lights to seeing big round halo’s now and a with a light yellow tint. with an outer light brown completely circular edges. I even drew him pictures of what I saw before at night verses what I see now at night. He blew it off. I guess Cataract surgeons hear all kinds of things people say they see. I needed the night vision MORE than anything. That was the sole purpose of the surgery. Because, I could see in the daytime with contacts or glasses before the surgery. It was night time vision I so desperately needed fixed and long for. In the past I saw glare and long spark like streaks around every light and haven’t been able to drive past 5:30 pm in 8 PLUS years without freaking out and having a near panic attack if I can’t make it home by 5:30pm, because I know Im taking a huge risk of crashing into something or someone. I needed to be off the roads. So now, I have an even worse vision with my new mono vision with Toric lens for Astigmatism in left eye. I’m going in tomorrow to see what Dr. says because it has been another whole week, and even though I can see good up close with left surgery eye, something is still off, and my night vision is horrible, it’s depressing. And not being able to see right, makes a person lose so much confidence and gets a person down. I used to be happy most of the time, other than family troubles and a few health issues with family members here and there. But there nothing like the gift of sight. I sure hope this fades away and that I’m able to see at night again. I still have hopes and dreams. I have read so many stories about how people were able to see great the next day or the next after surgery. I think that’s beyond incredible and wonderful. I just wished I knew what went wrong with mine. And if it can be corrected without having to have some laser or something. I hate to think of another surgery. And I will NOT have the right eye done UNLESS I CAN SEE AT NIGHT WITH THE LEFT EYE FIRST, right eye is scheduled for 11/27/17. I was thinking I would be able to drive at night for the holidays to see relatives, before I always had to make sure I was off the rd just before it got dark. Still the same. This site actually has more positive reviews than any other site I have read. The other cataract surgeries I have read have been horrible experiences. Some people can’t see during the daytime after surgery, as good as they could before, and night time they can’t see at all. I had worn Mono Vision contacts for years and they worked fine. But this night thing is not working out and the aches and stinging in my surgery eye just isn’t right. It just makes me wonder if I would have gotten the Toric ACRYSOFT IQ lens by Alcon Model SN6AT3, WITHOUT the astigmatism, because my astigmatism is 1.25cyl. not too much…I wonder if I would have been able to see at night. I just don’t get why there is a glare and huge halo now around lights since the problem was the old cloudy cataract and since he removed it. There shouldn’t be any halo’s or glares, now. Does anybody have any ideas about what it could be or if ya’ll heard of anybody with this issue. I wish you and every one else the very best of luck if they have this surgery done and for those who have had unsuccessful surgery I hope there is a way to have it corrected. Best of luck to you all. Sight is a beautiful gift. No doubt about it.
Tony says
I notice Kevin never came back. I have to have the surgery too. I don’t think I can do it. Too terrified. Is there general anesthesia for this?