Cataracts? Don’t be afraid of surgery! I keep running into people who have cataracts. However, they are very worried about the surgery. For years, I was scared of anything involving my eyes. That’s a natural concern. However, surgery is a common treatment now. By the way, it’s an easy procedure now! Incidentally, this medical/technical information is from a highly trusted source. INFO FROM MAYO CLINIC
Cataracts – A Little History
Cataracts were mentioned in the Babylonian code of Hammurabi! About 1750 BC They were probably around long before that. In Egypt, you can see a statue that depicts the “Couching” procedure. It dates back to the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt. (2467-2457 BC) They did not remove the cataracts. However, they dislodged it with a curved needle and basically shoved it out of the way! Incidentally, couching is one of the earliest forms of surgery! This procedure improved cloudy vision but destroyed the ability to focus. The outcome wasn’t always positive. Consequently, the procedure has mostly been abandoned. But, it is still found in remote areas of developing countries. Frankly, that procedure would have me running far away! I’m just thanking God right now that I didn’t live back then!
In 1753, Samuel Sharp performed the first recorded removal of the lens and lens capsule. From then on, many improvements have been made. In 1884, Karl Koller caused a controversy by using a cocaine solution as a local anaesthetic. Subsequently, a procedure called Intracapsular Cryoextraction was the popular method from the late 1960s to early 1980s. This is no doubt the procedure that was televised back then! Incidentally, I watched several of those surgeries. Several of those minutes are still stuck in my mind; I can still see the eyes being held open with clamps and the incredible bandaging! Moreover, I’ve never been able to”un-see” those scenes!
Cataract Surgery Today
Compared to all that gory stuff from the past, todays cataract surgery is a “walk in the park!” My Ophthalmologist did preliminary measurements and tests so she knew what lens she would need to replace my cataract after it was removed. By the way, it was Harold Ridley who first implanted a lens back in 1949. That allowed for visual rehabilitation and comfort. The IOL, or Intraocular Lens was approved by the FDA in 1981 and has been used ever since. The lenses can correct other visual problems like astigmatism. However, special lenses will cost you extra. Medicare does not cover them and they are $1800 extra for each one. (August, 2023 price) Incidentally, I’ve had a mild astigmatism and went with a regular lens. Most folks make the same choice. That price tag helps them decide! Moreover, the regular lens works just fine.
My doctor had me pick up three kinds of drops before my surgery. (Antibiotic, Anti-itch and a Steroid drop for inflammation). Therefore, I was ready. Since I have cats and do everything myself, I had a few things to get ready at home. After surgery, I wasn’t to lift anything over 8 pounds. Consequently, I put our cat litter in big buckets, so I could just scoop out what I needed each day. In addition, I could squat. That worked for cleaning litter boxes. However, bending over can increase pressure behind the eye; so that was out! Incidentally, I remember when my aunt had cataract surgery and the restrictions were worse and lasted longer. I also recall how many people didn’t apply their own eye drops! No problem here; I’ve been using drops for dry eye and allergies already.
My Cataract Surgery Experience
As of tonight, I’m in between my two cataract surgeries. I had surgery on the left eye August 28 (2023). The right eye is scheduled first thing this coming Monday, October 30. My friend Barbara, has been driving me to and from the surgery and the post-op the following day. By day 3, I’ll be driving again. I said a few prayers that morning and was ready to go.
I checked in at the MARC facility in San Antonio. Most of my doctors are in that building . The second floor is dedicated to just surgeries! You’re not put in a huge room where the patients are separated by curtains; you have your own room – all to yourself! The attendant put me in the prep room where I took off my tee shirt and bra. I put on the ever-so flattering gown. However, after being in and out of the hospital frequently, I’ve come to appreciate those gowns! I’ve even worn them home twice! Out “in front of God and everybody!”
Surprisingly, they had me leave on my jeans and shoes. The nurse gave me shoe-covers so I wouldn’t need to do any bending afterwards. I left all my jewelry at home except for my Tuun and my fall-alert. They fitted me with the lovely blue hoods they provide and another nurse started my IV. The Anesthesiologist stopped by and basically scolded me for going home alone! He was concerned that I would fall. I told him, I was definitely staying put once I got home and would probably rest. He wasn’t happy about the brief confrontation and neither was I. However, I understood his concern; just doing his job! Someone took my vitals and I was off to surgery.
Cataract Surgery
Next, someone put a drape over my entire body, except for my one eye. My doctor and her staff were quickly setting everything into place to begin. The sedation began running into my IV. I didn’t feel anything though I might have been a little more relaxed than before. However, I stayed awake through the procedure and could see my doctor working from time to time. She applied drops to numb my eye and proceeded to take out the cataract and then implant the IOL.
I felt absolutely nothing! All I noticed was when they removed the drape because it had an adhesive circle around my eye that stuck to my face. I had a cute little patch over my eye. This all took less than twenty minutes! Someone moved me to the recovery area. I wasn’t there very long; just long enough for them to know I was stable. The nurse removed the IV and I was on my way home. Barbara stopped for me to get some breakfast; a very late breakfast! Needed that coffee!
Cataract Recovery
Aside from the few adjustments I made to our home before I left, life was back to normal. The doctor instructed me to keep the patch on except for when I applied my drops the four times a day. My doctor did a post-op exam the following morning; everything was fine. The IOL was still in place. My doctor said to wear the patch at night for a week. I had another follow-up on day twelve and everything was great. The vision in that eye went from 20/85 with glasses to 20/25 without! I’d call that successful. I stopped two of the drops and gradually reduced the Steroid.
It’s Saturday night as I write this. Monday, we will finish this process. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my vision. I’m excited to see how I’ll see! with both eyes “repaired!” My doctor said I’ll probably only need glasses for reading and close work; not for driving! I’ll definitely need a new prescription! Whenever I go in the bathroom, it’s as if someone changed to brighter light bulbs.
Everything is brighter and whiter, except for the dust I now notice and spots on the windows! Something that I find fascinating is that if I cover my right eye and only look with the left eye, things are white; if I cover the left eye and only look with the right eye, everything has a brownish appearance. That difference will end Monday. In addition, I can see a tiny difference in the color of my eyes! The right one has a dirty windshield!
Cataracts: No Need for Fear
Incidentally, I wrote this page because of people I’ve chatted with on Facebook and in person. People like you who have worries about cataract surgery. I truly hope my story gives you some comfort. By the way, cataracts can remain dormant for years. It was at least twenty years ago when mine were first noticed. They suddenly “blossomed” this year.
Therefore, just keep track of them. If you notice that the headlights from oncoming traffic is blinding you, it’s time to seek help. If you are straining to see things, again it’s time to see your doctor. Think about this: it’s not often we can actually fix something that bothers us! We have to put up with some problems that develop as we get older. However, we don’t have to put up with cataracts! Painless, short down-time and better vision! A win-win! Get back to living! Just in case you want to see more information from the specialists, here’s the link to an email I got from Harvard Medical School. CATARACTS – CLEARING THE FOG!
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