At some point your eye doctor will tell you that you need cataract surgery. My advice is, do it. Easiest surgery I've ever had, easier than getting my teeth cleaned. Local anesthesia through eye drops, general anesthesia for a only a few minutes, so mostly I was awake, but they gave me a Xanax so I didn't care. The results were spectacular in eight hours. I can see again. Two days of rest, then back to surveying.
The downside is I've been seeing the world through what Hollywood calls a soft lens, and all of a sudden there is this wrinkled old man in the mirror. My goodness, that was a reality check I hadn't expected.
Mr. Ophthamologist (sp?) has said that I will need it one day. I have the beginnings of a cataract and am starting to have trouble seeing at night (stars around oncoming headlights). She said I would know when it's time. I just shudder at the thought of sharp objects being stuck in my eyes.
Andy
That reminds me of the elderly couple that was telling me a few days ago about their recent trip through Rapid City, South Dakota. They ended up getting what had to be the only room still available in the whole area. Management even gave them a cut-rate deal. They entered the room to discover that virtually every square inch of wall and ceiling was covered with mirrors; even in the bathroom.
Bruce,
I also just had both eyes done. Funny thing, I also saw a gray haired old man staring back at me!
IF YOU NEED IT, GET IT DONE, YOU WILL BE AMAZED!
JOE
Good for you, Bruce. You can always smear a little vaseline on your glasses for that 'soft focus' look in the mirror!
Trust me, shortly after you swallow the Xanax you won't have any worries. I was so impressed with everyone involved. They know you are concerned about people poking in your eyes and they have it all worked out. The nurses were caring, and the anesthesiologist was especially soothing. Soon as the doctor mentions cataracts, get it done.
Lasik
I had Lasik surgery on both eyes 12 years ago. Corrected my vision from 20/400 to 20/18 in both eyes. No more glasses to get fogged or scratched, and no contact lens to clean. Best decision I ever made, and best money I ever spent. I find twice as many corner pins as I did before! Just kidding, but probably do spot them faster.
I agree with Bruce. Get it done. I had it a few years ago. I would not pass the DMD eye exam without it. Just last month had the scar tissue removed that had developed and that also went smoothly and was worth it.
Jerry
Lasik
I just saw a documentary about a Dr. from Tibet who went to North Korea to do cataract surgeries, at the rate of something like 100 a day. They have huge issues with cataracts due to poor nutrition. A lot of young sufferers. It was crazy to see them remove the bandages and watch the people give wildly enthusiastic praise to the Glorious Leader rather than the Doc.
Lasik
The awesome thing about Lasik is that there were no bandages. The whole surgery literally took about 5 minutes per eye. I then sat up and the doctor asked me, "What does that clock say?" and I could read it. The clock was a good 15 feet away and I could see the second hand. walking in there I could barely see my hand in front of my face.
Thanks for posting this. Good advice.
