Cataracts?

So a loved one is needing to get cataract surgery and I'm curious if anyone has recent experience with it or can provide any insights?

For instance, they're going with the multifocal lense option, and I'm really curious if anyone's had any experience with that new technology?

I'll hang up and take my answer off air.

 

I'm sensing copious amounts of medical marijuana on tap.

 

My friend had cataract surgery for both eyes about six months ago, so I posed your question to her. Evidently there were three options. Insurance covered free choice... old technology, an $800.00 choice (per eye) that has concentric rings, or the multi-focal choice at $1500.00 (per eye). She has astigmatism so the free choice would have required continued use of glasses. She says she debated multi-focal, as supposedly the brain adjusts but ultimately chose the middle route which she is very happy with. Left eye is 20/20, right eye is close. She suggests doing each eye about 1 month apart, to give time to adjust, because some people ultimately get only get one eye done.

 

My only experience with cataracts was in a canoe down a rapid Middle American creek in the late 1980s.

Other than that, my grandfather had them but he spent lots of time outside.

 

Not a problem for me

Multifocal intraocular lenses and retinal diseases - PubMed

Multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses for age-related cataract patients: a system review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials - PubMed

Recurring themes during cataract assessment and surgery - PubMed

 

My wife says the most important thing is to religiously follow the schedule for your post-op eye drops. Forever.

 

I had the surgery about eight years ago. I got the multifocal lenses. Generally my eyesight is improved. However, the halos at night are a real problem. I have tried special eye drops and corrective glasses but neither helped. I think there is newer lens technology, though.

 

Had cataract surgery last November along with the implantation of a shunt for glaucoma pressure. The cataract lens replacement took about 15 minutes and was easy. I was awake and chatting with the doctor and assistants while having everything done, although greatly relaxed thanks to the drugs. Talk about a weird experience.

"You doing OK, Mr. SixToe?"

"Shuree. Allll gud. Hozzit goin pokin roun mah brain?"

"Good, good, almost done the lens implant. Everything is going well."

"Ohhhkayy. Thash gud. Nishe musik playing. I like rhockk ann rholl."

It was kind of like getting a filling and feeling the tug or poke or drill, but no pain at all. But in your eye. Which was really f'king weird.


Follow all recovery requirements. Should be fine. Between my pressures dropping thanks to the shunt and the new lens, my vision improved quite significantly.