Cataract Surgery Reflections

 I recently had cataract surgery and elected to have multi-focal lenses. These should improve both distance and close vision to the point where the patient doesn't need any glasses or contacts to restore normal vision. I wore contacts/glasses for 60 years. My goal was always to see clearly without glasses. For about 30 years rigid contacts worked fine. Then reading vision deteriorated unless I wore reading glasses with contacts. Since I was near sighted I have always been able to easily read without contacts/glasses. I ultimately went to rigid bifocal contacts but not without a long struggle. Finally mastered them and that enabled me to avoid glasses for many years. 

Over time a combination of multi-day/overnight bike rides began to interfere. Pollen season also meant giving up rigid contacts unless you like riding with sand in your eye. Although rigid bifocal contacts provided normal far and near vision, things were getting complicated. I had also been told during eye exams that I would ultimately be a candidate for cataract surgery.

I began wearing glasses more often and noticed my right eye vision seemed worse than my left. My prescription had expired and I decided to visit new optometrist who had become a good cycling friend. He strongly recommended cataract surgery and his preferred surgeon's office is around the corner from my residence. He had told me that multi-focal lenses might eliminate glasses/contacts altogether.

I had surgery on my right eye, and the day after surgery I was advised vision in that eye was good enough to fly a plane. I could also read with no issues. I went forward with surgery on my left eye even though that cataract was much less advanced compared to the right. Had the same result and after two months don't need contacts or glasses to see normally. During my last check up it was recommended to use inexpensive distance glasses to improve clarity when driving at night so that's where I am.

Cataracts are an age-related condition that happens to everyone who lives long enough. Multi-focal lenses are relatively new and cost more than the types of lenses previously available. For me it is worth the out-of-pocket cost. I think ultimately they will become the norm completely covered by most insurance. For me it was worth the price to see normally without contacts/glasses. I hope to live long enough so my cost will exceed what I would have paid for contacts/glasses.