Having first cataract removed this week.

[graciegirl]

Many people have told me it's a piece of cake. I am still jittery that I won't keep my eye open and forget and rub it afterwards which is a huge no no.


Any advice, please share.

[CFrance]

They will put something over your eye to protect it. Don't worry! This is a piece of cake compared to other things we have gone through!!!

You will be very pleased with the results.

[golfing eagles]

Many people have told me it's a piece of cake. I am still jittery that I won't keep my eye open and forget and rub it afterwards which is a huge no no.


Any advice, please share.

Good luck with it, but it truly is a "piece of cake" with 98+% great results. The surgeon will have no problem with your eye during surgery, and you can always tie your arm behind your back to prevent rubbing. The type of cataract extraction done today leaves the posterior capsule of the lens in place, which can later become opacified over time. No biggie, they just hit that with a laser. You'll also probably notice a tremendous difference, both in visual acuity and color vision, and will be looking forward to getting the other eye done when it's time

[Villager Joyce]

Behave yourself and all will go well. Tell sweetie to let us know if you misbehave. We will take turns watching you. We love you.

[golfing eagles]

Behave yourself and all will go well. Tell sweetie to let us know if you misbehave. We will take turns watching you. We love you.

GG behave herself??? Seriously???? What are you smoking and where do I get some?:1rotfl:

Don't worry, she'll be fine. Be sure to ask the ophthalmologist how long you have to wait before resuming full activity, such as golf

[kathy and al]

Had both eyes done last year and also felt as you do. Always said that I'd never have my eyes compromised. But as others have said you'll never believe how simple it really is. I can remember telling the doctor just prior to the procedure that I was really scared to death with the procedure. He proceeded to tell me that he had done approx. 55,000 of these in the past--which instantly made me feel a lot better. After you procedure you too will telling everyone "what a piece of cake" it really was!!!

[Mudder]

Had both of mine done in August.....yep, pretty much a piece of cake. I got the super duper lens so I need absolutely no glasses for anything. It does take a little bit of time for your eyes to get used to their new operating system. The biggest thing for me was the drops, you need to be very diligent with the drops. Made a chart to keep tract of when each drop went in.
You'll do fine. No problem keeping eye open.....they have something for that.
Good luck, remain calm.

[gerryann]

Good luck and keep us all posted. A lot of us have this in our future.

[manaboutown]

You will be quite happy with the results. Best wishes for you!

[Barefoot]

Many people have told me it's a piece of cake. I am still jittery that I won't keep my eye open and forget and rub it afterwards which is a huge no no. Any advice, please share.

I was also extremely jittery. People told me it was a piece of cake but I still needed reassurance.
Don't worry about keeping your eye open, you'll have some feel-good meds and the time passes very quickly!
No effort on your part is needed to keep your eye open.
As Mudder suggested, after the surgery, keep a record of your eye drops.
I wouldn't lie to you Gracie, it's a walk in the park.

[KayakerNC]

Many people have told me it's a piece of cake. I am still jittery that I won't keep my eye open and forget and rub it afterwards which is a huge no no.

Yep, piece of cake. You won't be able to close the eye during surgery, it will be held open mechanically while you are asked to look right, left, look at the green light, etc.
Did they give you a prescription for Valium? You should be quite relaxed, no pain, just some mild pressures. After surgery you will go home, have lunch, and probably crash for the rest of the day.
I found the Duo-Shades-2 to be the perfect solution for sleeping, showering, after surgery. The eye shield and tape routine is a PITA. If your Dr does lasik they probably have them for sale.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91truu93x3L._SX425_.jpg

[LuckySevens]

Many people have told me it's a piece of cake. I am still jittery that I won't keep my eye open and forget and rub it afterwards which is a huge no no.


Any advice, please share.

Do you mind sharing what doctor you are using?
I desperately need to have both eyes done, but am extremely nervous as I had 'failed' Lasix surgery about 10 years ago which really messed up the vision in one eye.....so I am concerned about having anything done to my eyes. Also, I have a very bad astigmatism in one eye, and when looking through that eye (alone), it looks like Chinese writing. Do you know if they do something to fix the astigmatism before doing the cataract surgery?
Best of luck to you Gracie Girl. I'm sure it will turn out perfect!!!

[graciegirl]

Do you mind sharing what doctor you are using?
I desperately need to have both eyes done, but am extremely nervous as I had 'failed' Lasix surgery about 10 years ago which really messed up the vision in one eye.....so I am concerned about having anything done to my eyes. Also, I have a very bad astigmatism in one eye, and when looking through that eye (alone), it looks like Chinese writing. Do you know if they do something to fix the astigmatism before doing the cataract surgery?
Best of luck to you Gracie Girl. I'm sure it will turn out perfect!!!



I see Dr. Jodie Armstrong at Ocala Eye. Office across from Laurel Manor. The staff is very good at telling you what to expect and Dr. Armstrong is very reassuring, very bright and kind.


I also saw their Retina specialist and Dr. Sami a neuro opthamologist from Gainesville. My eyes tested well for vision but things still LOOKED blurry and my cataracts weren't "ripe". He said that removing them would most likely solve the blurriness. I have not driven the car for several months out of an abundance of caution. No one directed me not to.


I will be glad to drive again and also see the details better for my paintings. Thank you for sharing this information, everyone. I hope it will reassure everyone with this in their future.

[SALYBOW]

It really is a piece of cake, but don't tell Sweetie. I figured a month of no cooking and cleaning was appropriate but no medical person told me this. They did tell me to stay out of sand traps. I told the nurse that told me this I usually try to. Let me know if you need anything, food, cleaning, shopping. etc.

[KayakerNC]

It really is a piece of cake, but don't tell Sweetie. I figured a month of no cooking and cleaning was appropriate but no medical person told me this. They did tell me to stay out of sand traps. I told the nurse that told me this I usually try to. Let me know if you need anything, food, cleaning, shopping. etc.

After my surgery a volunteer wheeled me to the entrance and helped me into the car. He told DW and I that vacuuming, washing dishes, and doing laundry would help bring a speedy recovery. (Ha,Ha) :laugh:

[SALYBOW]

Here is my advice.
No problem at all. They told me not to cook or clean for a day or two. Tell Sweetie it is three weeks. LOL The only restriction I had was to stay our of sand traps. I told the nurse that was always the plan.
I don't remember the urge to rub eye so that was not a problem. I went to Dr. Scoot Holman. As the nurse was prepping me at the surgery center she said he is the best surgeon. I tend to agree.
Please call if you need anything at all. :pray:

[Polar Bear]

You go, gg. And like others have said, let us know if you need anything.

[jojo]

A tip Gracie. When I had my cataract surgery (Dr. Armstrong also), the prep team told me to open wide. I immediately opened my mouth big. How embarrassing. She is good and you will be fine.

[graciegirl]

A tip Gracie. When I had my cataract surgery (Dr. Armstrong also), the prep team told me to open wide. I immediately opened my mouth big. How embarrassing. She is good and you will be fine.



I was reminding myself just last night that you did just fine. And you went there by yourself in a cab.

[asianthree]

No worries hundreds are done everyday. After a few days you will be shouting


I CAN SEE.. Then do a happy dance..:pepper2:

[raynan]

Good luck Gracie. Many of my neighbors have had theirs done by Ocala Eye. No problems and everything was simple and quick.

[PaPaLarry]

Had it done two years ago Gracie, and I'm so happy I had it done. They give you some pills that make you feel like your in LaLa Land. From time you arrive to when you go home, is about two hours. Don't know what lens you chose, but I'm very happy with distance lens, and wear glasses for reading. Good Luck!!!

[Callaway Guy]

Never had it done so I can't offer advice. Would like to wish you well and hope everything goes great. Keep us posted.

[Eileenny2tv]

Gracie, I am sure that you will do just fine! I am so glad that I had both of my eyes done. I still wear glasses so that I can read labels books, etc. I also went to Ocala Eye but I see Dr Elmallah.

[dbussone]

GG - our prayers and blessings are with you. I know you will be fine.

[billethkid]

Gracie

you will look back and say, they were all right it really was a piece of cake.
:)

[FosterMomma]

Best of luck... I haven't had it done yet but everyone says it's a cinch. I'm looking forward to hearing that you agree!

[Biker Dog]

Had both eyes done one week apart by Dr Ireland at St Luke's. On eye for reading and the other eye for distance. No long need glasses and I am loving that. Good Luck.

[golfing eagles]

Had both eyes done one week apart by Dr Ireland at St Luke's. On eye for reading and the other eye for distance. No long need glasses and I am loving that. Good Luck.

Didn't know they did that. Similar to monovision with contacts, did you lose some depth perception?

[billethkid]

Didn't know they did that. Similar to monovision with contacts, did you lose some depth perception?

I had both eyes done at St. Lukes as well.
I did get mono...left eye close up and right eye distance.
I also chose to have what is called a Toric lense for my right eye that corrects astigmatism.

Going on four years with no need for glasses. No depth perception issues at all.

Dr. Ireland is the best eye care doctor I have ever encountered over the many years.

[Biker Dog]

Didn't know they did that. Similar to monovision with contacts, did you lose some depth perception?

No I did not... The results were unbelievable.. I have better distance vision now than I ever had while growing up... Not everyone is suited to have this done depending on the tests they do before hand...:pepper2::bowdown:

[NYGUY]

Good luck Gracie!! I've had both eyes done without a problem.

[dbussone]

I had both eyes done at St. Lukes as well.

I did get mono...left eye close up and right eye distance.

I also chose to have what is called a Toric lense for my right eye that corrects astigmatism.



Going on four years with no need for glasses. No depth perception issues at all.



Dr. Ireland is the best eye care doctor I have ever encountered over the many years.


Thanks for the info BTK. I'm several years away from having my cataracts removed but I am very interested in the success you have had with the mono vision approach.

[KathieI]

I had both eyes done by Dr. Ireland as well, and I loved her and her office. Immediately after the first one, I was amazed how much better I could see, I didn't realize how bad my vision was with the cataract. I didn't have my astigmatism fixed because I have a $1 million dollars in frames that I love, so she just took out the cataracts. The process is so easy these days like a well-oiled machine. The pre-op chair turns into the operating chair, which turns into the post op chair and then your home. What a cinch. And... you are looking at the biggest chicken in the world, so take it from me, its great.

As someone else said, the post-op drops were the biggest pain, but its nothing compared to other stuff we have to endure as old people... LOL.

You will be so happy you had it done. Good luck.

[LuckySevens]

I had both eyes done by Dr. Ireland as well, and I loved her and her office. Immediately after the first one, I was amazed how much better I could see, I didn't realize how bad my vision was with the cataract. I didn't have my astigmatism fixed because I have a $1 million dollars in frames that I love, so she just took out the cataracts. The process is so easy these days like a well-oiled machine. The pre-op chair turns into the operating chair, which turns into the post op chair and then your home. What a cinch. And... you are looking at the biggest chicken in the world, so take it from me, its great.

As someone else said, the post-op drops were the biggest pain, but its nothing compared to other stuff we have to endure as old people... LOL.

You will be so happy you had it done. Good luck.

Kathie, do you know if having the astigmatism fixed is a separate surgery and is it covered by Medicare and secondary insurance?
thanks, Rose

[golfing eagles]

Kathie, do you know if having the astigmatism fixed is a separate surgery and is it covered by Medicare and secondary insurance?
thanks, Rose

Don't hold me to this, my specialty is neither ophthalmology or medicare billing, so best to check with the eye surgeon. However, I believe the astigmatism correction is a function of the toric lens, not of anything additional that is done surgically. I also believe that medicare only covers a basic lens, the higher cost of a toric or bifocal lens is the patient's responsibility . No idea if secondary insurance generally covers it or not, probably depends on the policy

[billethkid]

Kathie, do you know if having the astigmatism fixed is a separate surgery and is it covered by Medicare and secondary insurance?
thanks, Rose

It is not a separate surgery.
The surgery is covered by medicare but the Toric lens is not. I think it was $1050 (for one eye).

[KayakerNC]

Kathie, do you know if having the astigmatism fixed is a separate surgery and is it covered by Medicare and secondary insurance?
thanks, Rose

Q: If we correct pre-existing astigmatism (not surgically induced) with an AK, LRI or CRI at the time of cataract surgery, is it bundled in with the cataract surgery?

A: No. The correction of pre-existing astigmatism not surgically induced is considered refractive surgery. Medicare deems refractive surgery solely to reduce the patient's dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses to be cosmetic and, therefore, excluded from coverage. The patient is financially responsible for this refractive procedure.
- See more at: Review of Ophthalmology® > Dos and Don (http://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/content/d/medicare_q___and___a/i/1294/c/24922/#sthash.7fG5b2UB.dpuf)

[Schaumburger]

Hello Gracie, Best of luck with your surgery. My dad had a cataract removed a couple of years ago. I was his designated driver after the surgery. He told me about a month after the surgery that he wished he had the surgery done earlier as he said he didn't realize how bad his vision had gotten in that eye until after the surgery.

[graciegirl]

AHHHHHHHHHH the wonders of modern science and the kindness of all of you and the beauty of the universe.

I am a scaredy cat and this was as close to a piece of cake as described.

The process is run like a well oiled machine, the folks are warm and kind and very experienced and I am so grateful for that skilled Doctor's hand.

Today this eye sees leaves on trees and beautiful beautiful color and nothing hurts. Nothing has hurt at all.

Thank you all for your kind wishes and for those not yet having it done...it is truly a doable, not awful thing...a piece of cake.

[SALYBOW]

Great news. All that worry for nothing, LOL

[golfing eagles]

AHHHHHHHHHH the wonders of modern science and the kindness of all of you and the beauty of the universe.

I am a scaredy cat and this was as close to a piece of cake as described.

The process is run like a well oiled machine, the folks are warm and kind and very experienced and I am so grateful for that skilled Doctor's hand.

Today this eye sees leaves on trees and beautiful beautiful color and nothing hurts. Nothing has hurt at all.

Thank you all for your kind wishes and for those not yet having it done...it is truly a doable, not awful thing...a piece of cake.

Since I never say "I told you so", I won't tell you "I told you so". You'll be looking (no pun intended) forward to doing the other eye.

[Villager Joyce]

You had lots of prayers, crossed fingers and good wishes aimed your way. Golfing Eagles will mock me again, but all you need to do now is behave and do what the doctor tells you to do. Yea right. At least try.

[golfing eagles]

You had lots of prayers, crossed fingers and good wishes aimed your way. Golfing Eagles will mock me again, but all you need to do now is behave and do what the doctor tells you to do. Yea right. At least try.

Mock YOU, VJ???---never:1rotfl:

[Cobh521]

AHHHHHHHHHH the wonders of modern science and the kindness of all of you and the beauty of the universe.

I am a scaredy cat and this was as close to a piece of cake as described.

The process is run like a well oiled machine, the folks are warm and kind and very experienced and I am so grateful for that skilled Doctor's hand.

Today this eye sees leaves on trees and beautiful beautiful color and nothing hurts. Nothing has hurt at all.

Thank you all for your kind wishes and for those not yet having it done...it is truly a doable, not awful thing...a piece of cake.

Gracie, I am so happy that you survived your surgery and are again seeing how beautiful the world is. I had both of my eye done a few years back and I could not believe how good my eyesight is. I still have 20/20 !

[asianthree]

AHHHHHHHHHH the wonders of modern science and the kindness of all of you and the beauty of the universe.

I am a scaredy cat and this was as close to a piece of cake as described.

The process is run like a well oiled machine, the folks are warm and kind and very experienced and I am so grateful for that skilled Doctor's hand.

Today this eye sees leaves on trees and beautiful beautiful color and nothing hurts. Nothing has hurt at all.

Thank you all for your kind wishes and for those not yet having it done...it is truly a doable, not awful thing...a piece of cake.

Whoooo you don't really know how bad your eyes are till you have a cataract removed

[Schaumburger]

Gracie,

I am glad the surgery went well. Can you see me waving to you from Chicago? :) :wave:

[Barefoot]

Whoooo you don't really know how bad your eyes are till you have a cataract removed
That is so true. I thought everything had a golden glow, quite pretty actually.
After cataract surgery, suddenly whites were really white again.
I sound like a Tide commercial.

[manaboutown]

Well, GG, now you can see the roses in great detail as well as smell them. Congratulations to you and your fine medical team!

[raynan]

Glad all went well.

[graciegirl]

Glad all went well.



It becomes increasingly wonderful as each day passes. I can't wait until I have two that match.

[golfing eagles]

It becomes increasingly wonderful as each day passes. I can't wait until I have two that match.

OK, I'll now break my own rule and say "I told you so"

[Steve9930]

Many people have told me it's a piece of cake. I am still jittery that I won't keep my eye open and forget and rub it afterwards which is a huge no no.


Any advice, please share.

I've had both eyes done. It is a piece of cake. No pain. The worst part of the whole procedure is having to put those darn eye drops in on schedule. You will have an eye guard at night when your sleeping so as not to bump it at night by accident. You will enjoy seeing the bright colors again. You do not realize how much vision you have lost until you get this done. I see better now then when I was in my 20s.

[drooney60@hotmail.com]

I retired from the medical field in 2013. I worked at a company where they made inter ocular lens for cataract patients, so I might have made the ones that are going into your eye. How coo is that??

[KathieI]

Kathie, do you know if having the astigmatism fixed is a separate surgery and is it covered by Medicare and secondary insurance?
thanks, Rose

Sorry, LuckySevens, I'm glad others answered you. I really have/had no idea because it wasn't relevant to me. I knew I still wanted to wear my glasses so I didn't pay any attention to that part of the costs. The nurse looked at me like I was insane, you still want to wear glasses???? LOL. No one would recognize me without them, I said.

[LuckySevens]

Q: If we correct pre-existing astigmatism (not surgically induced) with an AK, LRI or CRI at the time of cataract surgery, is it bundled in with the cataract surgery?

A: No. The correction of pre-existing astigmatism not surgically induced is considered refractive surgery. Medicare deems refractive surgery solely to reduce the patient's dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses to be cosmetic and, therefore, excluded from coverage. The patient is financially responsible for this refractive procedure.
- See more at: Review of Ophthalmology® > Dos and Don (http://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/content/d/medicare_q___and___a/i/1294/c/24922/#sthash.7fG5b2UB.dpuf)

Thank you for the information. Looks like it will cost me a lot out of pocket, but it will be worth it to see well. I just worry about the Toric lense, as I know a few people had trouble with it.

[KayakerNC]

Thank you for the information. Looks like it will cost me a lot out of pocket, but it will be worth it to see well. I just worry about the Toric lense, as I know a few people had trouble with it.

I got the Trulign IOLs, which are the toric versions of the Crystalens. Worked wonders for me, glasses free at any distance. My out-of-pocket costs for both eyes came to $4500 total.
I think the incisions cause more trouble than toric lenses, which can be adjusted (rotated) in the eye in the unlikely event that correction is needed.

[Grill Meister]

I was also extremely jittery. People told me it was a piece of cake but I still needed reassurance.
Don't worry about keeping your eye open, you'll have some feel-good meds and the time passes very quickly!
No effort on your part is needed to keep your eye open.
As Mudder suggested, after the surgery, keep a record of your eye drops.
I wouldn't lie to you Gracie, it's a walk in the park.


Yes, don't forget the drops. I am scheduled to have my first eye operated on 10/22. I was prescribed 3 different solutions.......WOW! almost $300 and that was with my vision insurance, coupons and the wonderful help from the pharmacist at Winn-Dixie. Don't for get the drops? Never!

[Nayda Harris]

Just had both done. You do not feel anything, believe me. They keep your eye open for you and as my ophthalmologist said, "if there was anything unpleasant about it, no one would return for the second eye. The surgery itself only takes about 6 to 10 minutes. If you ever had to pick a surgery to have, this would be the one. No pain, no stitches, no blood. feel good meds will relax you. Had to use 3 drops, twice a day for a week for each eye. 2 drops, twice a day for the remaining 3 weeks, each eye. The three meds lasted 4 weeks for each eye and the total bill for meds was $100. Medicare paid all but $75 (for refraction tests). I had clear lenses put it. Distance is great, but still need reading glasses.