need feedback re: cataract surgery & correcting for near vs far vision
Posted , 63 users are following.
I'm facing cataract surgery & am wondering if anybody can help, particularly if you were myopic (nearsighted) prior to surgery & chose to remain slightly myopic afterwards? I am approx -4 in both eyes with approx. +1 astigmatism in both. I've worn glasses since early childhood, so I'm used to seeing things clearly without glasses (being able to read, remove a foreign object from my eye, apply mascara, etc) , as long as those things are within about 1-foot of my eyes. It seems that the majority of cataract patients get corrected for far vision, in which case they no longer see things that are up close clearly without glasses (the exact opposite of what I am used to). Since I'm not interested in "multi-focasl" (apparently not as crisp vision as "standard" lenses), & also probably not interested in setting 1 eye for distance & 1 for near (I'd probably stay dizzy all the time), I'm wondering how those in my situation have delt with suddenly not having clear close vision (such as if you needed to remove a foreign object from your eye) if both eyes are set for distance vision? Also, I've read reports of people who have gone that route saying they end up having to get reading glasses in several different strengths, since different "near" tasks are performed at different distances...for instance 1 pair/strength for reading a book, a different pair/strength for knitting, ditto for working at the computer, & so on. Although being able to drive without glasses is very appealing, I'm not sure I want to deal with all of the issues that it sounds like I would be faced with by having both eyes set for distance. Can anybody who has gone from being nearsighted to being corrected in both eyes for distance comment on the issues I've raised (particularly if your nearsightedness was around -4 or worse)? Are these valid concerns? SO, due to those concerns, I'm currently considering staying slightly myopic (nearsighted) in both eyes...anybody out there have this esperience??? My concerns about this choice include not knowing at what distance from my face I would be able to see clearly without glasses...will I be able to see my computer screen clearly enough to not get horrible headaches due to the "fuzziness"? Will I only be able to see about 1-ft from my face clearly (like now)? I spend a LOT of time reading books & also on my computer (so it terrifies me to think of losing my near vision if both eyes are set for distance!)...it would be REALLY nice to be able to see well enough to perform tasks from the distance of my computer screen in...is this even possible??? Right now, the WORST distance for me is the computer screen...it's not clear AT ALL without my glasses or with them (I have progressive bifocals & can't find ANY spot where the computer screen is in good focus). I really hope somebody out there has been in the same boat as me & can provide some insight! I am particularly interested in hearing from anybody who was in my situation & chose to stay slightly myopic, but any comments/points are welcome! Thanks in advance! 
4 likes, 1063 replies
camps1952 xyzxyzxyz
Posted
c75866 xyzxyzxyz
Posted
Cataract surgery changed my life!
To: xyzxyzxyz
Great you are asking questions BEFORE your surgery. Smart post! Sorry I am responding 2 years later, this is April 2018, but if I can help someone who currently has these concerns, I'd be happy.
Everyone is unique and will have unique results. Also, some doctors are better than others. Some folks who posted here seemed to think they had all the answers. I assure you, they do not. No one does.
Here's my story. This happened to me. I can't say what your results will be, but I would do much research before you finally decide.
Extremely nearsighted my whole life (-7 in both eyes). I had always been able to read without glasses. I could see my face in the mirror very close up, down to the tiniest speck on my face. I liked this. I could always wear glasses or contacts for distance. NO problem.
Then I got cataracts at age 55. I chose a doctor who didn't give me many options because of my limited health insurance. He assured me after surgery I would just have to wear reading glasses occasionally.
Then the truth happened, after surgery. Losing my near vision was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I feel handicapped. I can no longer see my face in the mirror. I can hardly read fine print, even with my readers. Basically, up close, I am near blind.
Within weeks, I got floaters, little black specks that move around in the eyes. And little black rings that look like spiders in your vision. These all move as you move your eyes around, especially in bright light. A little annoying, but you can live with it. (They are blood in the vitreous humor of your eyes. Some settle down with time.)
Then less than a year later, my retinas partially detached from the back of my eyes. After laser and cryogenics, which is painful, they were glued back down to the eyeball. I go in twice a year to check on my retinas.
So after 4 years, my distance vision is not as clear as it was. Scar tissue develops over the new lens and laser is needed to make a few holes so more light gets in. This has been my experience. I wish you the best possible results with your cataract surgery. I still think each person will have a unique experience.
Best Regards, Cathy
jane62967 xyzxyzxyz
Posted
I realize you posted your comment two years ago; however, I want to thank you for your question because it is my question too. I am in exactly your position, and I am scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. I am petrified because I might make the wrong decision.
I would really like to know which decision you made: Far vision or near vision for your cataract surgery. Are you happy with your decision?
You can write to me directly at
Thank you so very much.
Jane
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Shadow19422 xyzxyzxyz
Posted
my husband had a cataract removed 5 weeks ago, the first two weeks wasn't to bad, although his vision not as good as before he had the surgery, he used the drops four weeks as told by the consultant, each time the stingy was dreadful after administration of the drops, and the eye became more blurred and the eye lid felt painful, and he couldnt stick any form of light, it has slowly got worst, and now cant see out of that eye at all, I contacted the hospital and they are seeing him on Monday, so we are hoping its a simple cure, he has also got glaucoma, dry eye and macular degeneration, has any one else had these symptoms, if so what can be done.