need feedback re: cataract surgery & correcting for near vs far vision

I do know though that after having lasik I don't want to lose my distance vision, so I am not a candidate for standard lenses set for up close vision. I also have had to wear reading glasses once in a while and personally can live with that over having to wear glasses for distance.

We are usually more comfortable with whT we are accustomed to prior surgery. I have never seen distance withou glasses so for me a standard lens set for distance would bother me more. I love my close vision - being able to cook, use computer chat with people across a table. For that all to suddenly disappear frightens me. Guess it's just the unknown.

Right Sue, I obviously disliked having to wear contact lenses and distance glasses enough to do lasik. I like being able to swim and do other activities without glasses, contacts, etc. (I was pretty nearsighted). Plus I didn't really need reading glasses consistently after the lasik, so that didn't bother me either.

I can't wait to hear how your first surgery goes!

Stand by - will be posting - lol

I will - oh and I'm just curious, what eye drops did you have to get? I have 3 different drops and they also gave me a cheaper eye drop for pain, but I think I'm going to stick with Prolensa for that since I read it works better. I have the Prolensa (NSAID), Ketolorac (NSAID), Pred Forte and Zymaxid/Gatifloxacin (antibiotic).

I have 2 types of drops: Prednisolone acetate 1% and Zymar Gatifloxacin 0.3%

Have to start these 2 days prior to surgery

Prednisolone acetate 1% is the same as Pred Forte. So they didn't give you any drops for possible pain I guess (that's what the NSAIDS are for).

2nd bottle is an antibiotic.

I looked it up and I found this info about topical NSAIDS in case you want to ask your doctor about them:

"Does the use of topical NSAIDs make sense for cataract patients? Among the primary uses for many is to keep cystoid macular edema (CME), which sometimes plagues patients after cataract surgery, at bay."

 

Thanks for the info. Will bring it up

Monday when I go for the surgery.

Doctors do different things.

I have 2 drops, start 3 days before; then 2 drops for 14 days after; but 3 different types of drops.

Before: Polymyxin/Polytrim (3 times a day), and Prolensa (once)

After: Prednisolone Acetate (2 times a day) and Prolensa (once)

(I understand this is expensive, but my doc gives free samples)

Prednisolone acetate

Yes figured doctors have different 'go to' drugs. I have filled prescription for my 2 bottles and I start them tomorrow and carry on for 2 weeks following surgery. Will ask about a NSAID at follow up visit day after surgery.

Question: do I also put in drops day if surgery or just 2 days prior as instructed? Need to show up at the hospital 9;45am but surgery could be hours after that.

My sheet specifically says not to take them the day of.

I believe my father did take them the day of.

So I would call them today and ask.

Should have called earlier about this. Dr office has no hours today. Since all my sheet says is to start 2 days prior thinking I should not do drops morning of surgery.

Think I will see if the hospital would have that info.

Thankfully got through to optical clinic at hospital. I can put drops in morning of surgery.

I was going to ask my doctor's office the same thing.

Don't let them give you Ketolorac for the NSAID. I read that can be very problematic.  Even though it's pricey, ask for Prolensa for your NSAID.

Thanks Nina- going to inquire at 24 hour checking with surgeon. His office is closed today. Thinking at least the steroid Prednisolone should keep inflammation at bay. But if Prolensa helps speed recovery along would like to take it.

My instructions say to use Prolensa once a day for the 3 days before surgery, Zymaxid (Gatifloxacin) 3 times a day for the 3 days before surgery and only the Prednisolone is for after the surgery. Also, I found an article that says for topical medications, the brand name is far better than the generic for various reasons.

My instructions say to use the Prednisolone after the surgery and not before at all. I wonder if that's a mistake...I'm going to call to make sure.

It's actually on a form I got saying only use the Prednisolone after surgery.

I'm glad yours says to use Prednisolone after surgery like mine says.

Oh my sheet says to use the drops the day of the surgery. Wow 2 weeks of drops? Mine doesn't say how long after.

I wonder why my sheet doesn't say to use Prolensa after surgery. I'm going to ask.

2 days of drops (both drops) prior to surgery and for next 2 weeks following surgery (tapering off 2nd week). That's what's on my sheet. Guess each doc has their routine they like. Perhaps because I am not on NSAID prior to surgery that's why Prednisolone is to be taken prior to surgery

Is your surgery Monday too?

If it isn't in the sheet, then they will probably tell you right after surgury. I think that is how my father found out his.

While these meds sound the same, who the heck knows what is really in them. So I highly recommend you follow what your sheet says; unless they tell you otherwise when you call.

The last thing you want to do is mix your own meds.

Mine do not taper off, same drops the entire two weeks. But one if only once a day, so cannot taper that :-)

I always wondered why it didn't taper; you would think that would help easy it back. Then again, maybe it isn't really much of a difference. 

The other thing they might not have told you.

For the first day (and maybe the 1st week), you have to limit being bent over. You can put on socks and shoes, but not extended periods.

For the first week after, you need to stay out of dusty enviornments. So I had to avoid mowing the lawn. The idea is to keep out any contaminants.

You also need to try and keep soap and shampoon out of your eyes.

My thoughts exactly. Don't have my sheet on me at work but thinking it is just one that tapers off 2nd week (possibly Prednisolone drops).

I downloaded a PDF file on cataract surgery what to do expect do and it mentions those things as well as sporting activities to limit (anything that strains the eyes). I am taking 4 days sick leave next week and Friday as a vacation day. Although. It a dusty environment where I work - carpeting everywhere. I rarely take time off work except vacation so not risking anything. Perfectly happy staying put.

Was hoping to atta h or copy link tommy PDF file for anyone interested. Best one I had read online. Hospital gave me 2 3 sheets - photocopies.

Also curious why some sites say to fast forward on night before. My doc says eat whatever you want for breakfast. Plan to as it could be a long day of waiting at the hospital.

The next day after surgery you will want to be free because of the follow-up visit. And you still want to rest.

The 2nd day was actually not bad. But in-between getting my two eyes done (which was a little over weeks for me) was a little rough because of the eyes being so different. And since I sit in front of a computer all day, I just worked from home. Althought I probably didn't do full days until the 3rd or 4th day.

Originally, my eye doc said to try and schedule for a Wed and try to take that Friday off. So that tells you a little about what to expect :-)

For reference, based on my two eyes, I would say people should take off the 2 days after surgery at a minimum (in your case thru Wed).

Since you said you are in a dusty environment, they yeah, take the whole week.

If work gives you any hassle, get a note from the surgeon saying you have to stay out that week.

 

And yes, they want you to limit things to a degree. I also had to wear a 'patch' at night that first week. Just a clear plastic thing I taped on. It supposedly helps to keep your eye from getting poked while you sleep.

My father did not have one. So again, another doc difference.

They do give you a mild sedative, so that is why they might say to fast.

I think it might depend on the time of the surgery.

I think it might have been something like 4 hours beforehand. But I honestly do not recall.

Were I go, they don't tell you the time of the surgery until the day before. And the anesthesiologist called the night before with instructions.

I am fortunate my employer is a crown corp so I have good sick leave benefits. I don't take advantage but I will take 4 days next week. Friday I had previously scheduled a vacation day and leaving it as one. Daughter has a soccer tournament. Might be able to make out her jersey number now - least that's the hope.

I know there will be IV for mild sedation. I will be given an Ativan 30 mins prior to surgery. That is it.

Meant no IV for me - just Ativan for nerves.

LOL that's what the tape is for. Got prescriptions filled and tape was on the list.

Makes sense at night - you don't want to sleep on that eye. I am a heavy sleeper too. One of the things about my atopic eczema is I somehow manage to get the Cotten glove off and scratch my hand till it bleeds. Morning I am a mess - all the while she sleep through that. Spend all day trying various tactics to stop scratching only to scratch away while asleep and not conscious of it.

So thank goodness there is a shield - I would likely scratch my eye too while asleep.

How bad is the gritty feeling after surgery. Is there temptation to rub your eye ?

I did not do an IV either. They did put the thing on my arm/hand just incase they do need an IV. In case they get a panic-er. :-)

They gave me tape with my shield. And the those 'fancy' big sunglasses.

The itching isn't bad at all. Especially while taking the drops. I think one has a tendency to rub it just because it is seeing different than before. After the drops are done, there are times when there is something very mild, while it is healing; like any other cut. But no big deal at all.

I am a big eye rubber. So I had to get a little use to it. I am pretty sure the first night I didn't do the patch I rub it pretty good. So I wore the patch longer than they told me to :-)

Of course, I still rub my eyes (in general not because of the cataracts), just not as agressively as before. I try to just rub the lids.

The worst part, besides picking the power for the IOL, was the pre-surgery stuff; sitting in the waiting room, then waiting for them to apply the drops and stuff on your eye, then waiting your turn. The surgery is a breeze, done before you know it. Not much time in recovery either.

Thanks for all the details. I seem to panic less if I know what to expect.

Yep waiting at the hospital won't be good. I recall having to go for bcc skin cancer in 2009. Waited 6 hours before they wheeled me into OR. I was so nervous anesthetist knocked me out real quick. He asked one question and took me out before I could answer him.

I am the same way. If I know what is coming, then I don't worry.

Here are more details :-)

They will ask you multiple times what eye. They will even put a dot over the eye to be sure they are doing the correct one.

Never took off my sneakers, just put booties over them.

They put in like 3 rounds of drops and goop on my eye; the goop was cold. Once they start doing that things get blurry. About 5-10 minutes between drops.

The anesthesiologist gave me the sedation via a shot.

They hook up an oxygen tube because they put a cloth over your face during surgery (so only the eye is exposed), and they want you to be able to breath.

While you cannot feel it, he puts on something to keep the eye lids spread apart. Then this thing with 3 lights goes over your eye (it is not bright).

He tells you to look at those lights. Some people see the 3 lights, some see a blur of light.

While you cannot feel him in the eye, but you might feel a little in the surrounding area; nothing painful, just slight pressure like someone touching you.

Of course, the lights will appear to move around while he is extracting and place the lens (i.e. eye ball moving around).

Then he is done.

Takes about 10-15 minutes; depending on how hard the old lens is.

Then went to recovery. Had some snacks and juice. Got my marching orders. They left (driven home of course; as they don't want you driving).

No it's next month, my doctor is on vacation this month.

Gosh wish I were being knocked out. I am claustrophobic- never had an MRI (which I hear is tight space). Glad I know this in advance. Guessing oxygen tube is needed if you're draped with cloths/blankets. Just have to hang in there for 10 mins - will likely seem longer . Does anyone talk to you or do they give you someone's hand to squeeze or some sort of signal if you're not doing well?

Ok so you've some time to mentally prepare. Just reading Mark's posts. Good info/overview of what to expect.

Thanks about that info regarding your father. My sheet doesn't say anything about generics vs non-generics except for Prolensa which I don't think is available in generic. I'm going to check with the pharmacy and then if they're not all non-generics I'm going to ask my doctor if I can have generic. Not sure what you mean by mixing meds? I plan on following what the sheet says.

It doesn't feel claustrophobic. It is a wide open room. If its one of those very light thin blue things. Remember you will 'see' out the eye being operated on.

My surgeon talked to me while he was doing it; gave me a step-by-step.

You do not want to be knocked out. Besides the fact they want you do be awake to look at the light, why would you want to go the hell involved with waking from general? Yuk.

Not sure what I got. I know the names do not match the sheet 100%. I am pretty sure the pharmacy automatically does generic unless the doc says otherwise.

By 'mimxing meds', I meant trying to find your own that you think is the same/replacement for what they said to do. 

Yes I do recall being nauseous and vomiting after general anesthetic.

So when they take out your natural lens you can still see?

Yes.

Oh I definitely don't plan on doing that.

Yep - and my doctor said I'm going to have an IV which I'm not thrilled about, but maybe it's for the best, I don't know.

My doctor's office gave me a prescription for Prolensa and also a prescription for the cheap substitute if I want that instead to save money after I asked them how much Prolensa costs (they gave me a coupon where you only pay $60 max for Prolensa, but my pharmacy only charges $40 for it I think). Then I researched the substitute and it's supposed to not be good so I'm not going to fill that prescription and I'm going to use Prolensa like the original plan. That's the only deviation I would have from the original plan, but I'm sticking with Prolensa.

Didn't they give you the option of an IV and you decided not to do that? MRIs are a piece of cake for me.

Hmmm no one told me to buy tape....

If you're super nervous, maybe the IV would help? I hate IVs but I think I should probably let them do it.

A tube as in a tube down your throat?

Haven't had much surgery in my life if you can't tell lol

Wow surprising. Thought you'd see nothing without a lens.

Canadian Medicare -sometimes they ask you to bring your own supplies - ie tape - I have to bring a roll to hospital Monday.

No one m motioned IV. Given Ativan prescription so my assumption is that is it. Guess will know Monday if I will get in too.

I had wondered about that too. Maybe because I was -12D, that is why I didn't notice much difference' could only see about a few inches in front me without glasses. 

Remember, the lens is just a focusing device. So without it, things just go out of focus. 

Tube is not done your throat. The style with two short ends that point at each nostril. Like the ones people use that have those oxygen tanks.

Not a big deal at all. It just surprised me the first time because I had not idea they did that.

 

I know what you mean by that - had oxygen given that way at birth of my daughter (c-section) with spinal (was awake) for it.

If you did that, then this will be a piece of cake.

I. An read without glasses now and see computer distance (although sharper if I am wearing glasses) right to be operated in is currently -3.25 so in that interim time when my natural lens lens is removed (before insertion of IOL) I will still be able to see just it will be blurry/out of focus?

Meant I can read without glasses.

They say mothers forget all the suffering once they have that bundle of joy in their arms- focus is then on the future I guess. Perhaps if I am thrilled with better eyesight this too will be a distant memory.

It will just be a matter of how out of focus it will be. It isn't like you go blind and everything is black.

Your vision will already be blurry from drops and goop anyway.

So when they start, everything will already be somewhat blurry.

But it doesn't matter. You are only without something for like 30 seconds.

With the whole thing being only 10-15 minutes, it becomes a distant memory pretty quick :-)

Sure hoping it'll be distant memory🙂

Do you know if the surgeon if they encounter something unexpected during removal of natural lens that they de use to put in a monofocal lens instead? Thinking I should have asked that question during consult but didn't. Is it too late to ask just before surgery?

Question about drops. Up early this morning so started day 1. Schedule is 1 drop from each bottle (5 min wait between drops) 4 times a day. Should I space these out evenly (ie every 6 hours)? Hard to do when I sleep 8 or 9 hours. However if that's what is required will do it. Just didn't know how important timing is.

Oh ok, that's a relief (I did figure that's what you meant after I asked, but it's nice to know for sure).

Oh wow, I'm in the US (I guess that was obvious).

Ok I thought you meant you declined the IV...

Ditto what Mark said, this will be a piece of cake.

If they offer IV I will accept. Would prefer that I think.

I'm not sure, but maybe also ask if they have the correct lens before they start. I read occasionally when there's a cancellation or other mistakes involving the lens (wrong order, etc.), you can accidentally get the wrong lens.

I found a PDF that said for drops that are 4 times a day, use them at breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime.

Also you're not supposed to climb stairs the first day, but I have to since I'm on the 2nd floor with no elevator. I wish I could do this on Monday, lucky you!

Hopefully all will go well - trying to think positive thoughts.

Sounds better. Couldn't see myself waking up at 2am to spread evenly.

I havr stairs in my house so no avoiding them. Found my 1 pager hospital gave me. Just says no strenuous exercise - can walk watch Tv. Avoid bending or getting water or soap in eye for a week.

I don't see why there would be a problem that could cause them to pick a different kind of lens. As far as I know they all go in the same. Once the lens is out, anything should be able to go in.

I actually that questions about spacing the drops when I did my first eye. They told me to divide it over your waking hours.

I am in US as well.

When they did mine, the lens was in a box placed at the foot of my gurney. I saw my surgeon look at it.

I didn't bother asking because I have no idea what the numbers on the box would have meant. I had to trust tham at some point :-(

I have stairs in my house. If I recall, you are just suppposed to try and limit it. The issue, I believe, is that people tip their head down when going down and you are supposed to limit that. So I think they just don't want you running up and down the stairs all day.

Just remember, while it is quick and done all the time, it is still a surgery. So you just want to be a little careful while the things heal and the eye starts to attach itself better to the IOL.

Agree at one point have to trust surgeons are operating in correct eye and putting in lens meant for you.

Also agree you'll want to limit activity first few days while eye heals.

What I meant by lens (realize all can go into your eye) is what if there is something under your natural lens that they didn't know until removed that a monofocal lens would be more suitable than Symfony lens selected. Or would that even matter. Don't know.

Not sure what things that make a Symfony 'bad'.

I doubt they can tell those any different after the natural lens is out.

The lens just sits in a capsule; between your cornea and stuff in the center of your eye.

They can see the capsule during a regular eye exam; that is how they know it is 'cloudy' and need to have the YAG (i.e. capsule popped).

And when you are diolated they can see the entire inner surface of the eye (i.e. how the retna is attached).

Isn't most of the Symfony stuff more subjective and tings some people see and others do not?

I highly doubt there is anything additional the doc can 'see' to asses that with the lens out of the way. While the cataract makes our vision fuzzy, it doesn't fill the entire lens, so they can see around it.

 

Thanks Mark - I just have 2 flights of stairs to walk up to get home and then don't have to walk down until the next day for my appointment. I did read on occasion there are mixups with the lens if there's a cancellation, etc. but I guess how much can we worry about these things? The majority go smoothly with no mistakes.

Everything will be fine I'm sure!

Hi. I've been following all the discussions and have a good idea of what to expect tmr when i have my op. I'm in the UK so guess I'll have it before Sue. Watch this space!

Good luck Jenny!

Best of luck Jenny. I have lots of family in U.K. so know you are 5 hours ahead of me. Will be wanting to compare experiences tomorrow. Are you having surgery they NHS?

Hi All.  My op had to be cancelled.  I went to the hospital at 8am and when I saw the surgeon, WHO I HAD NEVER MET BEFORE, he asked if I had any questions.  Erm, yes,  What sort of lense are you putting in?  0 or -2.  Zero he says.  Oh, i said, i wanted -2, cos that is an option that was offered back in Dec and I don't want to lose my near vision and i dont mind wearing glasses etc etc.  Oh, he said, I didnt know.  Let me see if we have that lense .... yes we do BUT i can't reconfigure it cos the software system is down and I assumed you were having a zero lens like all the other (elderly) people in the waiting room and I can't recalculate another lense.  Bye!   Lots of teeth gnashing.  So I await another appt.

It made me question my decision to go for -2 and should I just go for the zero lens - a bit like going to the supermarket for baked beans but having to get spaghetti instead cos they've run out of beans.  In the end I decided to go with my initial decision.  The surgeon was really thrown that I didn't want to have great vision apart from close.  Very frustrating.  

Interested to see which lens you go for today, Sue, and how you get on.

Sorry to hear that you had to go through all of that :-(

On a good note, you had a chance to get 0D and choose not to, which means you are relly sure of your -2D decision.

Be sure to look at the expiration of the drops, to make sure they will still be ok when you get reschedule.

So frustrating for you. Not sure how I am feeling at moment. Just had my breakfast and will soon be on my way to hospital. Had strange dreams all night - unusual for me as I usually sleep like a rock and need an alarm to get up.

Will hopefully be posting before day is out. Take the time Jenny to think about what you want. Funny thing is I would likely be relieved to get there and come back home. But then I know I wouldn't t be any

More prepared. How do you prepare for this. Sat on my front steps last night - moon almost full trying to memorize what I see and how I see lights. Wondering what everything will look like after today .

I wonder what he meant by everyone gets the same lens? They take measurements before you have surgery so you get the right lens for your eye.

I can understand all of those feelings. Change can be hard and sometimes scary.

Just know, after reading what all the different people had posted here, things are good afterward. And even if you don't like it the exact outcome, there are options for changing it. So nothing is cast on stone.

Things will be different, in that what you will need glasses for will change.

Will it take a little getting used to, of course. I took me a long time before I stopped reaching for my glasses in the morning :-)

Do I miss the super close-up I had, of course. But having far distance out weighs that that by a mile.

Good luck today. Realize your vision will be blurry for the rest of today (and maybe part of tomorrow), while the surgery drops wear off, etc. Then enjoy your new eye!

Thank you 😊

Are you referring to spherical aberration? I see there's a lot I don't know about these lenses and I was leaving it up to my doctor almost entirely.

Not sure what part of my post you are referring to when you said "Are you referring to spherical aberration?".

I am sure Jenny's surgeon was just saying that everyone wants far vision (i.e. 0D), so he just always calculates for that. Sounds like the eye doc didn't inform the surgeon, or the surgeon goofed and didn't want to look bad; mistakes happen. It would have been an esay 'fix' for him if the software had been working :-(

Hi Mark - started new post with life after cataract surgery. Called climbed my mountain.

Just wanted to thank you for providing all the details you did. Helped me get through my day. Going back today for testing. Sight very blurry yesterday likely to to dialate on of eye. Today much clearer - awoke to reading PVR clock which I have not been able to do for years. I did not like Ativan. It kicked in way after surgery and made me nauseous- so much so I couldn't keep down supper. Hoping that didn't rotate my new lense. Next eye surgery is Aug 21 so decided not to take the Ativan for that one. Doc talked to me while while he was operating. Sounded all went well. Coolest thing I could see Symfony being unfolded in my eye - saw the rings.

Will be an interesting day to see how I get on. Will walk outside to to get a look at lights. I am so pleased that I think even with night issues I will be ok with these lenses. To have clarity during the day is super great.

Other than the nausa, sounds like it all went well. That is great!

Glad I was able to help in a small way.

The eye is also blurry because it gets a llilte sollen; that goes down over a couple days.

Yes all is very good. Just came back from post op vist with surgeon. I can see out of operated eye 20/20. Dr was very pleased with my results. I have minimal discomfort- drops should take care of that.

I did sit outside last night although vision still blurry Street lights seemed fuzzy like prisms with lights of blues and pinks streaking around them. I will go out tonight to see what they look like with clearer vision. Last night didn't see any concentric circles. Just a blurr/colourful fuzziness.

My next eye will be done August 31. My surgeon is taking vacation till then. Which is fine as I didn't want operations to be too close together.

It's amazing the clarity I have. Colours are different between my eyes. There is a yellow tint on white walls that isn't there with Symfony eye. Will have to cope until second surgery I have my serenghetti sunglasses that I got last year. They gave me the 2 lenses that were replaced with prescription lenses so i replaced one side with oringal lens. Works for now.

My surgeon said the Ativan likely wasnt cause of nausea and I should still take it next time. Not sure what else could have caused it.

Thanks again for all your encouragement. I am so glad I went with Symfony lenses. Even if I find tonight that I do see the contrentric circles I will be happy to have such good daytime vision again.

Glad your follow up went well.

The surgery drops where probably still affecting your vision. I also say blues and pinks while taking the post-surgery drops. Based on what I gather, those colors are normal.

The yellow tint is because the natural lens turns yellow with age. So you are seeing through a nice clear lens now.

Maybe the nausea was the breakfast you had that morning? Or just being nervous?

Hi Sue.  Well that all sounds just swell!  Well done you.  You've made it all sound very easy to do and I am really pleased that you're happy with the outcome, and so is your doc.  

Having had my surgery postponed yesterday I have been given a new date of 31st July, with an appt to see the surgeon (yes really!) next Tuesday.  This is great news cos it's a different surgeon I've never met before.  I am taking a friend with me just in case it's a "Why won't you conform to the norm and have your eyes set for 0 conversation."

Glad you were able to find a path forward. Good luck.

Yes it was Jenny's post where she said she was going to get 0D and not -2D. Maybe it's easier for everyone on here to figure out what should happen since you all have your prescriptions from glasses and contacts and I don't because of the Lasik I had.

and I meant where you said this "On a good note, you had a chance to get 0D and choose not to, which means you are relly sure of your -2D decision."

yes mistakes happen, I read that sometimes they have the wrong lens, so lucky Jenny asked!

Hi Nina.

I only asked because the consultant just seemed to think I was going to sign the consent form and that was it.  "Any questions?" he asked in a sort of "I have to ask this way."  This is a man I'd never met before!  I love the NHS and think it's a really wonderful facility but the problem is there is no time to meet anyone beforehand and really discuss the options.  Well, not that i was offered anyway.  (But now I am thank goodness)  I had been given the 2 options way back in December when the cataract was first diagnosed so it wasn't as though I'd been told I'd be set for 0 and then went off and did some reseach and decided to go off piste with a -2.  

The 'norm' is 0 set for distance and glasses for close-up because the majority of the NHS patients are over 60 or whatever and they want to get back the distance vision they've lost with the cataract, whereas I've never had distance vision and want to retain (and slightly improve) the close vision I have always had (such as it is at -12!)  I was looking at the use-by dates on yogurts in the fridge just now and if I was set for distance I'd have to go and find my specs just to do that unless I have them on a chain round my neck ...

I have googled the surgeon now doing my surgery and he runs a private practice as well as doing NHS work and very interestingly he DOES NOT DO MULTIFOCALS.  This is the complete opposite of the private consultant I paid to see last Autumn who said straight away "I can fix your eyes so you don't need glasses at all."  But having looked into this I can tell you that I am not a good candidate for multifocals, and anyway I don't want to run the risk of problems at night.  I may be 50 next month but I still want to be able to go out after dark!

I found the other thread on this forum about the problems with the symony lense that Sue has been contributing to.  Some of the experiences are really awful, such a shame.  I really hope my cataract comes out easily and no other bits of my eye come with it ...

I'm not sure I could have changed my mind and gone with the 0 lens sitting on his desk, Mark, as when it became apparent the surgery for -2 was off I asked the surgeon if I could take a moment to reconsider the 0 option and he said "You can't keep chopping and changing, I've got an operating list to sort out!"  I guess he felt under pressure as he had a room of people waiting to be 'served' and I was wanting baked beans and not spaghetti hoops ...

Hi Jenny - yes after reading much here it was with MUCH trepidation that I went forward with the Symfony lenses. I too didn't want to lose my near vision. I had wished before cataracts that I had given contact lenses a try and played around with monovision. I have been telling

My siblings and friends to try that out with contacts now before they get cataracts.

I am now on my 2nd full day with a Symfony lens. The daytime view is nothing short of spectacular- I can't get over the colours and crispness of vision from far to about 12 inches.that's when things start to blurr. I was totally made aware that with Symfony lenses I may need readers for small print.

To clarify the Symfony lens is NOT a multifocal- it is an extended depth of focus lens (a class of its own). Yes there are people on this forum who have had issues with them and even night vision (concentric circles, halos and glare). I am posting because I was here looking for advice and information as soon as I was diagnosed last January with cataracts. To be honest if I hadn't been posting before surgery I likely wouldn't be today.

I went outside first time last night and although these are early days and I will gladly provid updates - I did not see any concentric circles. Streetlights are more fuzzy / undefined but no big cascading lights . Headlights have starbursts too but I have always needed to look to opposite side of road as I find new car headlights very strong. My husband who had no beginnings of cataracts doesn't like those bright headlights. Taillights only when brakes are applied (are like the streetlights) and are fuzzy. Tonight I head out of town to watch my child's soccer match tomorrow dee the lights. Hoping I can see the girls play and those floodlights aren't bothersome. I think will cry if I can read those jersey numbers. I haven't been able to distinguish one player from another with cataracts. There is a you tube video (little cheesy) by a Dr Shannon Wong that's a good approximation to what I see with Symfony lens. Again I have only one eye done not sure what happens when both are done.

Key to me is the surgeon. It is good to ask all your questions however mine wasn't that chatty. He sees so many patients (no distinction where I am between private or public). No extra money to my surgeon whichever lens I chose. He explained them (learning now only because I asked). If I hadn't asked he would have done monofocals.

I would research your surgeon. Find out their reputation. Chat with prior patients to see their satisfaction level. Since mine had no time for lengthy consults that's what I did and learned he is a very good surgeon.

From what I have learned there are those unhappy with monofocals too. In the hospital waiting room post op check up yesterday my fellow waiters were amazed I had close and far vision with just one eye done (tells me my surgeon does a lot of mini monovision). When they found out I paid they wondered why they didn't know there were options (on a humorous kind of sad note) one lady didn't know a lens was removed from her eye and replaced. Kylie st goes to show some of us are naturally more curious than others. Though we can ask all the questions we want - remember the surgeon is one performing it.

That is terrible; that he said that to you. Glad you paused and took a step back.

Sounds like things are still going well. That is great! 

Sounds like your question got answered. If not, let me know and I will try again.

I do totally understand trying to figure it out. All I heard was people talking about 20/20 & 20/40 and I wanted to relate it to Diopters :-)

If you know the distance you want to see, that converts directly to Diopters. The 20/20 is more of a subjective reading when looking at the chart (i.e. what you see 20 feet, most people see at 20 feet). All I knew for years was my glasses script.

Sometimes good to trust your gut. This person is operating on your previous eyes.

So far so good - early days but yes very pleased no real problems to date. Blurry vision all day following surgery but I had read that was normal and could have last a few days and still normal, everyone heals differently.

Yes, that is normal. That is why they do a 1 week follow up :-)

Had a next day visit with surgeon. Normally he does 2nd eye following week but he is on vacation . He says I can

call optical u it at hospital if I am experiencing pain or anything out of the usual grittiness in eye which drops should take care of. 2 days post op now the grittiness seems to subside. More at night when eye is tired. Tells me time for drops and bed time. 2nd op is Aug 21

Interesting. My surgeon does the eyes two weeks apart. With 1 week follow-up after each. At the 1 week is when he told me to go back to normal activities. He may also do 2 weeks, so the eye has some time to heal and see if any calculations need updating.

What are you doing with (i.e. wearing on) non-operated eye until Aug 21?

That's a good question. Currently if I am in the house - nothing. My operated eye seems to take over. When I drive yesterday to take my daughter to the mall I used a 2 year old pair of Serengeti sunglasses. When I bought them optical place gave me the original non prescription lenses which I had kept. So I replaced the right eye prescription lens with the Serengeti lens. I still 'feel' a difference between eyes but it'll do. Not sure what I will do next week when I go to work.

I lost track of who has what script. What is your non-operated eye's power?

With my -1.5D and 0D, I got a pair of +1.5 readers and removed the left lens. That gets my by for the computer. The two eyes are not perfectly balanced because of of the astig, but it works fine for me. And +1.5 works if I sit just a little close.

Non operated eye needs -2.75.

Then you might be able to get away with reader trick I use. Just have to play with which power works best.

I got mine at Walmart for $10.

You can get them at the dollae store also.

It isn't r ayers I need for unoperated eye it's distance unl as you can get those in plus and minuses. By end of day get headaches. Got such a long wait to 2nd surgery. More than a month. Going to have to try a few things. Supposed to go back to work Monday. That might be difficult

Sorry eyes hard to focus at night. I need distance lens for unoperated eye of -2.75 - can I get those at Walmart? Difference between eyes giving me headaches. I lay down every few hours and close my eyes to rest them

They do not make minus ones.

I was talking about the reader thing to help you with reading.

It sounded like you were doing ok with distance; with those sunglass.

I believe you could go online and order a cheap pair.

Do they have the expressmarts? I think they have cheap exam and glasses. 

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They do not have minus glasses. I was talking about that to help you with reading; I thought you were ok with distance because of the sunglasses.

You could order a cheap pair online (zenni optical).

If you use the envelope to side of my name or anyone else you can private message and include link. These sunglasses are 2 prescriptions ago so distance not as strong as I need. If I can get minuses at Walmart will try that and pop lens out on my operated eye did. Just a little odd looking for work - lol

OK thanks for the info Jenny (I didn't see your message until just now - the way the message threading goes in this forum can be a little confusing).

OK thanks Mark...I think my question got answered lol. If I have any others, I'll let you know!

Unfortunately, you will not find minuses anywhere. People only need pluses for reading, that is all they mass produce.

Look up zenni optical's website (I read about them on another forum a while back). You can get a pair (cheap plastic frames, with plain lenses) for $10. Not sure about delivery time or cost.

Will look it up. If USA company I will pay more than they are worth in duty when it crosses border to Canada.

I was supposed to have surgery week apart now it is 6 weeks. I guess if I find it too tough at work may have to go out on short term disability.

The sunglasses are ok for a while. Eyes get tried trying to balance . Going to see today with my last perscription glasses if I take out lens of operated eye and use those as they have slight prescription for reading. Everything so bright though so prefer to wear sunglasses.

Hard to explain why with 2 eyes open having trouble getting good vision. Perhaps it is the cataract in unoperated eye. I didn't realize how bad they were till getting one eye operated on. Last night we (husband) drove to our out of town soccer game for our daughter. Out of operated eye I can see license plates and road signs that prior to operation I could not read.

Unoperated eye still cannot see those things even with prescription sunglasses. Wish I only had a week to go to next operation. I am getting headaches. My concern is work and strain this will put on my newly operated eye. Here at home when eyes get tired I close and rest them.

Just something I will have to live with for 6 weeks. Wondering if there is a solution in the interim.

On a positive note operated eye doing better all the time. While my husband drove I closed the unoperated eye - the fuzziness around streetlights very little. Hardly any around red taillights. I bit more with oncoming traffic (those new LED) lights I think are bothersome to everyone. My husband driving gets annoyed too and we are finding more and more drivers are keeping high beams on. Although living here in deer and moose country perhaps contributes to it that behaviour.

But I am so thrilled to see so well with Symfony. Finding that distance to read from is a learning curve. Was used to iPhone being 8 inches away and now have to hold it out further. I will see what reading is like after other eye is operated on. Might want cheaters then or get comfortable with sweet spot.

Bless you, Sue, what a palava to try and get the distance right.  And yes 6 weeks is a long time to wait, you got a bit unlucky there with your consultant going away ...

When my eye is done on 31st July my eyes will be -2 (hopefully) and -12.5 in unoperated eye.  My optician said the only way really to cope with this is to wear a contact lens in the unoperated eye.  I think it was Mark said my condition will give me instant headache and double vision without any correction and seeing how you're struggling to adapt i think he's right.  I have no idea when the NHS would operate on the 2nd eye so when I meet the consultant on Tuesday I will ask him, and also ask about him doing it privately to get it done sooner, although I still don't think he would do it within 4 weeks as it seems they like to give the eye time to settle before they try matching it.  Fortunately I get full pay for 6 months in my job so I am not planning on rushing back to work, unless I can manage perfectly with the c/lens.  Do you get full sick pay?  If so, and you are not indispensible, you might want to stay off until the 2nd eye is done.  I can imagine it might be really stressful for you trying to focus at work/driving etc.  From what others have said you need to play around with different devices.  Could you get a contact I wonder?

Hi Jenny- yes I have good benefits at work and wouldn't lose any pay over those 6 weeks (just lots of paperwork) and my own sense of obligation (misplaced I guess from being a genX) I will try and go in on Monday. Having a conversation with my manager today and let her know status.

I am reluctant to try contacts as my surgeon asked me at a consult before surgery if I wore contacts and if I did to ensure they are removed 2 weeks prior to surgery. They can change shape of your eyes and could offset calculations. At least that is what I recall him saying. Because I have gotten such excellent results with Symfony I really want to follow all his instructions to a T.

I think main issue is the cataract which doesn't allow any lens to correct that eye (glasses or contacts). I am making do with sunglasses (one lens non prescription and other side with prescription) but need to close my eyes and rest every once in a while. It really gives me a headache. Not seeing double but hard to describe - view is just different in each eye and I suppose brain trying to meld that view.

Really hope you get the results you want Jenny - your eye difference is much greater than mine and should warrant them doing the surgeries closer together. We are at the mercy of their schedule. I wish they had just rescheduled mine a week apart with first eye done aug 21 than this. But this could be a hospital scheduling thing too vs my surgeon. I do think he is a very good surgeon and don't want anyone else but him to do it.

Re the contacts, yes, the NHS people rang last week to ensure I hadn't worn my lenses within the past month so they could be sure the biometry they did prior to the op which didn't happen was correct.  I got the impression as long as they got their figs au natural as it were, I would be ok to wear a lens in the unoperated eye right up until the day of surgery - this is on my Tuesday meeting list.  So much to remember ...  best of luck, I hope things settle in the next few days.  Off to watch Wimbledon semi-final now (on tv) - for the first time in 40 years we have a lady in it.  Yay!

Yes my dad is British and very excited about Wimbledon match.

Good to write down all your questions for surgeon. Too easy to forget.

Re: contact lens so I should be able to get one since calculations for iol power match already done?

Sounds like you are seeing the normal steady progress; that is great.

Even with your glasses for the un-operated eye (and nothing on the operated eye), the size of the image that your eye is seeing is different.

I can notice it with just 1.5D difference, and you have a 3.5+ difference.

So that could be a lot of the causes of the headaches, etc. Plus, if the remaining cataracts is in your field of vision, that will be part of it too.

In my opinion, I think the fact that the eye is still healing doesn't help either.

Remember when you used to get new glasses, and how it took a couple days for your brain to adjust to the clearer image? Well, you have a big dose of that going on.

What you are experiencing with your iPhone is also typical. I need reading glasses for that. The Symphony can only help that so much.

As far as contacts, once they get the readings, you should be able wear a contact. That is what I did. There is no other way to do it with -12D in my unoperated eye.

How much a contact really impacts things depends on the kind. The old RGP do reshape the eye. The new soft ones barely do anything.

Thanks Mark. Think I will check into a contact lens - 6 weeks a long wait

Hi Sue.  Wondering how you are getting on now?  Did you manage to get a contact to balance you out in the interim?  

I haven't yet. My surgeon now off on vacation and optometrist office solidly booked for 2 weeks. I did get into her office and they took out lens in my previous glasses so now I have those and sunglasses. If I weren't working all would be well - it's when I have to be on computer that it's difficult. Lots of headaches. In a week and a half I have 2 weeks vacation which should be easier and then 1 more week of work before surgery. Going to try and manage best I can. Can't wait to ditch the glasses all together. Will be able to really see how I get on without those then. May need pair for up close stuff / not sure at the moment.

Good timing. I was just wonder how you were doing myself.

Too bad you cannot complain enough for them to get you in (i.e. convince them is a 'medical emergancy'.

But if that is your only complaint, then I assume that means the corrected eye is working well for you. That is very good news. So long term you know things will be good.

A crazy thought, have you tried wearing a patch over one eye when on the computer? That will kill your depth perception, but you don't need that on the computer.

Lol funny enough I have mentioned to

A few people I would be better off getting a pirate patch.

Just wish I knew my surgeon was taking vacation and asked if I could delay both to end of Aug / early Sept. given how well fist eye turned out don't want anyone else so will wait. Yes quite sure once 2nd eye done will. E pleased. Have a little glare from once oncoming car headlights (less than what I have from eye with cataracts) so driving should be good. The strain is mostly felt when I read. Walking and viewing my daughter's soccer games not as hard as staring at a screen or book. Still have feeling of something in my eye (operated one). I think that will take a number of weeks to go away. Also don't like AC vents in car blowing straight at me so turn those away. Really dries the eye out. Once 2nd surgery comes this eye should be well healed. Prolongs healing overall but at least both won't be. Others g me at same time.

Still wearing eye shield at night. Ha I g trouble sleeping. If I was retired most of my issues would be very minimal. It's having to carry on that makes everything that much more difficult. The week I was off I would sleep more in afternoon!!!!!

As you say in the long term it sounds like it will all be worth it.  I was told I could cover up one of my glasses lenses between surgeries so lots of jokes about patches and parrots here too!  However, having seen the third (yes, really) NHS consultant on Tuesday we have come up with Plan C!  Unlike no. 2 he doesn't want to operate on a good eye so has advised me to get a -2 contact to match my (will be) -2 eye.  And -2 specs over the top.  So these items were ordered yesterday and will be ready to collect before the 31st - new date for surgery.  The new consultant was lovely, he said sometimes surgeons forget there is a person behind the eyes.  I am really happy with him and can't wait to get the op over with now and hopefully with our plan in place life can return to normal pretty quickly.

I am sure things will settle down soon, Sue; in the grand scheme of our lives it's just a few weeks of discomfot isn't it.  

Yes you're right. Just a few weeks and I should be good. For whatever reason (and I think it is due to cataract still in left eye) vision cannot be corrected with a contact lens or my solution of poking out lens in eyeglasses. even with coveri g up bad eye feeling of unbalanced there. More proof that monovision wouldn't be for me. Anyways all will be sorted out.

Glad you like your 3rd consultant at NHS and will he be one operating? Sometimes we have to go with one that connects more and puts us more at ease. Number one reason I am determined to wait till

My surgeon is back from vacation.

I agree, at this point, just sit tight and wait for the same surgeon.

Reading, in between surgeries, was the worst part. Are your glasses progressives? Maybe if you get a pair of cheap readers and pop out the lens on the non-operated eye. While that won't make them perfectly balanced, it might make it close enough to help somewhat with the strain.

And yes, AC vents in the car, or the wind outside. Never realized how much glasses block some of that.

Glad you found a surgeon that you like. It is so important to have that.

And yes, they typically like to do the worst eye first. Surprised the others weren't doing that.

Hi Mark. Prior to surgery wore glasses mainly for distance just started with progressives but found them hard to get used to as I could still read fine without them. But what I am more aware of since diagnosed with cataracts is that the distance to read at was different for each eye. My right eye prior to surgery could read at about 10 to 12 inches out but left eye needed the material closer consequently I was reading out of right eye and for distance since cataract not as bad in that eye was seeing out of left.

corrected eye more comfortable to read at 16 to 18 inches now. Wonder if I can get a pair of readers that would allow unoperated eye to read at that distance. Hard to try it out S there will be a lens in right eye that can't be poked out till

After the purchase - lol

Worse case though after next week got 2 weeks vacation then just a week more at work before surgery. So just a matter of time. Still very pleased with how Symfony performs. The TV is so clear now. Sat in front steps at dusk (streetlights had just come on). In unoperated eye everything greyed out with the houses down street. Symfony eye even in this lower light condition sees a lot more detail.

You can try the readers at the store by putting them on at an angle so only the one eye has lens in front of it. Since they are plain lens, that will be very close to them being on your head normally. Even if you are off by 0.25 or 0.5, it will still be close enough. That is what I did to figure out mine.

Speaking of putting the right lens in the right eye....the nurse I got for my 2nd surgery asked me which eye and I said "left" to which she promptly started to mark my right eye. I said "um that's the wrong eye" and she rubbed off the marker, said "oops it's so confusing telling which eye is which since my left is your right" and then marked my left eye. And she didn't even try to hide it since after she made a joke about it with the guy next to me when she went to mark his eye and everyone around her heard it. Needless to say, if I ever need surgery of any kind again, I do not want to go back there.

Unbelievable.

I think I'm going to wear an eye patch over the eye thats not to be worked on at my surgery...

You’d fit right in at pirate night on Disney cruise.

I think she was maybe just kidding since another nurse said something about her "sarcastic" sense of humor (the nurse who commented about her was a really competent young male nurse and also very nice - the female nurse who marked my eye was around at least 5 years older than me and was also nice, but after that I had her on my "destroy" list lol). Considering I hadn't slept and was worried about the outcome, etc. I did NOT find it funny in the least, even though I had no choice but to laugh along.

And thank goodness I had the male nurse the first time because if that had happened to me the first time I seriously might have switched doctors over it for my second surgery.