As I sit here and write this post, I’m in our dining room. I’m at the table which is a makeshift office of sorts for me. I squint because the glare from the outside is bothering my eyes. The computer screen looks cloudy and faded. I cannot see the little arrow from my mouse because it’s white and fades into the background.
My otherwise pristine dining room table is now a makeshift office!
And so, this is my story to you about the cataracts which I have developed over time and my upcoming surgery. There are also some stellar eye care tips that I’ll be giving too!
Yes. ‘Tis I (or should I say “eye”) to tell you about the cataracts that were probably brewing since this photo was taken when I was about three years. (notice the pearl necklace–I was a fashionista even as a cross-eyed little girl and just as deeply shallow as I am now!)
Flashback—fade into last year!
It all began around last October. Just before the weekend when we turned the clocks back and the days became shorter. Real shorter. You know those days, when twilight commences just as you leave the office.
My normally pleasant commute through Valley Forge Park was becoming unpleasant. It began with the glare from the oncoming headlights. A halo of light prevented me from being able to see the road ahead. And my favorite part of the drive, a beautiful one on a little narrow road next to a little narrow brook, with curves more pronounced than those on my body, was turning into a challenge.
I call this the “Beetlejuice Bridge”. It is just before I veer right and follow a curved road next to a brook in the middle of Valley Forge Park. I LOVE my commute but due to increasing bad eyesight, it’s no longer fun! I miss seeing this!
I had to start driving very slowly. And could just imagine the cursing and saucy language that was being mouthed from the drivers behind me.
I was driving like and old lady. And it bothered me. And when I got home, I started to cry. And not those whiny crocodile tears. I really was moved to tears dripping down my face!
Seriously. This canine can see better than I can. Maybe I need a seeing drive dog?
And other changes with my sight were taking place as well. I had to squint to get a better view of what was in front of me.
Just call me Georgia Costanza. It’s worse because I squint with eyeglasses on!
Now it’s November 2019 and we were at Philadelphia International Airport waiting for a flight to Paris. Friends of my husband’s were on the same flight and we were chatting before boarding. I mentioned that I was having difficulty driving at night and described the halos. I was told it was most likely cataracts.
This is night driving to me. And it’s scary AF! I’m so scared I’ll get into an accident!
My initial reaction was “Hey, not me”. “I’m too young for cataracts” “I’m sure it’s something else”
And when we arrived home from our visit, the days were becoming increasingly shorter and I was becoming more and more agitated and nervous about driving home. I asked my boss if I could change my hours at work to leave at 4 PM rather than at 5.
She said “No” because someone needed to be at the office until five.
Now, I work under those disgusting fluorescent lights, and I thought that perhaps the lighting was the cause of my faltering eyesight. Fluorescent lighting is not good. Add to the fact I work not with one computer screen, but with two. And if you are familiar with working with two monitors, let alone one, you are well aware that after eight hours, the eyes get strained. That was not the case.
I thought perhaps the fluorescent lighting was the culprit. It wasn’t. However, this lighting doesn’t help my sight!
Luckily, when I addressed the lighting, my boss was great about it and my cubicle was changed to an empty spot in a corner with natural lighting from a window.
But the issue wasn’t remedied. Over time things got worse.
One of the guys from the IT department, came down to adjust my computer screens. It kind of didn’t help matters much.
Now we’re in lockdown due to the pandemic and most of the workers are home. I’m one of the skeleton crew at the office. Personally, I adored being one of three. It was a pleasure to come in, do my work without any small talk or disturbances. Yes. I’m that person who thrives on being in the office alone!
When I told my husband I’m happiest working like this with nobody around. He started laughing with uncontrolled abandon. But it’s true. When nobody is in the office, I work like Jerry from Parks & Rec!
But the eyes didn’t get better.
Instead, I thought my glasses, that are perpetually dirty filthy, were worse than usual. And after cleaning them, discovered that it wasn’t my glasses.
My glasses are usually worse than this. The new eye doctor agreed. He referred to my glasses as “filthy”
Then I thought, perhaps, my mascara had expired and the gunk from my expired eye makeup was irritating my eyes, making it more difficult to see. (Yes. I’m that person who will wear mascara well-past any expiration date. I’ll even spit into the tube to get the last bits—after all, it’s my spit).
Okay. So maybe my expired mascara and eye makeup was the culprit.
I did the unimaginable. I threw out the old mascara and replaced with new. There was no improvement.
The last straw was when my son, Roman came to visit in June. He wanted to spend time with us before returning to work at Rock Plaza. Bonaparte and I drove into NYC to pick him up as we are very-much into social distancing. So, when we had dinner out on our deck, Roman was sitting across from me, as was Bonaparte. I couldn’t see their faces. It’s akin to looking at an overexposed photo.
This is how I saw my son Roman. And that was the final straw before I did something!
And it was scary AF.
There’s a saying that some people look at life through rose-colored glasses. I was looking at life through a blurry cloud where I couldn’t read anymore unless I was in a room with no lighting during the day and dim lighting at night.
On the left–it’s how I SHOULD see. On the right–is how I DO see!
Bonaparte drives me to and from work these days. And I hate that. It is having my independence taken away from me simply because I cannot see. On the days when he has early or late clients, I drive myself to work. And with the assistance of my prescription sunglasses I’m okay. But that’s for summer. There’s no way I can do that in the winter with the short days.
My daughter Oona is like Homer Simpson asking me if I can drive at night. Actually she asks me if I can drive AT ALL!!
An eye patch is also worn at work. Oddly enough, patching over the bad eye helps the good eye to see better!
The first time I decided to get creative with my eye patches, I ended up drawing an eye upside down. Bonaparte told me I resembled a Picasso illustration. I liken it more to a hot mess!
My second attempt was a bit better but creepy..
And my third attempt was an homage to my OCD regarding where the shades should be pulled down to. (They all need to be pulled down to the same length so I can relax). Let us add some self-effacing humor here!
And so, Bonaparte did research and found an Ophthalmologist for me to see. Now, under normal circumstances I go to a fine optometrist but this issue demanded something more. We headed into Ardmore and for the first time in years, since my childhood into adulthood Ophthalmologist and surgeon retired,I was in the hands of another.
This was the office of my beloved Dr. Norman Stevens. Rockaway Park, NY and it was always a pleasure to go see him.
The technician pre-examined me, and then Dr. Sando came in to examine me. Truth be told. I do not like going to the doctor. Any doctor because, as a hypochondriac who is angst-ridden and suspects the worst, my fear gets the better of me. My childhood eye doctor, Norman Stevens was a gem. He took such good care of me and became more of a friend. I’ve even assisted him from time to time if I had an appointment and a petrified child came in to see him. He would put them at ease by telling them I was his favorite patient! I trusted him and loved him. And his office in Rockaway beach was like home to me.
In all honesty, Dr. Sando gave out great vibes. He was very thorough and explained everything in a professional and amicable way.
Dr. Ralph Sando. He looks completely different without his mask. All I saw through the clouds was two eyes. I hope this is him. It is!
I got the cataracts! But not just one type, I have two. Cataracts in front and in back. Add to that my amblyopic eyes with astigmatism and far-sightedness are a delightful mélange of sight issues that add to this fun time mix!
Funny thing is, my eyes look normal but they ain’t!
Dr. Ralph explained that surgery would be done on the bad eye first. This will give a better idea on how to work the good eye. He went on to tell me about the risks and worst-case scenario of ocular explosion. And a retina surgeon would be on hand should that happen. But that is a very low occurrence.
While others are pondering risks, I’m pondering what wig I’ll wear. Uh oh. I hope they allow me to wear a wig!
The surgery would be preformed on an out-patient basis, which is great. Since I have a plethora of eye issues, laser surgery isn’t really for me. It would be more intense. And recovery would be quick. Surgery will be done on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to heal. Since my job is ye of little PTO, I asked if it would be possible to go to work on the Friday. I know he wasn’t thrilled with this question but he agreed; and only if I take it easy (of which I almost burst out laughing).
An “ewww” moment. I will be awake. That’s so gross. However, Dr. Sando said that the lighting will be so bright I won’t see him coming at me. I hope I am rewarded with Vicoden after the surgery to relax me. Or perhaps before. Maybe I’ll just get Latisse to make my lashes longer!
He also gave me a sheet, more like a menu of sorts of the different levels of cataract surgery. My medical insurance basically sucks—however, it’s pretty-much the norm these days for the working middle-class. (BTW, a good chunk of my paycheck goes toward medical insurance). I told him to do whatever insurance will cover.
I’ll still be wearing my beloved eyeglasses. (I told the good doctor they are like Botox for the eyes). I’ll be able to see facial features again (although in some cases I might not enjoy what I see). The world won’t be seen through dirty glasses anymore (which is bullshit because my eyeglasses are always dirty). Let me correct that one. The world won’t be seen through a blur anymore.
My eyeglasses define me. They really do. Besides, they protect my GOOD eye and that’s more important!
Headlights won’t blind me. I’ll be able to enjoy my twilight commute through Valley Forge Park without driving like an old lady.
Speaking of old ladies. When Dr. Ralph spoke of risks I didn’t flinch. When he mentioned cataracts come with the aging process, I, in my most deep shallowness, started bawling like a toddler who couldn’t get her way!
My feelings were hurt. I’m not old. I’m a PRO-AGER!!!
But wait! There’s more and it is in the form of eyecare! Yes! Who knew? We spend a lot of time on skincare but eyecare? Well……. not really!
Other than wiping my eye makeup off in the evening, I kind of don’t do anything else.
Yeah. I wipe my eye makeup off with Albolene. I’m sure all that gunk is having a party in between my lashes!
The doctor’s technician spoke with me for a while on this subject. I have to go in to see her for measurements in two weeks. It’s a pre-op procedure.
Anyway, (reminder that anywayssss is not a word) it was recommended to use hydrating drops for my dry eyes. I was shocked to learn that mine eyes that don’t see the glory were dry! I have no problem crying at the drop of a hat and my eyes don’t itch. But she explained that in order to get correct measurements the eyes must be hydrated—it’ll stop the blinking and allow me to keep my eyes opened longer as she measures.
I got samples! It was like being at Sephora and coming home with makeup samples! Note the standard surgery. That’s what my insurance is covering. I need to win the lottery.
Then, the best! Actually, the best and most pragmatic advice ever! Johnson’s Baby Shampoo! Yes. Baby Shampoo to clean my eyelids. Take a dab of the shampoo and place on your fore fingertip. Rub the shampoo in a circular motion where the lash line meets lid and gently rub. Then wash off with water.
A little dab at the top of my finger..
..and rubbed onto the edge of my eyelid to clean out the gunk!
The baby shampoo doesn’t sting and all that eye gunk is gone. Who knew?
Who knew that Johnson’s baby shampoo would be used to clean my eyelids? And it works beautifully–no stings at all!
Am I nervous about the upcoming cataract surgery? Of course, I am, I would be foolish to not be.
Of course I’m nervous. However, I don’t like the taste of acrylic nails so I won’t be doing this!
Am I excited about it? Kinda? As nervous as I may be, I’m looking forward to the gift of sight returning. Presently, it’s difficult to write on my laptop because I can’t get the screen’s brightness to where it’s comfortable. I also can’t see the mouse pointer.
Yeah. I’m pretty excited. I don’t want to rely on my sunglasses too much. Lately I’ve been wearing them a lot. And I look forward to getting as much of normal eye sight can be had!
I am looking forward to not squinting. You seriously do not realize how important the sense of sight is until it begins to fade. And it’s true. Cataracts are conducive to aging.
But I like to call it eye care for the pro-aging!
Eye care for the pro-aging. Are you in?
Hey. Have you had cataract surgery? Are your eyes seeing a bit cloudy these days? If you think you may have cataracts get thee to an ophthalmologist!! Proage those eyes!
Good luck on the surgery!! I’ve worn glasses since I was 10, am now 63. No doubt I will be in your shoes eventually.( And, We’ve seen your shoes, gorgeous!! ) Try to relax, I know, easier said then done. I’m sure myself and all your readers wish you well. Xoxo
Thanks June. I’ll tell you, I’m so incredibly happy with all the good luck wishes. I’ll be confident and happy and will try to pick out a great head of hair to wear!!! XOXOXOXO
Oh, Cathy I can’t believe you waited so long to get this surgery. It really is easy. Well, like you I had issues. They actually had to shave some of the eye to make it even? Now that was actually easy. I didn’t feel it until I scratched my eye myself putting drops in. But after the surgery it is fabulous. I had no idea that there could be such a difference. It was like I had been looking at the world through and aquarium. I’m sure yours will be much better. I don’t mean to sound like a mother but weren’t you seeing an ophthalmologist every year? Every six months? Of course I’m sure it was difficult to get time off to see a doctor. But, it doesn’t hurt and you’ll love the results. I use Ocusoft to clean my eyes and Retain to lubricate my eyes. It’s dryer here in Los Angeles. Good luck. You will be thrilled. You can call me anytime for advise. Trust me I’m always at the eye doctor. PS. I got the normal lenses nothing fancy. I’m glad I did.
Sandy. I’m so embarassed to admit this but after Dr. Stevens retired, I couldn’t go to another Opthamologist. I literally LOVED that man. He was like a second dad to me. His secretary was an “older” woman and she and her husband had no children so they would take me out to dinner and I was like the child they didn’t have. Instead I relied on optomotrists. What can I say except that I was foolish because this could have been remedied earlier. Ya live. Ya learn. In spite of it all, I feel very safe and in good hands with Dr. Ralph. He went to Yale but his bedside manner is very nice. I’m also happy to hear you got the normal lenses so I feel much better already1 Thank you for the pep talk! I love you! XOXOXOXO
Good luck with the surgery! 👍🏻🙏🏻
Thanks Ellie!!!! XOXOXOXO
Embrace it. Best thing (medical procedure) that I ever had done. No more coke-bottle glasses. No contacts-no falling asleep with contacts! I had it done just before radiation treatments for cancer . They told me the radiation was going to cause cataracts a d I already had them anyway. The biggest pain is taking the drops in order. Now I see CLEARLY and have glasses for reading . Tip: Get the lenses for distance so you don’t need glasses for driving. The bi-focal lenses never got good reviews from people I know who made that choice. Also good to know: a membrane will form over the lenses; it is a natural reaction to the foreign lens. For me, it took about nine years before I had it lasered off. Some people grow the membrane in as little as four months. Good luck-the surgery is life-changing in a great way!
Hi Cyndy! Hey. Thanks for that advice! The odd thing is I never remembered you with coke glasses in high school! I’m feeling more and more confident about this!!! XOXOXOXOXO
PS. I didn’t mean to scold. I’m just s concerned friend and mother.
Hey Sandy, I know you weren’t scolding me! You are the best kind of friend to have–you tell it like it is! XOXOXOXO
Good luck to you, Cathy, I am sure everything will work out just fine! I will keep you in my thoughts on Wednesday and wish you a speedy recovery!
Thank you so much Deb!!! XOXOXOXO
Sending you a big hug and if I were there, a hand to guide you about until you heal. I pray all goes well, you sound like you are in capable hands. We know Bonaparte will be taking great care of you. In addition to letting us know how you are faring, you will have to share what sort of patient you are to your dear husband 🙂
Hi Arabella. LOL. I’ll definitely let you know what kind of patient I am and if Dr. Ralph was/is able to handle me! I am in capable hands and am looking forward to the knife. I may even ask if he can give me an eye lift! XOXOXOXOXO
Thanks for sharing. It is very kind of you. You are so brave. My dad had major eye problems when he got older. And now I am older, so I am kind of nervous. Wore glasses since age 12. Got Lasik at 45, and now am worried about what is to come. I am 65. Your sharing made me feel so much better. I have been a big fan of yours for quite awhile.
Thank you Jean! Hey. I appreciate that you enjoy my posts and I thank you!!! Don’t worry because I’ll keep you posted! XXOXOXO
Cathe, thank you so much for this post. I was an executive assistant for 35 years and then retired. Within 2 weeks I was bored to death, so I decided to go to school to become an esthetician. After 2 years, I got a job as an instructor at a school for Estheticians and I started the first week in January. I was fine driving back and forth during the daytime. The school was only 3 miles from my house going the back roads. I had no idea how bad my eyes were until the day I had to cover an evening class. I panicked bigtime when I saw that the street lights cast huge halos from atop their perch all the way to the pavement and expanded to the very ends of my peripheral vision. When the first oncoming car’s headlights completely obliterated my vision, I froze and had a panic attack in my car. I informed my work I could only work day shifts. I made an appointment with my eye doctor who told me my cateracts were ripe and that I qualified to get the surgery. However, in February I got pneumonia and was sick until April. In the meantime, the school shut down due to coronavirus and has yet to reopen. My husband and I moved from Massachusetts to Rhode Island in April and my husband is now working from home. Your post has come at a great time because now I can opt for the surgery. Hubby will be here while I recover. I hopefully await your experience and guidance, We will pray for your safe journey through this. You have guts and sass and that’s why I love you.
OMG. Joan! We ARE so much alike! I can completely feel your panic! That’s exactly how I felt when driving home from work in the dark. I’m so not looking foward to when we turn the clocks back because I cannot change my work hours–it sucks too because I feel like I’m an accident waiting to happen and the company I work for could care less–it’s one less employee to pay! However, I am hopeful that I’ll be able to see at night after the surgery! Stay well!!! XOXOXOXO
You made me cry and laugh at the same time. Sign me, Impatiently waiting for your surgery results!
Suzi! Thank you so much! I’ll absolutely keep posting about this “fun” journey!! XOXOXOXO
Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery and a speedy recovery. I have 10% cataracts so I know what’s in store for me too!
Hi Sandra! Who knew how many of our peers and demographic either have cataracts or the beginning of them. It’s astounding and I’m glad that this post has brought out so many of us! XOXOXOXOXO
We go to eye doctors affiliated with our local med school. I have dry eyes, my husband has them now after cataract surgery. BOTH our eye doctors told us to only use the eye drops in the bottle 4x a day because they contain preservatives. If you need to use them more you need the single day little vials that you can use as many times as you need. We get them on Amazon.
Hey Bobbi. THANK YOU for that bit of advise. I have a few of those tiny vials the doctor gave me and also a larger size but I’m taking your advice because sometimes too much of a good thing is too much! Thank you again! XOXOXOXO
I so enjoy your blogs . You are so refreshingly honest and humorous . Good luck on your surgery !
Thank you Patti! I always try to keep it real with a sense of humor. We all need a chuckle!! XOXOXOXO
As far as aging eyes – I know several people who needed cataract surgery at the age of 50! And the surgery has changed a lot over the years. When my mother had it done over 40 years ago, there were dressings to be changed, etc. I did not have the same eye issues as you do but needed glasses at age 10, when I saw how detailed tree leaves are. I had surgery four years ago and it was amazing! I’m still in a state of wonder at it all. The day after the first surgery I was a little disappointed but the second day I was at a coffee shop and realized that I could read the signs on the wall behind the register and I just about did a happy dance right there. And this year for the first time in the 55 years I’ve been driving, my driver’s license doesn’t say “corr lens”. I’m sure things will go great for you. I wish you the best of luck. Think how wonderful Paris will look on the next trip! And use the eye drops.
Jean! That’s great about the results of your surgery. My memory came back regarding my dad’s cataract surgery. He had to be in his late fifties and he wore ridiculously oversized sunglasses for a week or so. He did say it was a great thing because his sight was great! XOXOXOXO
Wow this is timely! My husband and I were just discussing today, I saw my optometrist a few weeks ago and he suggested I get this surgery but get the upgraded lenses which take you to 20/20. I don’t have cataracts yet so OHIP won’t cover it, I’ll pay out of pocket ( approx $2,000.00CDN/ eye, private clinic) Sounds like a lot? My glasses ( bought at Costco) cost 500.00 just for the lenses add the frames and that could go to 700.00. I wear contacts that have to be changed bi weekly so about 500.00/year they are a specialized lens for astigmatism and severe myopia. Right now my work insurance covers 350.00 towards glasses or lenses but I lose that when I retire in November. We have other private health insurance but chose the one that covers more dental and nothing towards eye care. In Canada eye checkups are covered by public healthcare after 65 and my husband figures for a new pair of glasses every couple years he can afford 600.00 he has a straight forward prescription. I won’t have to wear glasses or maybe just readers (Costco multi pack) so big savings over time. These lenses rarely have a regrowth issue and I’ll never get cataracts. Of course as we pro age macular degeneration or other eye issues can occur so still need to monitor. My doc says I am an ideal candidate for the lens replacement I am healthy, no medications, no issues with dry eyes even with contacts after FIFTY years ( note: it’s not lasiks which I can’t have with my vision issues, it’s the same as cataract surgery but with an upgraded lens) my optometrist won the University award for contact lens fitting so for him to suggest this is amazing as he won’t be making anymore$$ from me for lenses, lens visits etc. He really supports the procedure. He has a 90 year old who got the surgery( had cataracts but paid for the upgraded lense) she drives, cycles etc. Def proaging!
As we get older placing a contact with a shaky hand gets challenging and I am way to vain to go back to the coke bottles full time!!!
I will follow your journey Cathe as I plan to late-gift my self this procedure for my 65th birthday (hopefully surgery will happen early next year)
Hey Momcat! Umm $2,000 for surgery is not a bad price at all. I shudder to think what the surgery cost is here. That’s why I’m only able to get the standard surgery. I liken it to having surgery at Walmart standards rather than Neiman Marcus surgery. Isn’t it pathetic. I could go on. But I won’t. It is Sunday and I must be Christian. Anyway, the price point for your glasses seems about right. Unlike you, I was never able to wear contacts because my childhood doctor said it would be horrific if anything happened to my “good” eye and glasses are also a protective device for me so I’m cool on all counts with that. I will definitely post updates on this!!! XOXOXOXO
Good luck for the surgery. Id be bricking it but Im the woman who has a massive panic attack at the mere mention of the glaucoma/puffer test, love your eye patch art work – hilarious. Big hugs
LOL! Thanks Juliet. Yeah. I’m pretty-much a chicken but my sight just got so bad I had no choice. I’m so touched that you appreciate my stellar artwork on those eye patches! XOXOXOXO
Hi Cathe, Happy Sunday. glad you got to the eye doc and you like him. Nothing worse than starting with someone new, and you think they’re a dud! Recovery is easy, as everyone else says you “see” results quickly. I’m sure you know, St. Lucy (eye saint), and your guardian angel will guide Dr. Sando. The baby shampoo cleanse is a godsend, been doing it for years. Cleanses your meibomian glands on your bottom lids so they can lubricate your eyes (sure you learned this at the doc’s). Sending good eye karma, keep us updated….pmd
Thanks Lakie! St. Lucy is with me every day! Another plus is that my husband is changing eye doctors because he felt Dr. Ralph was so nice–and coming from a critical Frenchman, that’s remarkable! I’m amazed at the amount of people who use the baby shampoo eyelid cleanse. I had never heard of it but am sticking to the doctor recommended way of doing this! Thank yu so much and I’ll definitey keep you posted! XOXOXOXO
Like you, I also had cataract, and for me it was the opportunity to say goodbye to my glasses. I hated to wear glasses.The doctor said he could implantate multifocal lenses. It was the best buy of my life. Wish you good luck with the surgery!
Thankyou Trussje! I’ll be taking the standard cataract surgery (OMG why do I feel as though my eyesight is on sale-Oh it’s because we don’t have great healthcare!)Regardless, I’ve been wearing glasses for 63 years so at this point, I would feel naked without them! Thank you so much for your support and wishes of luck!! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine, poor you but it sounds as though you are being well looked after. I had both eyes done last year, September and December, everything was straightforward and the worst thing was looking at ME in the mirror the morning after when I took off the eye patch. Ouch! I had no idea cataract surgery produced wrinkles!!!!! I now just wear glasses for reading, it is completely painless though I agree, the idea of being awake is not great, but the anaesthetic is washed into your eye and there are no nasty needles or knives that you are aware of. The lovely surgeon talked to me throughout. All the very best, and here’s looking at you, kid! Xxxx
All the best to YOU. I have the beginnings of cataracts too, but they aren’t ‘ripe enough’ yet to deal with. I wore contact lenses for over 40 years and last year while we were rebuilding our house after the fire I decided I was just tired of dealing with them anymore and so I switched to glasses full time. I have bad eyesight and the lenses are thick. So in that regard, if the surgery someday can improve my eyesight, I’m looking forward to that. Will look forward to your next post on this subject and I hope everything works out fine. Before long, you’ll be enjoying that trip through Valley Forge again.
I haven’t any experience to share BUT this one — set up your “recovery command central” ahead of time — if you’ll be in your favorite chair – or bed, etc – set all things there – Lip gloss, hand lotion, TV remote, Bottled water(s), extra pillows, a favorite blankie, etc – everything you’ll need to rest comfortably. Wishing you a great surgery and quick healing!! ~ MJ
Glad you are getting your eyesight looked after! Have been noticing all the eye patches and needing to be driven to places and was not sure what was going on. How long is the recovery for this?
I keep a bottle of baby shampoo/wash by the sink- – -also have just plain mineral oil for mascara. Sometimes my Cerave foaming doesn’t cut it with the sunscreen or mascara. Didn’t realize how good it was for cleaning around the eyes!
Good luck with your eye surgery. You will be so happy after all is said and done and your eyesight returns!
I know what you are going through. I used to tell my Eye Dr that it was like looking at everything after a long swim in a pool with too much chlorine. They never thought to look for cataracts, as I was only just 40 at the time. After numerous Drs, one finally looked for it and yes, cataracts. I always associated them with old people. One done at 40, the other at 45. I only have to wear glasses for computer these days, and I can even see that OK without them. They gave me one short and one long sighted lens in my eyes, so perfect vision when they worked together. Unfortunately I still see the halos when driving. Maybe they are growing back. Good luck with your surgery, I hope it all goes well and you really notice the difference.
Thanks for sharing this important post Catherine. Wishing you luck with your surgery!
Hi Cathe,
Good luck on your eye surgery! I’m going to have it sooner or later (not quite ripe enough yet). And BTW, you can change the pointer on your mouse and change the color and shape. I changed mine from white to black and made it a bit bigger. Hope you update us on the surgery!
Good Luck with the surgery! Was it this Wednesday? 8.5.20? Can’t wait for the results!
Hi Linda! It was and it went so well!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
Fear not, girlfriend! I, like you, was scared silly. I told the surgeon that there were not enough drugs available to allow him to operate while I was conscious. 🙈. Turns out I was wrong. I had iv sedation and they talked to me during the procedure and my seeet attending nurse held my hand. I had my left eye done on July 7 and my right eye will be done September 8. The vision difference is incredible. You will be so excited. I also plan to wear my glasses as I like them as an accessory but it is fun to be able to have your glasses off and still see things. Just have the IV sedation and it’s a piece of cake. (The drops seem to go on forever 4 times a day but that is the only annoyance. ) Feel free time message me for moral support. I was a major flight risk and I sailed through ☺️👍🏻
HI VICKI!! I JUST SAW THIS! I had the first surgery and it was great! Like you, I had IV sedation (which was great. I wish they sent me home with some)and the eye drops and was amazed at how easy it was! My second surgery is the 23rd of September and I just cannot wait. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SECOND SURGERY ON TUESDAY! xoxoxoxo
I had bilateral cataract surgery 4 yrs ago eith lenses implanted. I can see an eagles 👀 azz at 30k feet 🤣🤣
LOL! Enid! That comment gave me a case of the giggles. Thank you!!! XOXOXOXO