Connie's Corner

Cataract Surgery

I had my left eye cataract surgery on January 16th. Those people who say it's nothing (and many of them told me that when asked) are very lucky. Mine was definitely something! The surgery itself (and yes, it is surgery) was the least of it, just some tugging and pulling and listening to the doc/ass't chatter back and forth. The day after and for around 30 more my eye felt like there were hairs in it, it burned, was red and my vision was very poor. The fact that I have glaucoma made it worse...also, my cornea is thicker that the normal bear's which led to corneal edema (swelling). My left eye constantly watered, light hurt it and screen time was out of the question. But, finally, it is getting better. I finished up with the special drops last Friday, and now, am only on my normal glaucoma drops. My vision has cleared (I got the intraocular lens for close reading) and it is 20/20. I picked up my glasses for distance last Thursday and they are like looking at a cinematic screen in technicolor. Of course, I must remove them for close work, but that was what I asked for since I have worn glasses for distance since I was 16.

I don't mean to scare anyone off cataract surgery. Apparently, most people have few problems afterward. But, still, I'm not sure I would do it again, given the opportunity. Make sure your cataract bothers you enough that it's worth it.