# Cataracts! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 2, 2024, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588 "2024-11-02T18:09:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/81 "2024-11-09T19:53:35Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > When Mr.Wrek had it he was a scared little puppy. Couldn’t imagine someone poking him in the eyes wouldn’t just kill him. … (Somewhat tangential anecdote) When I was eight years old I developed a cold sore on my right cornea. I understand therapy is much better now, but back then the treatment consisted of (spoilered for the squeamish) “Cauterization and curettage” — burn the affected tissue with iodine, and scrape away the debris with a scalpel. As a result the eye is subject to recurring viral flares, which are painful as hell. Since then I’ve had so much crap done to my eyes, including injections (admittedly just under the outer surface, but a needle is a needle) that cataract surgery was a snap. Not sure whether what I had would be called “twilight sedation,” but I remember the doctor describing what he was doing though I couldn’t feel or see anything. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/82 "2024-11-09T20:21:27Z")
The difference between the old and new prescriptions could easily be explained by cataracts. Cataracts tend to make people more [**nearsighted**](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cataracts) and _can_ induce or affect [**astigmatism**](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/can-cataracts-cause-astigmatism) – the two parameters that changed between your older and your newer prescriptions. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/83 "2024-11-20T22:51:55Z")
I saw the new ophthalmologist today. His nurse says they can schedule me in December for surgery. I’m still trading messages with the surgery scheduler. My friend can only drive me home except during “Christmas week” so that’s right out. This is so bad: I can’t see across a room and recognize faces. I’ve stopped going to AA meetings. Doctor says after surgery I can probably use my old prescription glasses, but it’ll (my words) suck. I chose to have computer vision rather than distance, but it won’t fix my astigmatism so I’ll still have 2 pairs of glasses. Which is fine: I’ve worn glasses for 40 years. I’d rather have a set I can wear 24/7 than having reading glasses to read my phone. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2024, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/84 "2024-11-20T23:14:18Z")
Go to AA.(mom stare) You’re struggling with this. I’m sorry for you. But it souldnt be so hard. Ask whoever about medical ride vans. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2024, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/85 "2024-11-20T23:20:51Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Go to AA.(mom stare) > Ask whoever about medical ride vans. There’s no such thing here. It costs me like $50 to Uber to a meeting. And it sucks when I’m there. I stare at my shoes, only thing in focus. I still go sometimes, but it’s terrible. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2024, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/86 "2024-11-20T23:29:45Z")
What about ‘the next best thing to being there?’ > **[Online AA Meetings: How They Compare to In-Person Meetings](https://sober.com/online-aa-meetings/)** > > If you aren't able to attend an AA meeting in-person, there are plenty of online meetings that you can attend so you can stay on the right path. Your sobriety is _important._ What you’re going through – all of it, at least since I’ve been on the SDMB – is ridiculously stressful. Take the best care of you that you possibly can. The cataract thing will get solved. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2024, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/87 "2024-11-20T23:31:30Z")
Oh, I already go to Zoom AA. It does help IMO but not enough IMO. You don’t feel the Fellowship in a window on your computer. It’s not enough. And yes, my sobriety is crucial, but Zoom ain’t doing it for me. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/88 "2024-11-20T23:34:38Z")
PM where you live. I’ll find you a ride. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/89 "2024-11-21T19:32:18Z")
OK, I saw the new eye doc. I’m scheduled for surgery Dec 9 and Jan 2. The staff was pretty great and I liked the doc. I was told I’d be scheduled within a week, so I was a pain and called them 3 times and they scheduled me. I’m excited: I can’t see s\*\*t right now, vision range is like 6 feet. I can see better w reading glasses than my progressives. I’m going to see the doc once more, but I think I’m settled on monofocal + glasses. Not sure if I’ll tune the monofocal to near or far, I just want to avoid switching glasses all the damn time. But I guess if I have progressives and computer glasses, that’s pretty acceptable. The old doc place told me $450-$995 for interesting lenses. The new one says $3500 minimum. F that! ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/90 "2024-11-21T19:37:23Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > And it sucks when I’m there. I stare at my shoes, only thing in focus. So? Aren’t you there to _talk_ and _listen?_ How’s your hearing? Ask one of the other AA people if they can drive you. If you’re going to AA then continuing to go is _important._ ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/91 "2024-11-21T19:41:21Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Ask one of the other AA people if they can drive you I live in a sparse area. I’ve asked around, gotten a couple of rides but mostly everyone lives the other direction. So I’m on Uber. Going to a meeting costs me like $50. Which I gladly pay – it IS important – but going and not being able to see people is miserable. I can see like 6 feet, and my favorite meeting has 70-80 people attending. I mostly Zoom right now. Dec 9 I get some of my vision back, let’s hang tight for that. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/92 "2024-11-21T19:42:52Z")
So… get a ride when you’re able to get a ride. I get that it sucks to not be able to see people. I had to continue to work while in that state, it really blew chunks. But you do what you gotta do. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/93 "2024-11-21T19:58:34Z")
I’m actually selling my house and moving into town next month. I’ve got a townhouse under contract. It’s flat so I can ride my bike places (current house is on a big hill, I’m frightened I’d die riding a bike. I’ve tried it, it’s scary as hell.). Old house will probably sell quickly at a premium. This will undoubtedly help getting to meetings, but I’m doing it all with no vision. I don’t even know how I’ll pack. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/94 "2024-11-21T20:30:10Z")
I’m glad you found a doctor who sounds good to you and who can schedule you soon. This all sounds like a nightmare. Best wishes. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/95 "2024-11-21T20:46:16Z")
As soon as the cataracts are gone you’ll be seeing the next day at the latest. If it is a normal thing. I’m not altogether sure if it is. But, I don’t think you should be doing heavy work like packing and moving so soon. Do you have any help lined up for that? Can you wait another month or two? Yeah, no. Nope, don’t be riding that bike til your vision is improved. You don’t need a conk on the head. Oh, as a person who has had to avail themselves of more than my share of medical services, don’t be a pain anymore than necessary. It is necessary sometimes to be a bit mouthy. Try to give these very overworked folks a break. You’ll get more flies with honey. I’ve found most personel are very willing to help where they can. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/96 "2024-11-21T21:00:09Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > But, I don’t think you should be doing heavy work like packing and moving so soon. > Do you have any help lined up for that? > Can you wait another month or two? I do not. I’ve resolved myself to paying two mortgages for a couple of months. I really have nobody that can help. Maybe my son if he comes for X-mas but that would be like 1 day – he has a busy life. > [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Oh, as a person who has had to avail themselves of more than my share of medical services, don’t be a pain anymore than necessary. Oh, I was perfectly polite. “Hi, it’s Squeegee. I hadn’t heard back from you, Alexis. Here’s what I’m looking for. Thanks so much!” I was just a pain because I kept calling them. Politely. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/97 "2024-11-21T21:50:24Z")
I’m happy you were polite. 🙂 The moving? Hmm. I think you’re gonna need help. Instead of paying an extra month of mortgage hire pro packers/movers. 2 or 3 days. Job done. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/98 "2024-11-21T22:14:45Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Hmm. I think you’re gonna need help. Instead of paying an extra month of mortgage hire pro packers/movers. 2 or 3 days. Job done You’re missing that I’m moving into a smaller place. Like 3-400sqft smaller. I’ve got to put my DR table, the occassional chair in my LR, and my king bed in the MB and my 72" stand/sit desk up on craigslist. I’d probably just give them away, but this stuff takes time. And I can’t _see_, hard to make pics. I need to find someone who can do electronics recycle for me. On and on. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/99 "2024-11-21T22:22:58Z")
My _uncorrected_ vision is horrible. I think that’s true of a few other Dopers, too. You really do have my sympathies. I’m sure the surgery can’t come soon enough. One word of free advice (worth exactly what you paid for it): find a preservative free artificial tears (ie, lubricating) eye drop and start using it immediately. Use it four or five times a day before and after the surgery. Definitely ask the eye doctor’s office for their opinion on this, _and_ – if they support the idea – ask if there’s any particular drop that they recommend. Cataract surgery can actually induce dry eyes in some people. It can also make existing dry eye syndrome worse, sometimes tipping somebody over the line from asymptomatic to symptomatic. This article supports the idea, and since they’re Canadian, I deem them entirely trustworthy 😉 [ETA: well, the original link was. It gets redirected] > **[Preparing For Surgery | See the full picture](https://seethefullpicture.myalcon.com/cataract-surgery/)** > > Tips to get ready for your cataract surgery appointment. Everything from choosing the right lens, a clear description of the process, questions to ask your eye doctor, and steps to take before your appointment to assist with recovery. > [@](#): > > Dry eye is one of the most common conditions seen by Canadian eye doctors. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 21 per cent of Canadians may be experiencing dry eye symptoms. It’s important that the surface of your eye is stable for accurate preoperative testing and to optimize your vision results after surgery. > > To help prepare, you can start lubricating your eyes using artificial tears before your preoperative testing and up to your surgery. If your eye doctor sees signs of moderate to severe dry eye, they may suggest a tailored treatment plan to improve your ocular surface health. ---
**Author:** ![excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e8c25b/32.png) [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2024, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588/100 "2024-11-21T22:52:58Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Not sure if I’ll tune the monofocal to near or far, I just want to avoid switching glasses all the damn time. But I guess if I have progressives and computer glasses, that’s pretty acceptable. If you like to read in bed, chose the monofocal for near. I wish I had. I’ve worn glasses since I was 7 years old. For me, the prospect of being able to see far without my glasses was so enticing, I jumped. I wish I hadn’t. I was truly accustomed to wearing glasses for far sight. Even when my focus was going so I had to get progressives to see the computer screen, I could always take off my glasses and read a book. Not any more. Sure, I’m nearly 20:20 without my glasses, but I can’t fall asleep reading. That, and a saw-buck will get you a cup of coffee and tip, so take it for what it’s worth. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cataracts/1009588.md?page=6)