I have had cataract surgery in both eyes the past 8 weeks. I am so disappointed. I use to be able to see up close, but far away was not that great even though he said I was legally blind. I cannot see up close at all without some kind of glasses. (cheaters) I work on a computer all day and I loved to read and do crossword puzzles. Now my eyes are so tired wearing the glasses I have not picked up a book since I had this done. Is it possible to have surgery again and let me see close and need glasses just for far away. I even have a hard time cooking with the readers, but blurry without them cannot even cut up a tomato.
I am so sorry to hear this. I wish I would have been more aware of problems before I had the surgery. I would have definetly waited until they were really bad. Me having cataracs was definetly better than what I have now. But I know it is what it is now and have to move forward. I think you can have lens replacement again. Probably not first option. I've had yag on both my eyes. Does anyone know if you can do replacement after yag? Just be careful make sure you are well educated on all options. Don't be afraid to ask questions. My doctor has 0 compassion. He keeps telling me I have to get used to it. Anyway I'm super frustrated also. Best of luck. Lets all keep up the thread and help each other
Hello - there are several options. First, make sure you have a really good doctor otherwise I would suggest you find the best doctor you can and seek out a second opinion. If you choose not to go back in for surgery then you might get used to glasses for up close or some find soft contact lens work much better than glasses.
Some other (surgical) options include using lasik to bring in the distance vision a bit so that you are a little more nearsighted and can see better up close. Another option is a lens exchange but that can be a bit more involved procedure and there's some risk to the lens capsule but those risks that it carries also depends on the skill of the surgeon. Still another option I've heard of is called a "piggy back" where they insert a second lens rather than remove the first. There are optimal times for doing a lens exchange after your surgery (I think I've read it's best to wait about 2-3 weeks after healing but wait no more than either 3 or 6 months (can't remember which) so that it's a lot easier to remove the IOL. Talk to your doctor to discuss options to figure out what is best for you.
Good luck to you
So sorry to hear your experience. Sounds like your surgeon had very little discussion about your options. I remember sitting with the patients who had their cataract surgeries same day as me and we were all back for post op 24 hour visit with the surgeon. Some were as shocked as you not realizing they could see anything close at all even with arms fully extended and one poor soul had no idea cataract surgery involved removing your natural lens.
In Canada most surgeons (if patient doesn’t bring up lens options) will do cataract surgery with monofocal lenses targeted for distance. Our Medicare system covers the cost so unless patient ask questions nothing much is discussed except the surgery and you are given a date to be at the hospital where you wait with 20 others and one after another you are called in for the cataract surgery.
I don’t know the reason why they go with targeting for distance except perhaps it is to do with driving. Many people would likely prefer to keep or regain near vision and wear glasses for distance I am sure.
I am assuming here you had cataract surgery with monofocal lenses targeted for distance if you are able to see 20/20 distance but nothing close?
You should see tour surgeon to ask about options. A lens exchange always carries more risk and involves another surgery which you may not want to risk.
It is too bad after the first surgery your surgeon didn’t do a mini monovision (targeting other eye closer to give you a blended vision seeing distance e and intermediate with just needing readers for fine print).
But if you just cannot bear wearing glasses you may want to discuss options with your surgeon. Good luck to you. Hope you find a solution you can live with and enjoy.