Cataracts typically form in ones forties but are not usually significant. Its not until ones sixties that they may begin to cause vision problems. But, with a history of eye complications, it was of no surprise that I began to form cataracts earlier than most. At the age of 56, with a large cataract in my right eye, I was advised to have it removed.
As I learned, when a cataract is removed, the lens of the eye is also removed and replaced with an IOL lens (Intra Ocular Lens). Sounds straightforward enough, even though the thought of doing so is anxiety provoking.
In the process of being seen, having my eyes scanned and ultrasounded for measurements, and after seeing numerous professionals (opthalmologists, optometrists and eye surgeons), I learnt that I had a long way towards understanding all that I needed to know to make an intelligent decision about my sight.
What I learnt was that because I am very near sighted and have astigmatism, that a toric lens was recommended for me (this cost almost 600.00 more than what OHIP pays for a standard IOL), but I was willing to pay to correct the astigmatism.
I also learnt that I am not a candidate for a multi focal IOL, meaning that I could not have an IOL that matches the script of the lenses in the frame of my glasses.
I was therefore not going to be able to see both up close and far without glasses but had to make a decision to correct my vision so that I had either near vision clarity or distance clarity.
My surgeon told me that most people correct for distance. I learnt that although this is the default for most people, it may not be best for me. In fact, my opthalmologist who has been my eye doctor for over forty years and diagnosed my symptomless detached retina when I was 18, recommended against correcting for far because I have been near sighted all my life and not being able to see within close range would be very difficult to adjust to.
I began searching online for chat groups and reading posts from people going through this most frustrating and exhausting process.
I learnt that I was not alone in getting different advise and unclear direction from specialists.
I felt relieved to know that I was not the only one confused by trying to figure out how my vision would be affected if I corrected to a -1.5, -1 or -2 versus -6.5, to name just some of the many numbers that were thrown at me, along with cylinder numerals and axis numerals. It made my head spin. Every time I tried to make sense of it all, I became even more confused.
Specialists have very little time to answer questions to incredibly important questions. While the procedure may be very common and part of their everyday work responsibilites, the implications of me requesting what I wanted (yes, it was left up to me) were huge. My final decision could make the difference between me walking around dizzy versus continuing to enjoy my life with relatively good vision.
Furthermore, aside from having to decide on near versus far clarity, I was also told that I could consider mono vision or even micro mono vision. Meaning that I could correct my "dominant" eye for distance and my non dominant eye for up close. For some, apparently, this means being able to use each eye for different distances. But for others, might mean a life of regretting the decision after not being able to adjust.
After repeated visits to my optometrist, I was able to get two contact lenses - one to simulate close and the other for far vision so that I could get a sense of how things might "look" after the procedure. This was very helpful in determining that my opthalmologist was right - near was my preference.
I had the procedure four days ago. I knew I was in capable hands so the procedure itself was not as anxiety provoking as the outcome.
I chose not to be sedated, even though surgeons say that it is best. I knew that I could manage without it.
The procedure is quite miraculous and fascinating. It was not painful, just strange feeling.
After, I wore my prescription glasses over the operated eye and have continued to do so because removing the lens in the right side of my glasses frame males it really challenging to see (glasses make everything smaller and trying to adjust to two different sizes out of each lens is impossible).
when I remove my glasses and cover my left eye, I can see that I am improving daily. since there is a lot of internal swelling, best vision is not expected to be observed until about four weeks time.
And then it will be time to remove the small cataract out of the other eye and replace the lens there too. I am thinking that I will likely ask for the same script of lens (-1.5) in that eye too.
Bottom line is that when it comes to your eyes, dont be afraid to be considered a "difficult" patient just because youre wanting answers to your questions. If the surgeon doesnt have the time or patience to explain everything, find someone who will. Your eyes are worth it....
