Cataracts, and now glaucoma too
By Carol Brown
@blitzfrick (2890)
United States
November 17, 2016 8:27pm CST
November 17, 2016
I've been going through the process to take care of my cataracts and along the way the ophalmologist has discovered I also have glaucoma. So he's now referred me to another ophalmologist who will do the cataract surgery and also some sort of surgery to relieve the glaucoma.
Meanwhile, I'm using one drop of glaucoma meds in each eye every night at bedtime. This works quite well as long as I don't fall asleep on the couch, lol. I missed one night because of that, but have been diligent otherwise.
I have my first consultation with the new doctor on Dec 1. I hope to have the process entirely finished by springtime.
Do you think I'm being too optimistic?
13 people like this
12 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
23 Nov 16
@blitzfrick I cannot disagree with that because I have experienced the situation several times. You think it is all over and suddenly you feel that you are going backwards.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
23 Nov 16
@Asylum Judging from the responses I certainly have plenty of company here on MyLot. In a strange way, it makes things easier for me.
2 people like this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
23 Nov 16
Even a "simple" situation presents quite a slog just to get to the surgery.
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34783)
• Peoria, Arizona
18 Nov 16
I am sorry that you are going through this. My step mom had to go through this, she had the surgery and she said it was the easiest thing she has been through and she has a beautiful twinkle in her eye now.
There is nothing wrong with being too optimistic, you were given some bad news and are looking for the best! Which is the greatest thing anyone can do!
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Nov 16
Well it isn't too much of a bother, except for interfering with my (non-existent) social life, lol.
The biggest surprise so far has been the cost of the glaucoma eyedrop meds. Wow.
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Nov 16
@DesirousDreamer Oh yes, the alternative—possible blindness—makes them absolutely necessary. The insurance cuts the cost by about 60%, thank goodness (and thanks to Medicare!).
@DesirousDreamer (34783)
• Peoria, Arizona
18 Nov 16
@blitzfrick I have heard they are very pricey, but it is worth it.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
18 Nov 16
I hope all goes well @blitzfrick . I have cataracts too but am not BLIND enough yet for the insurance to cover it.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
23 Nov 16
In my case, I'm very very thankful for Social Security and Medicare. Otherwise I'd be down the tubes. Whew.
Do you have the Obamacare there in Texas?
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
23 Nov 16
@nanette64 If we could curse here, I'd call them a name. I wonder why we can't have socialized medicine like the rest of the free world. Bah.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
23 Nov 16
@blitzfrick We do and I also have SS & Medicare, but apparently according to them you have to have a certain amount of visual blindness (%) before they will pay for it.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
23 Nov 16
I think the surgery is meant to alleviate the condition rather than as a cure; every little bit helps (fingers crossed).
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
18 Nov 16
I wish you all the best in the treatment and surgery.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Nov 16
Thank you! I have total confidence in my docs 
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
18 Nov 16
@blitzfrick you are welcome. That is wonderful then.
1 person likes this
@amitkokiladitya (171936)
• Agra, India
18 Nov 16
No...you should always be optimistic.
Now that the proper diagnosis has been made treatment shall be done perfectly
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Nov 16
Yes, I think a positive attitude is important. And a good surgeon, of course
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Nov 16
Apparently there are many here at MyLot who have had, or are about to have, the surgery. I'm so glad it's commonplace these days!
Like you, I have one that's ready, and one on the waiting list.
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
23 Nov 16
I had to look up laser iridotomy, lol. I'm not sure what the new doctor has in mind; I meet with him on Dec 1 and make an update on MyLot after that.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
18 Nov 16
My eye doc says most people get these with old age. No wonder the surgery is so widespread! I had my eyes checked 5 or 6 years ago and told a different eye doc I suspected I had cataracts, but he said no. I'm very sorry that I can now say "I told you so". But I think everything will turn out okay.
