Eye am fine, thank you
By Carol Brown
@blitzfrick (2890)
United States
May 5, 2017 1:55pm CST
May 5, 2017
As far as the doc and I are concerned, I have sailed through my first cataract surgery. A few questions about the procedure have been answered:
The only painkiller used was in the eyedrops.
The I.V. was for nausea and for anxiety (I wasn't anxious, but what the heck.). The drug used was Versed (rhymes with "her head"). I looked it up and it's a discontinued brand. The scientific name is midazolam. For those who are interested, I've posted a link for more info on this drug.
The vision in my left eye is clearer now and that's very nice.
Aftercare includes extra eyedrops (in addition to the glaucoma drops that I use for both eyes) in my left eye: Prolensa and Durezol. Both are very expensive, but I won't need them after a few weeks. I'll need them again after the next surgery, but again, for a limited time. The doctor provided me with enough samples of Prolensa to finish the entire course of after-surgery treatment, but I may have to pay out of pocket for the Durezol.
I use my extraordinary close vision quite often during the day so I opted to keep my extreme myopia. Another benefit of keeping my myopia is that I'm able to use my old glasses until after the second surgery, when I'll be fitted with a new, slightly stronger prescription.
During the surgery, I felt no pain at all and was delighted to see, as a result of the procedure or maybe it was the drugs in the I.V. (I don't know), a lovely "light show" that looked like a lava lamp with differently-colored globs floating around. I oohed and ahhed at this display until the doctor said, "I need you to stop talking now". 
http://tinyurl.com/konnjrn
http://tinyurl.com/konnjrn4 people like this
4 responses
@LadyDuck (502429)
• Italy
7 May 17
@blitzfrick I have heard that several had the problem with their eyeglasses.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
7 May 17
@LadyDuck I have two friends, a woman and her boyfriend, who are also going through this process in the same time frame as me. I went to visit them today.
The boyfriend just finished his second surgery, but is greatly frustrated because he opted for strong distance vision in both eyes and is now discovering how often each day he needs to use his close vision.
He has one pair of reading glasses which solves the problem except he never has them close at hand when he wants them, and he has to go looking for them everywhere. It's kinda funny to watch, but I feel sorry for him too.
I think it would help if he just went on eBay and bought a case of reading glasses to stash everywhere so he wouldn't have to search every time he needs them.
What do you think he might do to solve his problem? 
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
6 May 17
Thank you, Anna. I was never worried about the surgery itself, but was hugely relieved that afterwards I am able to see well enough to use my same glasses prescription, which enables me to continue driving. 
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
7 May 17
You're welcome, and thank you! I was confident that the surgery would go well. I was worried about managing afterward, and was relieved to find that the results were good and that I can still drive, wearing my old glasses.
It's been informative for me to read everyone's comments. I've learned that methods and experiences vary greatly in many cases, while a few reports have been similar also.
When you have your surgery, (hopefully many years away!) maybe MyLot will still be around and you can share your experience.
I think of you all as my cataract support group, another thing I learned while discussing the experience here—how valuable friends are, in real life and in cyberspace.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
7 May 17
@blitzfrick Thank you. MyLot is such a wonderful support group. I wish you well on your other eye!
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
5 May 17
Thank you. Yes indeed! I'm experienced now, and being able to use my old glasses is a huge plus. I was worried about not being able to get around. I even bought a bus pass! But I won't need it now. Whew, what a relief.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
5 May 17
I know someone whos little 3 year old had to get eye surgery last month. So sad.
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
5 May 17
But still, nice to live in these times when such surgery can be done safely. I hope the baby's vision has improved and that s/he is not traumatized by having to undergo the surgery.
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
5 May 17
@blitzfrick i think hes fine. Besideshis eye getting more gray.
1 person likes this
