cataract surgery and cpap

ozze_dollar wrote:Interesting. I have been advised that i have cataracts in both eyes. I am told I dont need to do anything yet but probably in about 3 years they will need to be operated on.

Three years...who knows what will happen by then.

If you don't need it now, I'd recommend that you wait, because there may be better replacement lenses available in three years.

Elle wrote:I guess I just have to get used to being old. I went for a routine exam and came out with surgery booked. I also thought that cataracts were 'scraped off' my eyes but they actually remove the lenses and replace them with fake ones. At first the doc told me I would see great after surgery without glasses but then an astigmatism was discovered so I will likely still need the glasses.

I think I am just afraid that my nerves won't allow me to lie still for the 15 minutes it takes to get the job done and then trying to deal with cpap masks added to the stress. I do know though that everything turns out in the end and fear and anticipation is a waste of energy. *sigh*

If he told you that you'll need glasses due to astigmatism, get another doctor! I had bad astigmatism, but guess, what? They make IOLs (the replacement lenses) that correct astigmatism. They are called toric lenses here's one link: http://www.alconsurgical.com/ACRYSOF-Iq-Toric-Iol.aspx
Be advised however, that insurance, and medicare will only pay for the standard IOL. They figure you can just wear glasses. If you want to go with astigmatism correcting IOLs, you're looking at around $1,500 an eye out of pocket.

One more thing. The standard and current toric lenses are rigid. If you get IOLs for clear distant vision, you will need reading glasses. I need glasses for reading, and another prescription for intermediate distance (but I've got crystal clear vision without glasses from 7 feet to infinity).
There is one possible solution. There is a flexible (accommodating) IOL called Crystalens (http://www.crystalens.com/us/IsCrystale ... orYou.aspx). It will allow you to focus close up, and possibly get away without reading glasses. They will set you back about $2,500 an eye. I wanted to go with an accommodating IOL, but the accommodating, astigmatism correcting IOLs have not yet been FDA approved (a good reason to wait if you can).

Oh, when you get it done, don't worry about your nerves. I'm as nervous as they come, and the surgery was a breeze!

Hi Jeff, I was told about the other lens but cannot afford it and am ok wearing glasses so will just get the regular lenses. I've had glasses for so many years that it might feel strange without them.

Thank you for telling me it was a breeze. This is what I need to hear.

It's been several months since I've had the surgery, and I still reach for my glasses when I wake up in the morning.

I wanted them to put me completely under for the procedure, but the doctor, and my wife talked me out of it. It wasn't any more uncomfortable than a haircut

I asked to be put out too and the doc laughed.

I love haircuts. I will definitely be keeping that image in mind.

If you need glasses afterwards, zennioptical.com has really inexpensive glasses. Single vision is under $10. I've bought several pairs of reading glasses with slightly different prescriptions to make it easy to see the computer screen, and a different pair for reading books.

You can even change your own "prescription" if you know enough to do so and want to get a little closer or a little further viewing angle.

My "accommodation" has really decreased as I age, so it's great to be able to order slightly different prescriptions.

I'm happy with the glasses I got.

I recently got glasses from zenni optical that I couldn't use. I think I may have measured size wrong. Also, they were progressives which made them more expensive but thanks for reminding me about them because reading glasses will be cheaper and I will also be sure to measure my wide face better.

Bright Choice wrote:

I was told to take a Xanax 30 minutes before arrival at the clinic and then had very light sedation.

Elle... my neighbor just had this done. I drove him to the hospital and took him home. He said it was such a piece of cake that he is looking forward to having his other eye done as soon as the doctor says it's time to do it. That said... I am just as much of a nervous nelly as you are. I hate going to the dentist and take a Xanax before I go. The injections are the worst for me. Speak to your doctor about taking a Xanax right before you leave the house - I'm sure you're going to have someone drive you - and about light sedation. My neighbor didn't even have light sedation but he isn't a baby like us.

Please post when you can... I am looking forward to hearing what a piece of cake it was for you!

Thanks Ems, All these reports really do make it easier. I don't go until Nov 20th so I have time to get some drugs and prepare.

thanks again for taking the time to make this easier.