cararact operation

[MikeW]

I know one or two people here are coping with cataracts, and I've just had one fixed. Good news ! it really IS as simple as they tell you. Here is a summary of my experience:

Before the op: Eye drops four times a day for two days (anti-biotic, and 2 types of anti-inflamatory). No sting to any of them.

On the day: Nil by mouth after midnight (not even water).

Turn up on time (they have patients scheduled in at quarter-hour intervals, so the receptionist/nurse gets a steady workflow)

If there's an elevator, use it (NOT the stairs, they raise your blood pressure)

On with the dainty blue hairnet, then two sets of eye drops, blood pressure check, temazepam (for anxiety) if your blood pressure isn't perfect. Sit around for a while to let all the goop start working.

Three different checks to make sure they've got the right guy, and they know which eye needs fixing (the surgeon came by and marked it on my forehead, just to be sure).

Into the OR, up on a padded table, a bit of packing and a real heavy blanket like one of those lead-lined jobbies from the X-ray lab to help me stay still (I don't think it was strapped down, but I won't swear to it).

Anesthetic gel on the eye area and some more eye drops (slight sting to one of them), a gentle tug on the eyelids and some kind of clamp that I couldn't see or feel, then it's "look straight at the light and keep still, say 'stop' if you need to cough, sneeze etc.". A bright light (make that BRIGHT), changing color a few times, and maybe something cool and liquid on the eye, a sequence of low tones (imagine a video game in slow-mo) which I think must be a reminder that the ultra-sonics are active.

Fully conscious throughout. Absolutely no pain whatsoever at any point, and within a few minutes "You're done, see you at the follow-up clinic" - these guys don't go in for drama. It felt like only one or two minutes, but time flashes by when you're mazed by the Temazepam so it may have been a bit longer. Walked out of the OR under my own steam. Not sure the eye could see at that point, I don't think the anesthetic had worn off.

Final check at the desk while they make certain I'm not trying to walk or drive anywhere (as if I could at that point !) and they allowed my wife to remove me to the car. Definitely don't try to drive ! - reactions like a stunned haddock. At this point, you are legally impaired, so make sure you have someone to drive you.

The eye started working very shortly after leaving the OR, but the pupil stayed dilated all that day the next - all lights much brighter than usual, feels like living under permanent stage lights, sunglasses and a hat brim strongly advised. Strange to see a halo around every point-source - just call me Vincent.

Apparently, they disrupt the old lens with an ultra-sonic needle probe, flush out the detritus with a fairly large bore syringe, then insert a rolled up replacement lens through another needle; the lens springs back to shape once it's in place. The only incision is a needle hole right at the edge of the iris. No heavy lifting or aerobic work for two weeks - no-one seems sure about the tuba, but better safe than sorry, so take a 12 day layoff (there's a rehearsal coming up).

follow up (next day)
Doctor's office: Eye still dilated, definitely not driving anywhere. Read the eye chart, they check fluid pressure (don't know how, some kind of hand-held probe but too close to see, and I didn't feel a thing), surgeon checks the incision, then it's "Ok, keep up with the eye-drops, wear sunglasses outdoors, see you in ten days, bring all the spectacles you use." My eyeglass prescription is going to need changing, but they don't do that until the eye has stabilized - about six weeks. I guess they want to check my existing glasses won't cause any problems in the meantime.

Midnight next day: the pupil is still very slightly dilated, but the "starry night" effect is gone. Slight discomfort, like something small in the eye, but that's just the incision healing - MUST NOT RUB IT ! blindfold comes in handy to sleep.

So now I just keep using the eye-drops four times a day - the anti-inflamatories go on for three weeks, but the antibiotic stops after one week.

Like I said - it really is as simple as they tell you.

[Ken Herrick]

As one of the "copers" , this is very interesting.

VERY different to the "good ole days" when it eas a pretty serious and somewhat risky procedure!

Don't know if many on the Eastern side of the rim of fire would have heard of him but, Fred Hollows,(dec) an Aussie eye surgeon devoted a large part of his life to performing cataract surgery in 3rd world countries, restoring sight to many thousands. The Fred Hollows Foundation continues his work and for a mere $20 can bring people back to being able to see. VERY worthy of support.

THANKS for this post.

[MikeW]

Aren't there youtube do-it-yourself cataract operation vid's ?

Is there an emoticon that means "cold grue" ?

When I said simple, I was assessing it from the patient's point of view. It would be a different story without a skillful and experienced surgeon, and a well organised and truly slick team of nurses and technicians. Deep respect to all concerned.

[van]

OP - please see the PM I just sent. I'm having the procedure done on May 8 and I'm concerned about concerts and rehearsals in the next few weeks.

Bob Van Alstine
Tuba, Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band

[MikeW]

found one:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/chin ... #continued" target="_blank

I used to have a camera that did that. So last century...

are they trying to sell used cars to people old enough to remember that technology ?

This is a slightly more accurate simulation (some of the other stuff here is scary, too):

http://vision.about.com/od/eyediseases/ ... taract.htm