r/CataractSurgery

Hi All!

I am an active 63 yo artist, avid reader, and master gardener having my left eye (dominant) surgery on 11/5 and right eye surgery on 11/11. I currently have astigmatism, Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD), and mild strabismus (previous surgery on this 53 years ago). My doctor indicates that because of the above, my only lens alternative is plano set for distance. Because of the EBMD, toric or other specialty lenses are apparently not an option. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

My real question is what my vision will be and how to navigate the six days between surgeries AND the time after both surgeries are completed, while my vision is settling (4-6 weeks?). I feel like I will be just fumbling around not able to do much for weeks. I am told I will need glasses to correct the astigmatism and mild strabismus, which I am NOT happy about. I was really hoping for at least some lens-free time and just cheaters. I have heard that there is a custom contact lens that may help with the EBMD that is thicker than the normal ones, which might be a partial solution further down the road.

Thanks in advance for any insight (pun intended) that you can provide. It is definitely appreciated.

Has anyone left their cataracts untreated for as long as I have before having surgery? I went to my ophthalmologist who said there's nothing they can do about it but it seemed like they didn't used any specialist testing equipment needed for advanced cases.

So far my father has been to 2 different cataract surgeons for opinions, I was present for both appointments. Both reported that he has age related macular degeneration and astigmatism in both eyes, however not sure of the details beyond that but it sounds like the macular degeneration is at least moderate in nature. Doctor A recommended toric EDOF lenses (J&J Puresee EDOF lenses), Doctor B recommended being conservative and doing toric monofocals (brand to be determined) as he felt that maximum light projection was the most important principle which would be potentially compromised with EDOF lenses. While price isn't really any issue for us, it should be noted that there's a $2000 price difference between these docs. Neither doc is aware of the other's evaluation. I felt that the Doctor B did a much more thorough exam and overall I think I trust him more but not sure if that's enough to make a decision, so we're taking my dad to a 3rd doctor for an opinion next week. In the meantime wanted to see what people's opinions were between these lenses in the setting of his exam.

Hi,I'm just wondering if anyone has any positive stories of positive dysphotopsia disappearing with time and how long it took please? I can't go into a supermarket anymore as my vision in the operated eye starts going blurry,flickering and shimmering,it makes me so anxious

Now this was very interesting to hear about. Too late for me already having had surgery (and I really needed it done to drive at night) but my husband down the road could benefit.