berchman Loc: South Central PA

If you are taking Flomax you have to tell the doctor because it changes how he does the surgery, makes it more complex.

incognito

If they use shugarcaine then there is no problem with floppy iris syndrome.

hj Loc: Florida

Had my cataract surgeries last Sept and Oct. It went well, but have to say I have had fits with my eyes watering excessively for months. Had to always have a tissue with me. Only in recent weeks has the watering decreased significantly. Yes eyesight is brighter at age 76. More sensitivity to sunlight though.

cameranut Loc: North Carolina

Funny that you happened to mention cataracts. I was just talking to my next door neighbor yesterday about his eye surgery.
I was diagnosed with cataracts a little over a year ago but were told that they were not ready, whatever that means.
After talking to my neighbor I am anxious to go ahead and have mine done. He stated that it was the best money he had ever spent.
I'm a bit nervous about having someone poking and cutting into my eyes. I understand that it is really quite painless though.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

This is what "not ready" means:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has developed a list of four questions people should consider to help determine if they’re ready for cataract surgery:

Are your cataracts impacting your daily or occupational activities?
Symptoms of cataracts include dim, blurry or yellowed vision and can even double vision in a single eye. The lack of contrast and clarity can be difficult for those who need clear vision for work, driving or who enjoy hobbies like reading, cooking or sewing.

Are your cataracts affecting your ability to drive safely at night?
Cataracts can cause halos around lights and difficulty seeing in low-light settings, impacting the ability to safely drive at night. Advanced cataracts can even cause enough vision loss to fail the vision test required for a driver’s license.

Are your cataracts interfering with the outdoor activities you enjoy?
Cataracts can also increase sensitivity to glare, which can be especially troublesome for those who enjoy skiing, surfing and a number of other outdoors activities. They can also cause visual differences from one eye to the other, which can affect the distance vision golfers need.

Can you manage your cataracts in other ways?
Those who decide to put off cataract surgery can make the most of their vision with a few simple tools, such as incorporating brighter lighting and contrasting colors in the home. Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can reduce glare, while magnifying lenses can make reading easier.

“If cataracts aren’t disrupting your life, you can probably wait and have surgery when they really start to bother you,” said Ravi D. Goel, M.D., cataract surgeon and a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “But for those who are feeling impeded by their blurry or dulled vision, the procedure can make a significant beneficial impact.”

Cataract surgery is only recommended when the outcome is expected to improve vision,

PRETENDER Loc: Micanopy,Florida

I had the surgery twice on each eye. the cataracs partially grew back after a year. The last did the trick.

RichJ207 Loc: Sammamish, WA

A related question:
During night driving, after cataract surgery, oncoming headlights look like multipoint starbursts as the light reflects off of the lenses. Is there any type or color of glasses that could be worn at night to reduce this glare?

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

I have a pair of amber tinted glasses. Got them from The Dollar Store in their as seen on TV section, I think I paid about seven bucks for them. They work great for me especially when I encounter those bright bluish head lamps that are on the newer vehicles. Give them a try they might help ou too.

PRETENDER Loc: Micanopy,Florida

I just quit driving after dark when I found myself driving up some ones drive when couldn't discern a drive went off a curve in the road. If i can't get there in daylight the next day works just fine.

cameranut Loc: North Carolina

Are you (or AAO) referring to vision "with" or "without" prescription glasses?
I'm on my 5th. pair of prescription glasses, and now have a permanent dent on my nose from ill fitting frames.
My vision has gotten steadily worse each year that I have my exam. I can see to walk but I can't make out details from about 4-5 feet away.
In other words, I might mistake a snake for a crooked stick. The digital clock on the range requires me to get within within 2 feet and view through my bifocals.

sightsea

Glad the color was an improvement.
Q. I tend to look through the camera eyepiece rather than focusing by looking at a screen with glare. Did you notice any difference due to the lack of eye accomodation following the plastic lens insert of cataract surgery?

berchman Loc: South Central PA

You need to consult an opthalmologist, not someone on UglyHedgehog.

Michael1079 Loc: Indiana

Great OP - I am going to need cataract surgery sometime in the next few years. These comments are spot on and informative!

cameranut Loc: North Carolina

I have an appointment with my eye doctor but it never hurts to get the opinions and views from someone who has "been there, done that".

berchman Loc: South Central PA

When you have cataract surgery they implant corrective lenses into your eye. If you want to correct astigmatism, you will have to pay $1000 out of your own pocket. Medicare will pay only for near and far sightedness. If you want to be able to see near and far, multifocal lenses, you will have to pay. Most people opt for implanting distance lenses and then use eyeglasses for reading. That's what I do. My distance vision is 25/20 so I drive without glasses, but I have separate eyeglasses for computer and for reading.

Cataract surgery is usually called for when things look cloudy and glare is a problem.