Cataract eye surgery for older photographers? I'm scheduling cataract surgery and was told that I must opt for which correction I want to wear eyeglasses; I've been using trifocals for...

mackolb

I'm scheduling cataract surgery and was told that I must opt for which correction I want to wear eyeglasses; I've been using trifocals for the past 15-years.
My initial thought that having my eyes corrected for permanent (whatever that means) distance vision and then get eyeglasses for close focusing seemed right.
But, needing to be able to see what's going on with my camera controls, chimping and focus, leads me to think that perhaps getting surgery to require distance glasses may make more sense.
Seeing the profiles of many participants here, it occurs to me that there are likely many who have opinions worth sharing.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I'm currently far sighted and need cheaters for close/reading.
Since I'm used to this, I think I'd rather get permanent distance so I wouldn't need glasses for driving and sightseeing and prescription sunglasses.
I use "Click" cheaters, they store easily around my neck and are not dangling on my chest with a long tether.
(I might be behind you with cataracts...)

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

mackolb wrote:

I'm scheduling cataract surgery and was told that ... (show quote)

I had both eyes done about 12 years ago. I also bifocals and opted for permanent distance vision lenses so I use cheap Wal Mart reading glasses. I have one pair for the computer and one for reading. I don't use any when taking pictures, I just use the diopter adjustment on my camera which serves me well. Surgery is a piece of cake. I spent more time getting prepared for surgery than what time was needed to do it. Good luck with your surgery let me know how it goes.

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

I had cataract surgery on both eyes last year at 75 years. As a result, I do not need distance lenses, only close ups (2.25) for reading or doing close work like cleaning the sensors in my cameras. I bought a half dozen drugstore type readers which I leave throughout the house for convenience. In addition, for driving purposes, computer work, and for harsh sunlight, I have purchased bifocal (clear +2.25) sunglasses, computer glasses, and general use ones from Readers.com. Their reading glasses are available for a wide range of diopters. They are a bit more expensive than the drugstore or discount store glasses, but the quality is much better. I have three pair for the various situations and I have been totally satisfied.

My cameras have diopter adjustment wheels, which do not necessitate wearing glasses for photography.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

At eighty two a just had surgery this summer. I use glasses only for close up which I got prescription glasses that change for light condition. at first I need that but after about two months my eyes adjust to bright light and or the sun again and I do not really need them except for close up work. I wish I had waited longer and used the drug store glasses as my eyes have changed some and new prescription glasses are just a waste of money in my opinion when the cheap ones will easy to replace as your need changes. The biggest change I have noticed from the light glare at night and depth perception when driving. The Doppler on your camera will adjust to your eyes okay.

mackolb wrote:

I'm scheduling cataract surgery and was told that ... (show quote)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Old Timer wrote:

.....
The biggest change I have noticed from the light glare at night and depth perception when driving.
......

Which way? Good or bad?

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Im 88 and had both eyes done a few years ago. I now only need glasses for reading. But after having hiding behind glasses mostly all my life I feel lost without them. Now I wear clear glass with bifocals for reading.

pendennis

I had cataracts removed about five years ago. I have severe astigmatism, so I opted for a toric lens. I also had to decide as to which eye was to be a bit weaker. I opted for the left. It's a bit myopic, and my right eye is corrected perfectly. I'm left with needing reading glasses @ 1.5 diopters. Reading glasses are cheap, and I have bunches of them all over the house. It's nice to see colors so vividly, and I believe that a part of this improvement is the astigmatic correction.

I primarily focus cameras now with my left eye with a bit of correction in the adjustable eyepieces.

One of the most important parts of the surgery and post-op was the rehab. Most folks don't think of rehab when it comes to cataract surgery. However, mine consisted of word puzzles, decreasing in size, and increasing in complexity. It really does work, so do it faithfully.

Good luck.

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

Old Timer wrote:

At eighty two a just had surgery this summer. I us... (show quote)

I agree with you on the prescription eye glasses, mine cost over $300.00. For that kind of money Wal Mart reading glasses fill the bill. You are right about the glare at night, it's a lot better now. I use a pair of Amber shooting glasses at night to drive. Regular headlights don't bother me but the newer bluish lights give me fits and the glasses help immensely.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

mackolb wrote:

I'm scheduling cataract surgery and was told that ... (show quote)

I went to the opthamologist today to consider cataract surgery. He strongly recommended against multi-focal IOL's. He said that since I'm an engineer, I'd never be satisfied with the correction they provide. He also said that for many people who get them, they end up with glasses within 3 years.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Several years ago I got both cataracts done for distance. I use glasses for reading and close work, like reading the readouts on my camera. It works but is somewhat cumbersome. However, my wife had one eye done for each. It's convenient and she doesn't have to use glasses, but her distance vision is not as good as mine. An alternative, and I really wish I'd spent the money on them now, is the high dollar, not covered by insurance lenses, that flex and focus to both distance and close up. Or, bifocal contact lenses which allow you to look down at your settings but through clear lens to shoot.

pendennis

DWU2 wrote:

I went to the opthamologist today to consider cataract surgery. He strongly recommended against multi-focal IOL's. He said that since I'm an engineer, I'd never be satisfied with the correction they provide. He also said that for many people who get them, they end up with glasses within 3 years.

They're a growing fad (?) in our area. One of the ophthalmic surgeons advertises them for folks who don't have cataracts. My surgeon still isn't very high on them.

incognito

I had cataract surgery 1 year ago. I got the restore multifocal lenses. I love them but there are a few drawbacks at night that drive me crazy. One is all lights have concentric rings around them(the optics of the lens) Two when looking at the moon it has a little doubling around the edges. I do need a +1.00 for real fine print but in general I don't need any correction. Having worn glasses for the majority of my life I still feel I want to put glasses on when I first wake up.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Go to Dollar Store, reading glasses for a dollar😳😂

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

kdogg wrote:

I had both eyes done about 12 years ago. I also bifocals and opted for permanent distance vision lenses so I use cheap Wal Mart reading glasses. I have one pair for the computer and one for reading. I don't use any when taking pictures, I just use the diopter adjustment on my camera which serves me well. Surgery is a piece of cake. I spent more time getting prepared for surgery than what time was needed to do it. Good luck with your surgery let me know how it goes.

Mine were removed last January and February and what you have described is also my experience