JustMePB Loc: Currently Indian Trail, NC.

I had cataract surgery on both eyes more than 10 years ago. Opted for the RESTORE lenses which my doctor recommended. Best thing I ever chose to do. No glasses, no complaints... although my doctor told me I would see rings around bright lights at night. Got used to that real fast. Does not hamper my photo taking and photo retouching. Your results my differ.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

Ditto everything except for Walmart; however, that is not a bad solution.

RayE Loc: New Jersey

I have worn bifocals for decades. Had cateract surgery in September. I was fortunate to be able to afford the top of the line correct for all distances lenses. Had surgery at 2:30 pm on a Tuesday. Got up at 5:00 am the next morning and started reading emails on my phone without glasses. The only glasses I wear now are over the counter sunglasses.

The only change I had to make with my camera was a slight diopter adjustment to the eye piece.

Ray

pc39

When I had my cataracts removed, and artificial lenses implanted, my eyesight was improved brilliantly. Each operation took about 20 minutes, and I didn't feel a thing! However, my long/short sightedness was not affected. So, mackolb, if you have managed happily with trifocals for all those years, I suggest you stay with the present situation. Whatever you do, good luck!

pc39

mackolb

Thanks for your observation, PC39. However, the refracted light from every bright light, headlight and taillight is having a dramatic effect on my ability to see. The cataracts cloud the lens and diffuse all light to make moderate light soft and harder light almost blinding! And, no amount of wearable correction will permit me to see images on my camera or on my Mac in focus anymore. Very frustrating following a lifetime of great vision and creative work as a photographer and filmmaker. So, no choice if I'm going to keep creating.

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

I had a reasonably good experience. I didn't realize I had cataracts until I noticed the water in my laundry sink was yellow. I was about to contact our water company but before I did, I went for an eye exam. Cataracts had formed very quickly and severely. The surgery was fine but afterwards I noticed thick white clouds covering my field of view. They would move slowly and eventually dissipate but very disconcerting especially when trying to focus on traffic. I had the second surgery to take away the clouds which was good but still not perfect. Now I see my vision has deteriorated, still not as bad as it was.

mackolb

What a pain! I'm told that the vast majority of cataract surgeries are successful. However, every attempt to alter the body carries risks. I don't want this thread to turn into an "Organ Recital," so I'll refrain from citing all the surgeries I'm still trying to recover from. I approach this with both apprehension and hope and the reason for reaching out is to learn which fixed-lens correction is best for most photographers and photo/video editors. Thanks for all who are sharing.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

OK, not sure this will add anything to all that's been said, but here's one other thing I can tell you. After my cataracts were removed I could see distance fairly close and waaaay far away, so I used reading glasses, but I could see very clearly to drive and the lights at night didn't bother me at all any more. It's been several years and I just turned 81 and still can drive just fine at night. Best wishes. I think it's miracle surgery!!!

mmcgavin

I had bilateral cataract surgery and the Ophthalmologist convinced me to have the corrections for the two eyes set for different distances. I demurred and he pointed out that with them i could see my way around the house if I awoke at night, could read in bed without glasses and even have adequate distance vision.

It has turned out as he predicted and so I am functional in an emergency for most situations without any glasses

gemartin Loc: Statesboro, GA

As a photographer, this was nothing short of a 100% success for me. When I had the first eye done and could look at the world through the remaining "bad" eye and the newly corrected eye, the difference was amazing. You could even say eye-opening. I suddenly realized how much warmer appearing everything was with my uncorrected eye. The surgery had not only improved my focus in my eye, but it also had color corrected my vision. After the surgery (which was a total piece of cake) is when I noticed that I had been overdoing the cooler corrections in my pre-surgery days. Looking through the uncorrected eye in comparison to the corrected one was like looking through a nicotine-stained, dirty window versus the bright beautiful color I could see after the surgery. I had the second eye corrected about a month later. Now, only use Dollar Tree 250 readers for closeup or computer work. Can actually read newspaper size text without glasses. Go for it.

I chose single vision based on the doctor's recommendation who said as a photographer that it would be much sharper than a bi or tri-vision lens. Have never looked back (to turn a phrase). Best of success to you.

mackolb

Great input, dear photographer friends. Please encourage your friends to contribute to the conversation and our shared intelligence.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

I didn't get my first pair of glasses until I was about 40 (I had 20:15 vision at 20), but cataracts started developing and I had one eye done at 62, the other a couple of years later. I opted for distance in both eyes and am happy I did. I'm 70 now and about 20:25 uncorrected. I have my camera viewfinder adjusted to shoot without glasses. I can drive at night or day without glasses, though the instrument panel is a little "fuzzy." I wear half frame reading glasses (prescription- I have excellent vision care insurance) and use them when I teach so I can easily read my notes and look over the top at my students. I solved the driving issues with progressive glasses (trifocals) that have a little correction for the last bit of distance on top and the intermediate part makes the instrument panel sharp. I have both clear and sunglasses with progressive lenses; they also allow me to read outside in the sun. I also build and fly model airplanes, so I wear the reading glasses when doing so, as well as when I use my computer. I had an experienced surgeon and both surgeries were a piece of cake. If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't change anything.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Two days after cataract surgery in my left eye, I experienced a total retina detachment in that eye. The detachment was repaired with a bubble, but the cataract lens will be forever off-center, and cannot be fixed because of the risks involved in any subsequent surgery.