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Tuesday, April 23, 2019

The Better to See

You may (or not) be wondering what this Jeep front end photo has to do with seeing

Yes, there is a correlation and here it is. Those front lights on my 2007 Jeep Liberty were very "pitted" and the top of the headlights looked very cloudy. After checking and finding out that the cost to replace each headlight assembly was a few hundred dollars each. Yikes!  I went to a Jeep dealer and, contrary to what you (and I) was be thinking about cost. There was a good chance the frosted headlights could be cleared there at far less cost, under $200 total. Headlights and parking lights were done and look great (don't you think so too, but of course you didn't see the before).

Back to the "seeing" post title. Now that my car headlights are "seeing" better; later this month so will I. 

That's because, I'm having cataract surgery. (Yes, it happens to many at a "certain" age.) No detailed info here as online sites provide all that and more including visuals. Briefly, the lens that's become cloudy inside the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). I've spoken with folks who have undergone this surgery and every one has said the aftermath is nothing short of amazing in terms of their improved vision. And to me, that's like having having my headlights cleared.

The two surgeries will be spaced a couple of weeks apart followed by 2 post-op visits, which is "usual" procedure. By the time this is posted, the left eye surgery will have been completed.

Before being ruled "eligible" for cataract surgery, there's an evaluation and consultation with an ophthalmologist. I was fortunate in getting a recommendation from the optometrist we've been "seeing" here. Some folks cautioned me, in advance, that sometimes you can be told "you're not ready." (Personally, I hoped that wouldn't happen.)

Luckily for Medicare-covered folks here in the U.S., cataract surgery is covered by Medicare Part B, as is any corrective lenses required after surgery. It's not an inexpensive surgery; estimated cost is $2200/eye. In addition to Medicare, we pay for supplemental medical coverage too. 

Afterwards, like my Jeep, I expect to be "seeing" better. Driving has been limited and lately I've been walking to local places. The mill apartment, where we live, is within walking distance of downtown Nashua, the local library, pharmacies, medical offices, post office, eateries, and more. It's not only a good great way to get in more steps daily, but also far less hassle than finding and paying for parking spaces.

As a photographer, I'm excited at the prospect of seeing colors more vividly. As a driver, it'll be great to see roadway and street signs from a further distance than possible now. (Grenville will also feel much safer when I'm driving.)

It's also possible that I can avoid using glasses for distance. Corrective lenses may still be required and perhaps only be for reading. I'm really okay with that possibility.

If fellow bloggers reading this post have had this surgery, please feel free to comment on your reactions as well.

Since composing this post, my left eye surgery has been done. There was no discomfort either before, during or after surgery. The plastic eye shield which remained on afterwards and overnight was removed at the first post-op office visit. It was recommended to be worn for 3 more nights. I found this rigid shield uncomfortable and the small air vents made vision more difficult. 

Its purpose is to prevent a patient from rubbing the eye. I'm good with avoiding that and discussed not wearing it with the ophthalmologist who was OK with that. There's a regimen of 3 different eye drops 4X daily, which I do follow on schedule.

I've scheduled a Friday Funnies post and then will take a short blog break. I'm working on some upcoming blog posts and this will give me time to organize them.

Here's 👀 looking at you until next time — Cheers 🥂

17 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Seems to have been successful. I have one developing, but it is not yet ready.

MadSnapper said...

I had both of mine removed 3 years ago and loved the new sight. bob had his removed 2 years ago... like you, no pain and lots of gain of sight. but I still have to wear glasses, I could not afford the new lens, Mcr on pays for the surgery not a long distant lens. but my prescription changed for the better and I can watch TV from bed without glasses .

Valerie said...

I know a few people who underwent eye surgery and they speak very highly of it. Only one complained about having to use eye drops even though it was for just a short time, but then she moaned about everything.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, I know a few who have had this done and it wasn’t nearly as bad as they thought and all had excellent results , you will be right as rain soon! Take care!

William Kendall said...

I can't recall anyone in the family having had needed the surgery.

Emma Springfield said...

Just the thought of anyone messing with my eyes fills me with dread. I'm glad things are successful for you and I hope I will not need it.

L. D. said...

I hear that you will be very happy with your new eyesight. I thought I thought I needed surgery but the last time I visited the op he thought he would rather sell me glasses for a few more years. Take care and be careful with all of the shields and stuff.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Bless your heart! I hope you will be seeing well and have both surgeries behind you soon! Take good care!

Bill said...

I had my left eye done two years ago and it was no problems at all. I still have to wear my glasses but that doesn't bother me, at least I can see clearly.

Michelle said...

Wishing you a great and speedy recovery!

Linda said...

The best part about this encouraging post was the photo of you all pretty in pink with your glass of wine! It’s anazing what the medical profession today can do! Neither Louis Dean or I have needed this surgery yet but if and when I do - I will not hesitate to get it done!
Here’s looking at you!!!

Red said...

It sounds great and I wish some day they would decide to do mine. they always say put it off as long as possible. Have a speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

My sister-in-law just had it done a few weeks ago and the improvements were fantastic. Love seeing this photo of you, smiling and happy. Cheers!

baili said...

My (late) aunt had this surgery and it was successful experience luckily

i am so happy for you dear Dorothy that your surgery is done with one eye

thank you for the details and specially for this uplifting image:)

i felt better when saw you fine with happy smile my friend:)

hope this cover is removed now and discomfort is gone

eyes are windows through which we can see and know the world we came in

i feel so sad for people who can't see

we should be grateful what we are blessed with !

hugs!

Connie said...

I'm glad it went well for you and hope your eyes heal quickly. I've been told that I will eventually need the surgery too, but not yet.

NCmountainwoman said...

Hope the second surgery goes as well as the first. Such amazing differences in the recovery from cataract surgery than the way it was years ago. Patients had to lie flat with sand bags on either side of their heads to keep them straight. And multiple, frequent eyedrops and ointments. Sending good thoughts up the coast.

DeniseinVA said...

Glad your eye surgery went well. Useful information here for when I need it. Speedy healing!