Time for cataract surgery

gmerkt · Feb 7, 2025

I've made several trips to ophthalmologists over the past year and a half. I've been diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy of the corneas and cataracts. It's been agreed that the Fuchs is not deeply advanced and that I would benefit greatly from cataract surgery. So in May, I will go in for the cataracts and for now the corneal transplants will be deferred. Maybe it will result in better shooting ability. Being able to clearly see targets is always a plus and maybe I may be able to drive at night again.

JRuby · Feb 7, 2025

I had both eyes done last year. My right eye had lost about 90% of its sight and is now 20-40. This was done in April. My left eye was done in August. I had no cataracts or signs of cataracts 2.5 years ago.. i used to be right eye dominant not any more. My left eye has better sight that my right and di not believe it will switch back. As you can imagine this has had drastic impact on my shooting. So is life. The cataracts were attributed to my type 2 diabetes.

Lazyfaire · Feb 7, 2025

gmerkt said:
I've made several trips to ophthalmologists over the past year and a half. I've been diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy of the corneas and cataracts. It's been agreed that the Fuchs is not deeply advanced and that I would benefit greatly from cataract surgery. So in May, I will go in for the cataracts and for now the corneal transplants will be deferred. Maybe it will result in better shooting ability. Being able to clearly see targets is always a plus and maybe I may be able to drive at night again.

Do you by chance have an astigmatism? If you do, it is the perfect time to have them include that 'fix' then too. Hate to say it but I am hoping for cataracts so that would go away for me!

Hop Sing · Feb 7, 2025

Had one eye done in December. Before that I was legally blind and I have worn glasses for 66 years. Now that eye is 20/20, believe it or not (I still can't quite believe it!).

Going in for second eye on February 12th. It had a blood clot in it so it is mostly blind, but I am curious as to what thing might look like (no pun intended) after the surgery. I was also legally blind in that eye prior to the blood clot so any improvement will be welcomed.

Best of luck with your eyes, everyone.

3MTA3 · Feb 7, 2025

gmerkt said:
I've made several trips to ophthalmologists over the past year and a half. I've been diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy of the corneas and cataracts. It's been agreed that the Fuchs is not deeply advanced and that I would benefit greatly from cataract surgery. So in May, I will go in for the cataracts and for now the corneal transplants will be deferred. Maybe it will result in better shooting ability. Being able to clearly see targets is always a plus and maybe I may be able to drive at night again.

Cataract surgery dramatically improved my vision. You won't believe how much better the colors will be and how much easier you will be able to see things. I can now drive at night again. The pigments that stain your lenses as you age cause halos that for me made bright lights at night wash everything else out. Not any more.

The procedure is quick and easy. You will spend most of your time laying on a bed in the prep area waiting for the sedative to take effect. You will spend less than 15 minutes in the procedure room. Your head will be stabilized so you won't move and all you have to do is to stare at a light while they work. Another device that you can't feel will be used to make sure you can't blink. Some machines will make funny noises. Before you know it you are done. They will give you some dark glasses for the ride home. You will likely need a driver as you can't drive yourself and my facility wouldn't allow me to take a cab or uber.

One thing you will find is that you will want a pair of decent sunglasses. For the last several years I hadn't needed them because of the cataracts. The first sunny day was a real revelation! Fortunately I still had my Maui Jim's in my truck from before the cataracts got bad.

After surgery I can use red dots and holographics that I couldn't before and the finer details in my scope reticles are much easier to see as well. Yes, your shooting will improve. What will suffer is your ability to focus at some distances which can make open sights tougher. It's different for each person.

Good luck and don't forget to take the eye drops as directed before and after surgery.

Hemlock · Feb 8, 2025

I had cataract surgery done in my left eye about 10 years ago. But they said they couldn't fix the stigmatism. Everything was okay to start with but after a year it all went to $hit. Last month the Doc said it was about time to do the right eye, and it scared me so much I darn near jumped up and ran out the door.
Everyone else I've known that has had the surgery done have had no problems. Just my luck I guess.