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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bigbikerrick on February 14, 2018, 11:43:54 PM
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Hello Folks, my vision has been getting progressively worse over the last few months to where I stopped driving at night, and now I am not driving at all, or even riding any of my Guzzis.( Guzzi content :grin:) As most of you know I had radiation for throat cancer the summer of 2015. I have also been getting hyperbaric oxygen treatments or "dives" as they call it after dental complications /multiple extractions due to radiation caused damage.I have done 21 "dives" over the last 5 weeks, and have 9 more to go.
Apparently both the radiation, and hyperbaric oxygen can cause or exacerbate existing cataracts, and today the eye doctor said I have very advanced cataracts....heck I could not even see the huge " E" at the top of the eye chart with my glasses on!
The plan is surgery with intra ocular lens ( IOL)implant. they wont do both eyes at the same time, but about 3 weeks apart, and I have to choose between different IOL implants , some for distance vision, or some to correct astigmatism that cost $2400. more out of pocket, etc.
Unfortunately,they cant get me in for surgery until april, so I have some time to review all options, etc.
I come here for advice on everything from smoking meat to shimming a 5 speed tranny, and the advice on many subjects from our diverse group is always excellent.
What can you folks tell me about your experience, suggestions, advice, anything to watch out for, ect.as always,
Very much appreciated
Rick.
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They can put various strength lenses in your eyes. I would suggest you get them both set to a similiar strength. I have had both eyes done now. One about 15 years ago, one over recent Christmas holiday. The newer lens in my left eye is close to 20/20, without correction, at distance. It has a focal length of about 24 inches for close up work. The other eye can focus much closer in. This means I need my glasses on to do benchwork or use a computer. My brain has still not "caught on", and now I have to change the way I do my job, read, etc. Since they are doing both of yours in a relatively short time, you might adjust better to having both eyes working about the same. I do have inner ear troubles that cause dizzyness, so the differing lenses may affect me more than others, as some of my trouble is triggered visually. Free advice, worth every penny. Good luck!
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I had both eyes done about six years apart with Toric lenses to correct nearsightedness and a slight astigmatism. As a result, I now have 20/15 vision in both eyes, but I need glasses to be able to read the computer screen or anything closer.
It's a compromise, but 90% of the time I can get along without glasses, and the glasses I need are less than $10 at the pharmacy or grocery store.
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I get my right eye done next week, then the left eye later....one eye is near sighted ,the other far sighted...The doctor recommended a mono lens and a Lasek type procedure for the best results in my case. Using reading glasses are not an issue for me...Every situation is different, if you trust the doctor take his/her advice..Cost me 1250 bucks per eye beyond what Medicare pays for...
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This is the quickest, easiest, most instantly effective surgery you will ever get in your entire life. I timed the lady in the curtained cubicle beside me. From the time they rolled her down the hall until the time they rolled her back & fetched me was ten minutes. Truth. I have taken more time digging out a splinter. On the way home, we stopped for late breakfast cause I was famished. Tested out the eye -- clear as a freaking clear ass bell. Just like that. All that butterscotch color everything instantly gone. Terrific.
Here's a couple caveats they don''t tell you about:
Lotta people get wet eyes. My right took years to stop running. Don't matter ... worth it.
A few people get double vision. The lens doesn't always stay exactly planted where they first set it, so it can wander as it heals in. That's a pain in the azz. I'm going the 26th to see what they can do to reset it.
Otherwise ... It's magic!
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My father-in-law had both eyes done within the last year and a half and is thrilled with the outcome! He was unable to drive in the dark and now has no issues. My mom-in-law has macular problems, so I don't think this is an option, or she would have done it already.
I had laser surgery for extreme nearsightedness 14 years ago and my vision was 20/20 for about 12 of those. I now need OTC reading glasses, but my distance is still so close to perfect that glasses aren't worth the trouble. If the time comes to replace my lenses, I won't hesitate to have it done.
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I had both eyes done about six years apart with Toric lenses to correct nearsightedness and a slight astigmatism. As a result, I now have 20/15 vision in both eyes, but I need glasses to be able to read the computer screen or anything closer.
It's a compromise, but 90% of the time I can get along without glasses, and the glasses I need are less than $10 at the pharmacy or grocery store.
I had similar surgery, choosing Toric lenses instead of standard, to eliminate astigmatism. I see my ophthalmologist in about a month, so I'll see if I need to add glasses at this time. Mine have been in place since 2009, and my vision today isn't quite as good as it was when first installed, but I was advised at the time that I might have to add glasses at a later date. The Toric lenses cost came out of pocket (your insurance may vary) and the surgery is slightly different, in that the Toric lenses must be anchored in place so there is no movement (lens rotation) since in my case the goals included eliminating astigmatism.
I could've chosen the 'monovision' approach, but didn't. (one lens for closeup work, the other for distance.) I chose 'good distance vision for both eyes, and use 'cheaters' for reading and computer use. Mildly inconvenient, but I personally wanted good distance vision in both eyes.
Had my work done at Cole Eye Institute, part of the Cleveland Clinic.
Bob
EDIT: there is also a 'cleanup' procedure using laser that can be performed after cataract surgery, if vision becomes hazy. This can happen in a matter of months, or longer, perhaps a matter of years after the initial surgery.
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WG actually has an eye doctor one step away at Kev m's house. She'd probably say "Find an eye doctor you trust .... "! That's what I would do ....
Lannis
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My father had this procedure. In addition to the correction he was able to achieve, he also reported that his vision was brighter and colors were more vivid. Best of luck to you, Rick.
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I've always worn glasses since the first grade, my left eye is nearsighted (my strong eye) and my right is farsighted. I was talked into getting a cataract lens in my right eye. They told me there was a new lens (Crystalens) that would allow full focussing and would improve my vision to 20/30.
In my case, I did get 20/30 vision and for the first time my life I could drive and swim without glasses. I don't recommend it but I could get by without glasses (until the double vision makes it too hard for me to concentrate). The big deal was being able to swim and see. And my "weak eye" is now stronger than my left eye.
But the $3000 I spent for the Crystalens didn't really work. I am still farsighted in my right eye. So for a few hundred bucks I would have been just as well off as spending big bucks.
Now in my case, it took me two weeks for the eye to stabilize. It was changing every day. I actually had two glasses prescriptions in two weeks just so I could function. And the strange part is the white balance. My new eye sees much "whiter" than my old eye which has yellow tint. Together they work.
They want me to get my left eye done. I am reluctant. The end result was worth it but considering the risks and the difficult transition,I don't want to do it for now.
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Had my lenses done a few years back, bout a 3 week interval. First time I didn't even know it had been done, was still waiting for the surgery when they rolled me back into the recovery.
I went for distance vision correction, and having worn glasses since 7th grade, I still wear progressive glasses with no distance correction but reading correction. Mono vision as my wife has is difficult for some to get with.....; and I chose not to have to put on (carry with me in my pocket reading glass), having them on my face makes it easier.
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I had bifocal implants in both eyes several years ago. Over a period of time, my vision began to decay a bit and had Lasic. The doc said, "this won't last forever." I said, "I don't have forever.." :grin:
I'm back to 20-15 close and 20-20 distant. Don't need glasses, but... there is an area from about 18" to 36" that isn't *quite* in focus. No big deal, really, and pretty amazing when you think about it.
Mother's dad died in his 90s and was blind. No doubt, just cataracts. Mother had cataract surgery and coke bottle glasses..
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The eye doc I see here is getting both lenses in his eyes replaced at the same time - I thought he said trifocal implant - he said it is that good now.
In case someone else here has the same thing, I went from Florida to Canada and had some eye surgery late last year for a condition in my left eye called Keratoconus - a bulging due to a weakness in the cornea. Could read the big letter on the top on a good day but my other eye is 20/20 so got by fine without glasses. Was always told to hope it did not worsen as the worst case was a corneal transplant. I have had bad vision in that eye for near 30 years and was not aware they could correct it now so if you have something similar go and visit your eye doc.
As the operation was just FDA approved in the US, I figured I would go to Canada where they have been doing the operation for 10 years - better a surgeon who had done thousands than one here who was in his first 50 operations. Unlike Lasik, they don't peel back a flap and then do the laser and then put the flap back over with little pain and instant results. They remove the top layer completely, do the laser and then apply Riboflavin and UV light for a few minutes which causes collagen crosslinking strengthening the cornea to stop it progressing. It has to heal back and was out of this world painful for a day or two but I went from 20/200 to 20/25 in that eye.
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Hi Folks, Thanks for all the very informative responses. I feel alot more relaxed going through this, after "seeing" that this surgery is just short of Magical!
The info you all gave me will help me make the right choices as to what lens to get implanted, etc.
At this point I am really looking forward to getting the surgery done. I am going to try and get both eyes done at the same visit, if they will do it that way.
thanks again,
Rick.
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Hi Folks, Thanks for all the very informative responses. I feel alot more relaxed going through this, after "seeing" that this surgery is just short of Magical!
The info you all gave me will help me make the right choices as to what lens to get implanted, etc.
At this point I am really looking forward to getting the surgery done. I am going to try and get both eyes done at the same visit, if they will do it that way.
thanks again,
Rick.
Your doc may not choose to do both eyes at the same time, although things could have changed since I had cataract surgery 9 years or so ago. I recall my doc had suggested a 2 week interval, I asked if we could do a week apart, and I think that's what we ended up doing.
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Great discussion, and I'm following along. I was told last year by my Ophthalmologist that I have a cataract beginning in my left eye. I've been wearing glasses for the last 40 years, so continuing to wear them with a different prescription is not a big deal for me.
My question to my (soon to be chosen) eye doctor is, should I wait until it becomes a real issue or can I have it done now?
Besides riding motorcycles, I'm also a photographer, so I'm a bit concerned, although having the cataract in my left eye is probably less of an issue than if it was in my right one.
Keep the advice and updated coming.
jdg
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I had both eyes done last year, with custom made lens implanted. The surgery is completely painless and it only takes 15 minutes per eye.
I am now at 20/20, and only use reader glasses (+1.5) for the really small print. In true Guzzisti cheapness spirit, they only cost $10 for 3 pairs at the Dollar store!
Go for it!
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I've had mine done, and my equally old sister has too.
She had one eye done short-focus and one distant, and seems to love the result. I wonder if I should have done the same.
My corrected vision is 20/20 in both eyes, but this is a disappointment since 20/15 is what good, young eyes should be and what mine once were. The amount of correction that new lenses should incorporate is hard to determine since it depends on the shape and density (I suppose) of the cornea which lies above the lens. My doctor didn't get it quite right. I recommend doing your non-dominant eye first, and then discussing how it went with your doctor, before doing the other one. If I had thought about it I might have sought information about the correlation of cornea thickness between left and right eyes, and in any event I would have suggested modifying the calculated correction for the second to account for the deficiency in the lens for the first eye. Hope this makes sense.
I'm dissatisfied with glasses that I find myself wearing. I have progressive lenses for everyday use, but they aren't satisfactory for reading texts since the in-focus area is so narrow up close. I also have various fixed-focus and bifocals, but I don't like the very limited range of focus in them -- I feel like I have to hold things at a particular number of inches away to get good results, and this is a real pain.
Good luck. I don't know what to suggest except getting younger, but I don't know how.
Moto
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.. and my equally old sister has too.
In the interest of word conservation, don't we usually shorten "equally old" to "twin"? :wink: :laugh:
Lannis
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I had both eyes done last year, with custom made lens implanted. The surgery is completely painless and it only takes 15 minutes per eye.
I am now at 20/20, and only use reader glasses (+1.5) for the really small print. In true Guzzisti cheapness spirit, they only cost $10 for 3 pairs at the Dollar store!
Go for it!
Reading posts like this one gets me real excited to get this done as soon as possible. Very encouraging!
Thanks, Centauro.
Moto, thats good advice to get my non dominant eye done first. After thinking it over, I think it may be foolish to try and push for having both eyes done the same day.
thank you Sir!
Rick.
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In the interest of word conservation, don't we usually shorten "equally old" to "twin"? :wink: :laugh:
Lannis
Nah, in this case it was wishful thinking or removal of unnecessary detail. She's a year younger.
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Reading posts like this one gets me real excited to get this done as soon as possible. Very encouraging!
Thanks, Centauro.
Moto, thats good advice to get my non dominant eye done first. After thinking it over, I think it may be foolish to try and push for having both eyes done the same day.
thank you Sir!
Rick.
That's what I did, too.
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I'm getting the non dominant eye done first in two weeks.....I told him want depth perception with out corrective lens for distance, you know, bike rider. The Doc races sport cars , he fully understood..
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I'm legally blind w/o lenses(near sighted) and wore hard contacts (gas permeable) for years but finally in my late 40's my eyes began to change their accuracy. A hard contact changes the shape of your eye so you see correctly and the contact forms a mote around your eyeball where the contact resides. So it sounds like this cataract operation puts a lense under your pupil/skin of your eyeball versus a contact like I wore on top of it. :huh: With glasses the best I can see is 20/30 vs. 20/20 w/contacts. I have a partial cataract in my left eye and my long distance focus now is worse. For years now I've worn glasses getting tired of dealing w/contacts & riding a MC.
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I'm legally blind w/o lenses(near sighted) and wore hard contacts (gas permeable) for years but finally in my late 40's my eyes began to change their accuracy. A hard contact changes the shape of your eye so you see correctly and the contact forms a mote around your eyeball where the contact resides. So it sounds like this cataract operation puts a lense under your pupil/skin of your eyeball versus a contact like I wore on top of it. :huh: With glasses the best I can see is 20/30 vs. 20/20 w/contacts. I have a partial cataract in my left eye and my long distance focus now is worse. For years now I've worn glasses getting tired of dealing w/contacts & riding a MC.
Yes, cataract surgery removes your cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one of the right focal length for your desired use, say long-distance vision. You'd need glasses for close up work. Sounds like what you'd want.
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Rick, You'll be glad to get the cataracts gone. Great vision improvement! Be aware that the risk of retina detachment is increased after surgery. Be attentive to any post surgical anomalies such as increased floater activity, light flashes or an "oil on water" impression. My right retina did detach a few years after surgery, but was successfully reattached by a retina specialist. Very happy without cataracts.
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The replacement lenses have serial #'s. If needed, they can do an autopsy on you and determine who you are. :grin: Added benefit :shocked: Got it done. One eye at a time. The cataracts were from working outside on the airport ramp area plus Kona is sunny all the time. Insurance covered everything.
3 options. Bi-focal, long distance and near sighted. I chose near sighted lenses because reading was way more important than the distance. I heard the bi-focal would cause headaches. If needed I can wear glasses for distance. Turns out my distance vision is decent. I can drive and ride without wearing glasses.
After having the left eye done first, I was able to read aspirin bottles. The right eye done completed my vision "repair". I always wear sunglasses outside. :thumb:
The doc that did the work did his residency at Walter Reed hospital and got favorable reviews. This I don't get. I had to strip and put on the hospital gown. 2nd eye. I could leave my undies on and my socks. :grin:
I was half asleep when they started the procedure. 1st patient of the day with the eye lids totally open. Woke up when he started. All I could think was "That's a nice shade of fuschia. Wait, WTF....oh that's blood." :grin: It is possible to sleep with your eye totally open.
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Lots of great info ,Folks! Tom, the last paragraph about being "asleep", with your eyes open, and seeing whats going on sounds kinda crazy! Man,I hope I am mostly asleep through the whole thing, but I am more than ready to get it done asap.
I remember when my mother had hers done over 20 years ago, they made a VHS video to document the whole procedure, through the microscope they use, and they gave Mom a personal copy. Did any of you guys get a video like that?
Rick.
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I got the vid running in my head. :grin: Left and right.
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I got the vid running in my head. :grin: Left and right.
Wow Tom, you had the same experience with both eyes? I thought the anesthetist let you get a little "light" on the sedation, and you woke up a bit.Its weird that it happened twice.
I will be sure to tell them that I have taken meds for pain for many years, and have developed a tolerance ..."please anesthetize me like they are doing a horse!"
Rick.
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The local they gave me were eye drops and cream/paste. It helped that I was half asleep. I had to be there at 6A. Surgery was at 7:30A. The doc came in from Honolulu with his team and worked out of an outpatient clinic set up for surgery. Didn't hurt, just entertaining. :grin:
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Then the doc did a round of golf and went scuba diving at Mahkona, right?
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I had the pre op yesterday..Street clothes are fine..I will be sedated just like a ass hole exam..unaware of what's going on...paid the 1250 bucks beyond Medicare coverage for the single focus lens and Lasek type procedure...
The doctors assistant is a 50 something hottie and I flirted with her shamelessly...She flirted back....made my day :evil:
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I had the pre op yesterday..Street clothes are fine..I will be sedated just like a ass hole exam..unaware of what's going on...paid the 1250 bucks beyond Medicare coverage for the single focus lens and Lasek type procedure...
The doctors assistant is a 50 something hottie and I flirted with her shamelessly...She flirted back....made my day :evil:
Good Luck, with your upcoming surgery, RER. Please keep us posted of how it all goes. This is the first surgery that I am actually looking forward to.
Having a "hottie" to flirt with is the icing on the cake!
Rick.
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Rick, you survived a lot more than this, should be a piece of cake for you!
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Then the doc did a round of golf and went scuba diving at Mahkona, right?
He had to wait for his insurance payment. I did hear something about staying the weekend and his wife coming over. :grin:
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Good Luck, with your upcoming surgery, RER. Please keep us posted of how it all goes. This is the first surgery that I am actually looking forward to.
Having a "hottie" to flirt with is the icing on the cake!
Rick.
Come to think about it. The women on the Doc's team were good looking. Even the nurses in the surgical center. :azn:
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I had my right eye done yesterday...Moderat e cataract with a mono focal distance correction and a Lasik type procedure to have a better depth of field vision..The "operation" was ok, I was sedated but aware of what was going on, well sort of..Afterwards it wasn't painful but more an annoyance...When I got home my vision in the right eye was shitty to say the least...I ate something, took two Xanax and went to bed..Woke up this morning with good vision...Had a follow up at the doc's office today, no problems, 20/20 vision uncorrected.(right eye was 20/200 uncorrected before, my left eye was always 20/40 uncorrected) Need readers for close up but can see the gauges in the truck ok without them...My right eye gets done in a month with the same procedure...This is the first time since being a kid I have true stereoscopic distance vision...
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Speedy recovery to you!
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WOOT!
jdg
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success!
good to go
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:thumb: It'll get way better with the other eye being done.
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My vision was (is) deteriorating. I'm diagnosed w/Fuches dystrophy. Ultimately I'll need corneal transplants. All that being said I was told I also had "moderate" cataracts that were adding to my issues. I opted to get the cataracts done late last year, hoping to buy time before the transplants are unavoidable.
As others have said, quick, almost no discomfort and WOW! Right eye done first so I could close one then the other to appreciate the difference. Just like having an old beat up pair of yellow sunglasses on....and then taking them off. White is white again, colors are bright. Don't hesitate to get it done. In my case, because of the other issues, Dr. recommended the most basic long distance replacement lens, he said "I don't want to have to mess around any more than absolutely necessary in your eyes" I expected to still need glasses for reading etc.
At my follow up he was very pleased (as was I) w/how everything had gone. He said: "This might buy you a few months...or 20 years" unfortunately my vision is still deteriorating noticeably, so it's not going to be any 20 years. But I am going to go & have my eyes checked to see if I have the "cloudiness" that can be helped w/the laser cleaning... fingers crossed.
Ronkom
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Although the actual operation is fast, there is a week or longer of "special" care, in my case, three types of eye drops several times a day,no bending over, heavy lifting and avoiding dust for a week...
My cataracts did not "tint" my vision yellow, but made it difficult to see in dim light and glare when driving at night...
Of interest may be I have been taking 40mg's daily of Simvastatin cholesterol control drug for about 10 years....One "slight" side effect is a risk of cataracts.......... ......
For me with a Medicare PPO, the out of pocket for single focus lens cataract surgery was about $400 per eye including the various eye drops...The lasik type procedure to improve depth of field vision was not covered and cost an additional $1250 per eye...
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Rough edge, Tom, and Ronkom, Its encouraging to hear what you guys have to say. I have an appointment for surgery on one eye the second week in april, then hopefully
the other eye 3 weeks later. I cant hardly wait, its frustrating not being able to drive, and depending on my son or wife to drive me places, not to mention having 4 beautiful Guzzis just collecting dust in the garage, but it will make that first ride that much sweeter, although it wont be until the end of May or first part of June.
Thanks alot for all the great info.
PS. Ron Kom, The first bike I plan to ride after my peepers are fixed, is the red LeMans IV that you used to own! :thumb:
Rick.
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Just keep an eye out for a good eye surgeon.
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Rough edge, Tom, and Ronkom, Its encouraging to hear what you guys have to say. I have an appointment for surgery on one eye the second week in april, then hopefully
the other eye 3 weeks later. I cant hardly wait, its frustrating not being able to drive, and depending on my son or wife to drive me places, not to mention having 4 beautiful Guzzis just collecting dust in the garage, but it will make that first ride that much sweeter, although it wont be until the end of May or first part of June.
Thanks alot for all the great info.
PS. Ron Kom, The first bike I plan to ride after my peepers are fixed, is the red LeMans IV that you used to own! :thumb:
Rick.
Have you figure out what type of lense? Near or far or bifocal (may not be the correct term) set-up?
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I had the other eye done last Thursday, single vision lens and and Lasik on both eyes.Use readers for close up..Left eye was more difficult because eye drops wouldn't dilate my pupil adequately for what ever reason...The Doc said he had inject directly into my eye and some other procedure to dilate the pupil...I was less sedated than first procedure and could sort of see and hear the doctors...Sounds creepy but at the time it wasn't.... The next day I had a black eye and somewhat annoying scratchy feeling but it cleared the next day..This eye took several day for clear vision ...It's now 20/20 in both eyes and for the first time since childhood I have true stereoscopic vision..It's a crazy 3D world out there and I'm still adjusting too it..
I use antibiotic drops for one week and anti inflammatory drops for one month...Standard procedure for this doctor....
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I had both eyes done about 10+ years apart. I was VERY nearsighted from day 1, so take that into consideration... Wore glasses from age 2-17, contacts from 17 to 43ish.
Had medium focal length done on left eye 12+ years ago. No glasses needed for distance vision, needed for reading in left only.
Wore a contact in my right eye and used it to read and help with distance (stereoscopic).
left with implant, right with contact for distance for 10+ years.
I only would suggest doing this if it doesn't bother you...most people it is hell. I adapted quickly.
I then had my right one done a few years ago and had them set to the same medium focal point as the left. I now do not need glasses for distance, but must have readers. Getting rid of the contacts has been the best thing to happen to me since being able to see.
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Tom, I am scheduled for a pre op appointment, on the 30th, and surgery on April 12th, I am still trying to decide what type of lens to choose. I want to ask the actual surgeon what lens he thinks would be best for my case, but I am leaning towards distance vision at this point. I dont mind wearing glasses afterwards, as I have used glasses since I was 9 years old.
There have been many times where my glasses saved my "bacon" with different chemicals splashed in my face, and my glasses saved me. I think I would be too lax in using eye protection when at risk. Heck just yesterday, I inadvertently got a shot of throttle body cleaning spray on my glasses.
thanks
Rick.
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Rick....sounds like the way to go. Especially since you're used to using glasses while reading. I've gotten use to slight blurriness at a distance so for me not a problem. Good luck with everything. If the Dr. uses a laser, ignore the smell. :tongue:
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I had both eyes done, lens replacements for cataracts, a few years ago. I was very near sighted. My eyes were done separately, 30 days apart. I must say, they missed by about 5% from leaving me with perfect vision. I do not need glasses at all, except reading, but my vision is a tiny bit better with glasses. The biggest difference is at night, as lights are a little less scattered if I have my glasses on. It's wonderful to be able to ride without glasses under my helmet. You may get better results than I did as well. I still actually wear glasses most of the time, as I'm comfy with that having worn them for 60 years anyway.