Routine Visit Leads to Cataract Surgery
A midsummer routine checkup by my ophthalmologist, Dr. Brian Privett, changed my vision – for the better.
Wearing thick glasses was a way of life.
During most of my life, I have suffered from extreme myopia. I could see things inches in front of my eyes clearly but anything further away was only a blur. I wore thick glasses for years.
That changed nearly 20 years ago when I had PRK eye surgery. Similar to the better-known Lasik, a skilled eye surgeon and amazing technology altered my corneas. The impact was dramatic. For the first time, I could see distant objects clearly without glasses. And, I had peripheral vision not possible with my old glasses.
My vision remained outstanding, except for increasingly needing reading glasses for close work. This is a condition called presbyopia that virtually everyone experiences as they age.
Cataracts
Thick glasses
During my recent summer visit, Dr. Privett noted that my vision, although good, was somewhat diminished by growing cataracts. Most everyone also experiences them as they age. Cataracts are a stealth condition. They grow so slowly that it’s hard to detect a loss of vision. All I was aware of was increasing difficulty driving at night. Oncoming headlights and streetlights were surrounded by fog.
I wasn’t overly bothered and could have delayed cataract surgery, but during the visit Dr. Privett said, “Your cataracts aren’t too bad, but they will get worse and sooner or later you’ll need to have them removed and a new lens inserted. Having surgery sooner is a wise strategy as you’ll have more years to enjoy good vision and it’s often better to do surgery when a person is younger,”.
Decisions
That sparked an instant decision. I immediately scheduled surgery. Dr. Privett removed the cataract from my right eye and inserted a Vivity lens on July 31. He did the same procedure on my left eye a week later. Then followed about a month of eye drops.
It’s taken time to get accustomed to my “new” eyes. Perhaps the most striking experience was driving through Cedar Rapids on a dark night about a month after surgery. I was astounded at how clear the lights were. My night vision was excellent.
Adjustments
Cataract surgery isn’t perfect. I still need close-up reading glasses and my eyes are light sensitive. So, I carry and use readers and sunglasses depending on where I am and what I’m doing. In early October I ordered new glasses that include progressive lenses that should enable me to read and transitions that darken when I’m out in the sun and lighten inside the house. I’m expecting my new glasses to provide outstanding vision in many situations.
Enjoying life without glasses.
Modern eye surgery is miraculous and is the result of excellent medical research, advanced technology, and skilled surgeons like Dr. Privett. I encourage everyone to get periodic vision examinations and to follow the advice of their ophthalmologist.
Information
Many websites provide cataract information. One of my favorites is the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Privett and other ophthalmologists are affiliated with the Iowa Eye Center. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website helps people living anywhere to find a skilled eye physician near where they live.
