Cataract Surgery Question

Discussion in 'Optometry Archives' started by Bob, Nov 11, 2010.

  1. Bob

    Bob Guest

    Hello,

    Have cataracts in both eyes which will necessitate surgery in the
    future. Just wondering:

    What's typical- have one eye done, and then go back in a few weeks for
    second ?

    Or, do most folks have both attended to at the same time ?
    Pros and cons ?

    Thanks,
    Bob
     
    Bob, Nov 11, 2010
    #1
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  2. Bob

    Dan Abel Guest

    With few exceptions (like maybe if you are completely blind due to the
    cataract), NOBODY has both done at the same time. Although the surgery
    is very safe and routine, it doesn't make sense to risk the vision in
    both eyes at the same time, in case something goes wrong. Also,
    depending on how the doctor does patching, you could be without any
    vision for some period of time. Even without patching, the vision is
    not perfect for some weeks. If you have two eyes that work, it's better
    to have one eye working while the other is recovering. That's my
    opinion, and a lay person.

    I have had both eyes done, several years apart. I don't recommend that,
    either, but one of my eyes progressed faster than the other, and the
    surgeons weren't willing to do the surgery until it got "bad enough".
     
    Dan Abel, Nov 12, 2010
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  3. Bob

    Charles Guest

    One at a time is all they will do. They will monitor the first eye for
    complications and treat any that occur although complications are
    unlikely before they do the second eye.
     
    Charles, Nov 12, 2010
    #3
  4. Bob

    Otis Guest

    Dear Bob,

    Cataract surgery has considerable risk.

    I doubt that an ophthalmologist would do both eyes AT THE SAME TIME.

    In fact I had one friend lose sight in one eye due to cataract
    surgery.

    That is why this operation should be done only after one eye is
    stable.

    Enjoy,
     
    Otis, Dec 9, 2010
    #4
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