need advice about after cataract surgery

Hi' Everyone,
I am new to this group, but I hope someone will be able to give me some
advice.
I had a cataract extraction and lens implant just over two weeks ago and I
was told to take the lens out of my multi focal glasses, the doctor didn't
tell me it was his assistant. However, this felt really weird. I rang back
and she said cover the frame with something like a tissue and just use the
other eye.
I'm worried that the eye that I had done will become lazy, I'm just
guessing. Also, the eye I'm using is feeling very strained.
Would someone be able to tell me if it is okay to just use the old lens
(that I took out). I don't see the doctor till the 14th December and I'm
getting worried.
Also, should I be seeing things really well yet. My eye sight has been bad
for years, long lighted, and I know that having the cataract removed doesn't
improve that, but I still seem to have some cloudiness there.
Any advice appreciated.
Joan.

 

It sounds like you have normal concerns after surgery. I am surprised,
though, that the assistant didn't give you a handout explaining the
process. Two weeks out is a little too early to predict the final surgical
outcome. A little cloudiness at this point may be normal, so long as
things are generally improving instead of getting worse, the eye isn't red,
and there is no pain.

The assistant told you to remove the lens from your eyeglasses because the
prescription is no longer appropriate. If cataract surgery is planned for
the fellow eye shortly, then the implant is usually calculated to achieve a
state such that glasses are not needed for driving. However, if the
prescription in the fellow eye is rather high, and no cataract surgery is
anticipated in that eye for some time, the power of the implant may be
calculated to achieve a result such that you will be comfortable wearing
corrective lenses. Having said that, the actual results typically vary,
and eyeglasses are sometimes needed to correct residual refractive error
despite the surgeon's best efforts.

Finally, the eye will not become "lazy" under these circumstances. I
suggest you call their office for some reassurance.

DrG

 

I have had cataract surgery in both eyes. After the first one, just
taking the lens out of my glasses worked well for me. However, they were
single vision glasses. They are just waiting a bit (6 weeks for me the
first time, 4 weeks last time) until your eye heals before they prescribe
new glasses for you, because your vision will change as the eye heals. If
putting the lens back in works better for you, then go for it. Don't
worry about getting lazy eye in a month, it takes much longer. If your
eye is getting very strained, you might try using a patch.

 

Thank you for your input Dan. I think I will have to give my eyes a rest
from the computer until the eye strain has eased for a day or so anyway. I
can't wait to get my new glasses, but will have to be patient.
Joan.