Gang, I don’t usually ask the readership here for favors, but I could use some input for personal reasons. Looks as if the old guy here will soon be putting his eyes under the knife for some cataract surgery.
A tip: the docs tell me there’s sun damage from being on the outdoor range too much. Wear brimmed caps. Wear sunglasses. Just sayin’ …
Anyway, any of y’all who’ve gone through cataract surgery, I’d appreciate hearing your experiences and suggestions from a patient’s eye view. The docs have briefed me pretty well from their end of things.
And what’s the story on this “twilight sleep” business they use for the anesthesia? Yeah, I’ll leave the guns home that day…but I’m curious to know what the experience is like.
Thanks in advance! Your input should also become a useful artifact and archive here for others contemplating this type of surgery.
My Father had double catarac surgury and his vision is back to normal, with no side effects. Best of luck with your surgury
Wife had it done years ago. Helped her a lot. Only issue: You get a REGIME of eye drops, a few different types – all with different hourly requirements. She followed them to the letter – with quick healing. Accept there will be a few odd alarm clock settings – it’s worth the effort. But, if you are the type that does not follow instructions; you would be better off with a seeing eye dog.
opt for dropless laser surgery. is fast, painless, and instead of having to add drops to your eyes a couple times a day for 30 days or so after the operation, they will put drops in during the surgery and that’s it. it will take a couple of days for the eye to completely absorb the medication and clear completely up, but it’s no big deal.
Mas, this Internet definition covers it IMO…The term “conscious sedation” (formerly “twilight sleep”) is used to describe a semi-conscious state that allows patients to be comfortable during certain surgical or medical procedures. However, there is no universal agreement on the meaning of these terms.
I haven’t had it, but my has. She not only no longer wears glasses, but her vision now tests at 20/15. She’s pleased. On the negative side, her eyes are bit more sensitive to sunlight. Sunglasses handle that pretty well though.
I had cataract surgery on both my eyes last year and it was the easiest surgery I have ever had, and I have both knees replaced and shoulder surgery. You look at a light, feel no pain, and seem like a short time and its done. Hope this helps. My vision now in both eyes is 20/30.
Hi Mas, Had mine done a few years back… Very good move… Had mine leaving me near sighted as I’ve always been.. I’ve been advised to never get one eye set for near and one eye set for far… They have regretted it… Hope for the best for you…
BTW, being nearsighted, I can read all your books without wearing glasses…!!
Thanks,
Paul
I don’t know about the surgery part but I’ve had several other procedures using twilight anesthesia. Supposed to leave you coherent so the doctor gets feedback from you but I don’t ever remember a thing from those procedures. I’m 64 and just had a sinus fix done that way in outpatient status. Don’t remember anything but drifting off to sleep.
Never had any eye surgery, but did have the twilight sleep during dental surgery. It was the best sleep I ever remember having. No bad side effects either, for me. Aren’t they using laser now instead of knives?
Had it done two years ago at age 80. Works great in daylight and I still shoot.No pain. Driving at night sucks. L
A few years ago, I had the lens in both eyes replaced with plastic ones, and it was a quick, and easy procedure, even though they took extra precautions, due to my Diabetes, and age?
My wife had the same procedure done too, and both of our visions are much better, as we hadn’t realized what vision loss we had already suffered, until we had the new lens in place, and could actually see the improvement!
Paul
Of all the cases I have known of all my life (I am 70) I have known personally of only one case that came out less than optimally. So, I’d say your chances of successful surgery are probably 99 out of 100.
Same day surgery in and out super quick. 15 minutes total. Twilight means they don’t knock you out all the way, your just drugged up, happy and compliant. Afterwards, it feels like you have some grit in your eye but it fades quickly.
Easy procedure. Get the laser option and non bifocal lens. Didn’t feel a thing. Tylenol is all that is necessary post op. Went to a legal seminar wiithin 8 hours of the surgery. Approximately, a year ago.
Mas, my wife has had both eyes operated on for cataracts and by two different doctors. I can tell you the doctor makes all the difference in the world. I won’t go into into detail on the first operation but it wasn’t what we hooped for. The second by a different doctor was the cat’s meow! She was in and out of the procedure in about 20 minutes, it took her about 4 weeks to completely recover and have very clear vision so be patient after the procedure. Her new vision is superior in all ways to the former state before the final procedure to the point she is confident driving at night now. You will be so happy with the improvement once fully recovered!
Mas,
Funny you should say that. I’m only 50 and just found out that I have them, too. I’ve gotta go under the knife in April, but I’ve talked to man folks who’ve had it done (including my wife who had it done about 15 years ago), and everyone tells me “You’ll be amazed at how much clearer your vision will be.” The doc I’ve got is sought after for it (which is why April is as soon as I can get in), but I’m not nervous at all, really. I’m a State Police CID agent and really need my eyes to work, obviously, but after the research and, admittedly anecdotal references, I think it’ll be fine. They’ve been doing this for decades, and there really isn’t much they don’t know about this surgery anymore. If it was brain surgery, yeah, I’d be sketchy. But as it is, I think we’ll both be find.
Mas my wife had cataract surgery about 5 years ago and it went very well. She had some slight pain for about a day or so but nothing major. The good news is it also corrected her vision back to 20/20 and she now only uses glasses for reading. As far as the twilight sleep my wife could hear everyone talking but of course did not feel anything or see anything during the surgery. We went home about an hour or two after the surgery and she had to rest for the rest of the day. The doc is right about the sunglasses as she now wears sunglasses pretty much when outside as she is more sensitive to the sunlight.
I’ve had cataract surgery twice (each eye). I’ve been awake each time. There is a knockout time where the eyelids are clamped back and the eye is anesthetized but then consciousness returns and I could talk to the doctor and kind of see a bit. The result of the operation is unreal. Colors are brighter(less yellow and more blue), and vision clarity returns. The downside is that the lens is replaced and mine was replace with a fixed-focus lens. That means focusing on the front sight is impossible without corrective lenses unless the transplant lens is focused for the distant to your front sight. It’s your option. I wish I had known about that back when I had the operations. Then a person could be bi-optic and see the front sight with one eye and distance with the other eye.
I can speak for Mom and dad since both had the surgery. This was almost 20 years ago with a very reputable doctor in a great private clinic. The prep took about 15 minute and same for the surgery. Both chose to have the lense for medium-long range vision and then get glasses for reading. Both had nothing but good things to say. Dad is no longer with us, but mom is now about to be 86 and although she needs glasses for all distances, she has never regretted the surgery. Dad used to say that “It was like they removed a cloud in front of me.”
Make sure you have a great doc and go for it. 2o years later I figure stuff has improved much.
I had the ReStor diffractive lenses placed. https://myalcon.com/products/surgical/acrysof-iq-restor-iol/
They have worked very well for me and allow me to focus within a few inches of my face to distance and everywhere in between. Rear sight, front sight and target are all sharp. The downside is the expense over what Medicare pays and that at night point sources of light become concentric rings. I haven’t looked up the law, but my opthalmologist said they preclude a CDL. I never liked driving at night but the ReStor make it even more unpleasant. If you have to drive a lot at night, I would recommend against them, but otherwise having great vision without glasses at any distance is great. Good wrap around shooting glasses are of course still essential. I hope this helps. My opthalmologist also told me that not everyone gets perfect results so I shouldn’t oversell the ReStor. Some still need glasses, but not many. Good luck with the continued adventures in aging. David Conatser
I can only speak second handed for cataract surgery, but it went well for my dad and my wife. I’ve been told to expect it in a few years.
I have had the twilight sleep 4 times. It causes you to become very drowsy and, when they are ready, you just doze off for the required time. That is usually only minutes. For my foot surgery, it was a little longer. I had a nerve block, so no pain but I do remember the incision and the sound of the device used to insert the screw. I was loopy for 10 to twenty minutes after each procedure. I see the point in avoiding dangerous equipment after having it.
You will do fine. Your eyes will need a while to normalize after the surgery if you are like my wife. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
I had cataract surgery on both eyes a few years ago. I had “Restore” lenses put in and have had great success with them. No need for glasses now for reading OR distance. The only problem I had with the surgery was increased floaters. They were so bad I had additional surgery called a vitrectomy in both eyes, not rare but not very common either. The recovery from both types of surgery went smoothly. Definitely recommend the Restore lenses though (and no, I have no monetary interest in them :-)).
I had both eyes done at 2 separate times. Absolutely the best thing I ever did – truly wonderful. I went way too long before seeking help and got to the point where even curmudgenly me (I?) was afraid to drive. Relying on someone else’s brake lights because you can’t see the light is kinda scary.
The twilight anesthesia (i guess that’s what I had) is really quite something. They give it to you, you take it, they wheel you into a pre-op room and the next thing you know you’re awake and everyone wants to know how you’re doing. Completely painless and if you didn’t know otherwise you’d have thought you just nodded off for a bit.
You’ll need someone to drive you home, because you’ve had anesthesia of course but also because you’ll be enjoying THE COLORS again. It’s so incremental but you lose color perception as the cataracts advance. Even having the first eye done is like an acid trip (not that I would know of course)the colors are so vivid.
About shooting- it will take your brain awhile to figure things out again so don’t expect X rings until the second eye is done. Within a day or so though, all will be good.
So long as you’re comfortable with your doc, you should be fine and will come out the other side feeling like the surgery was nothing short of miraculous. I sure do.
All the best…
Mas, cataract surgery is slick and easy. Twilight anesthesia is awesome. The surgery is quick enough that more (general) anesthesia would be too much and more difficult to recover from than the surgery itself. I am a surgeon and have enjoyed your wisdom for years. Best wishes for a smooth surgery.
I’m a retired fed and had the surgery done last summer at age 64. No problems and glad that I did. Shoot a lot better now. Can really burn that front sight now. Just no heavy lifting for few weeks after surgery and a lot of prescription eye drops. Highly recommend the surgery. No more night vision glare
Good luck, no tips as I have not experienced this yet. Get well soon and thank you for all you do to make us better.
Oh, and I should say that there is always a risk with any surgery, especially with going under. And, it may take a few days for vision to return while the eye heals from the trauma of the operation. I don’t think cataract surgery should be feared. Accept it as a part of making it this far in life and it should be an improvement of vision. Good luck and heal fast. Follow the doctor’s orders. Rest and administer the eye drops according to plan and don’t lift heavy objects for awhile.
Dear Old Mas,
Don’t worry about a thing. Thank the Lord that you can have this
Miracle Surgery. Both my Wife and I had it done over the course of 3 years all together. So we have done 4 eyes. I’d do more but we are out of eyes.
We both had installed the Bausch and Lomb adjusting lenses. They attach to the structure of the eyes and provide an extraordinary amount of focus ability. This is different from the fixed focal length type lenses. I am also a Skydiver
so I had both eyes set more for distance. Because of that, I do still use ‘cheaters’ for the computer and reading. They can select different lenes for each eye and then you can read without glasses. I said screw that! All want is to see like an eagle when I am spotting for a jump run.
As far as running my Gat goes, I don’t need any corrective lenses now.
The Bausch and Lomb “Chrystal Lens” is well worth the extra money. Your Doctor might use another brand but the IMPORTANT part is to get the bionic lenses that focus sum what like the corneas the Dude in the Gold Robe issued you.
Our Doc is Dr. Chen in Carlsbad, California. I know your knife man (or Gal) in Geezerland Florida will do a Yeoman’s job for you. As soon as that Shank is pulled you’ll be on your way to great vision. (relax Mas I’m your same age) Another bonus is that the Evil Princess won’t be able to hide your stuff from you so easily. Contact me via email if you want more details. Having this done was 1/100th as gnarly as going to the Dentist. Totally easy.
They will shoot you up with juice to make you not give a ****.
Git er Done !
http://www.bausch.com/ecp/our-products/cataract-surgery/lens-systems/crystalens-ao
Unbelievable how much clearer the sights will be! Had both eyes done and couldn’t be happier! 10 minute surgery, very little down time and instant improvement. Shooting improved – no more fuzzy sight and dounle target!!!
Yo Mas: Have no fear, you can get a white cane, a seeing eye German Shepard and a bump stock…You’;; do just fine! Praying for ya partner!
A grateful Student, Portland, OR. Officer Tom Kelly
Twilight is you are awake but your recollection will be limited. If you had a colonoscopy you have enjoyed twilight.
Had the LASIK on the eyes in 2002. Eyes heal fast and vision will return quickly. Cataract is similar but different in that I had lenses burnt by laser after the cornea was separated for access while your doctor will actually replace your lenses. Ask for 20-20 but expect some improvement in vision without glasses.
Post OP felt like sand in the eyes for a few days so expect that sensation.
Side note – I have followed you from the early 1980’s thru my 23 years in the ARMY and currently serve as a COP in the South while teaching both citizens (CWP) and Officers how to shoot.
Both of my folks were very nervous for the first eye, but the next morning when the bandage came off, their first question was literally: “When can I get the other eye done?”
You will be amazed.
Full disclosure, I have no first hand knowledge. Spouse had this surgery on both eyes and the result was astouding.
Hello, Mass, I am a long time fan, have 45 years in Cardiac, and have had lens implant surgery for cataracts. Twilight sleep is an old term (from the 50s era) which would be called conscious sedation now, originally used in childbirth. Agents were as morphine, scopolomine, nitrous oxide, and valium. Currently we would employ a benzodiazepine,and a narcotic. The most wondrous agent in the mix is propofol, which can be used as the primary agent. This agent produces very rapid unconsciousness (30 sec) with no high and no hangover at all. Duration of action is around seven minutes, so it is given IV drip for most procedures but could be as a single push for a 5 minute action. I have been given this on multiple occasions. In the case of lens implantation, surgery lasts about twenty minutes, with a second eye done on a following day. From start of procedure I was asleep with propofol. I awoke in the operating room, was immediately moved into the post anesthesia area, was clear headed, given breakfast (juice) in five minutes, and ten minutes later I got up, dressed myself, and rolled to the door, got up from the chair, walked to the car, and went home with no aftereffects. There is no postoperative pain. The feeling is that of an eyelash in the eye and that is gone the next day. A feeling of scratchiness lasts a week. You may have some sensitivity to wind in the face. The primary inconvenience is activity restriction. The flap incision in the side of the eyeball has no sutures, so is just “stuck down” for a few days, so you can’t bend over to tie your shoes for 3-4 days or pick up over a few pounds. It’s least traumatic way I’ve ever been cut.
I wish you fair winds and following seas. Your teachings and philosophy have guided many of my actions for decades, and I thank you. Feel free to contact me at any time.
Bob
I had both eyes done about 4 years ago here at St Luke’s in Tampa, arguably the best eye clinic on the East Coast, other than Miami. I was 84 at the time. I did then, `and still do, shoot handguns 4 days a week, about 2000 rounds per week. From spending a great deal of time in the sun, I had a condition called pseudo exfoliation, which made the surgery difficult. I was advised to go to St Luke’s. They did a superb job, and today I shoot better than I did before the surgery. A few things to note;
Ask the Doc to give you implants that focus on your gun sight…no reading, no distance. The gun sight distance.
Ask for the laser cut..if they don’t offer it, go elsewhere.
Do one eye at lease 2 weeks apart.
Don’t worry about the anesthesia..you’ll know nothing, feel nothing, and go home in an hour or so.
The procedure scares the shit out of you….take a pill!
FOrget what they tell you…but shoot only 22’s for a few days…no real shock stuff.
A few years ago I begged you to come down to Tampa and shoot a few rounds with me..but you couldn’t make it..too busy at the time. I guess it was for my 80th birthday. Soon, God willing, I’ll be 90…maybe then…
If you go to St Luke’s here, I’ll buy and the Evil Princess dinner, but I won’t take you shooting.
I strongly advise either St Luke’s, or Miami…both are great….done screw with your eyes………
Call me if you have questions, or to make a reservation at the best restur7in town……ciao…863-259-9191
By the way…the results are fantastic………just say’en
Mas I read the headline, then read the first sentence and my first thought was “…is he going to ask us to stab ourselves in an eyeball for some sort of data related to self defense?”
I’ve had twilight anesthesia, but I can’t tell you what it’s like because I don’t remember a thing, literally. My last memory was when they pushed the drugs in the IV. I “woke up” in the recovery area, kind of groggy and slow witted (more than usual). Definitely needed someone to drive me home, just like they said in the pre-op visit. More or less out of it for the rest of the day (functional, but feeling fatigued).
I’ve had eye surgery where I remember seeing everything (a long time ago and they didn’t use twilight anesthesia), and I much prefer “not remembering”. 🙂
I would not be too concerned, Mas. I had both eyes done about 10 years ago. Importantly you should conference with your ophthalmologist about any vision corrections needed and what kind of seeing you need to be best at afterwards. They poke a hole outside the cornea and cut loose the old lens first. I think they inject it with an enzyme to soften it before pulling it out. The new lens is usually rolled up into a tube and “injected” through the same hole. It unfurls and is “stapled” into place. Straining the aqueous humor to remove “floaters” is an option. The incision is then closed with a single stitch. Minor repairs can also be done by laser through the dilated iris afterwards. Floaters can be zapped at the same time. You will need to take it easy for a couple of weeks after each surgery. I remember no real pain, but the surgery was not fun either. The nurses were very nice. Your vision may not stabilize for a month or two. Don’t worry, it will. The new plastic lens is actually better than the original. I would have the two operations about a month apart.
My father had the surgery and was very pleased with the improved vision. The twilight sleep is very refreshing and easy to recover from.
My Mom just had the surgery a few months ago. She sailed through it fine. There was some discomfort for a week or so afterward. Nothing catastrophic. You’ll be fine and you’ll be very happy with the results. And as for the “twilight sleep”, have fun – it’s the best thing since sliced pizza. (I am in the medical profession, and I’ve also been a recipient of said “twilight sleep” myself for a procedure a few years ago).
Best wishes,
John Mohan
It is good. Imagine that point just before deep sleep. You may be aware of things around you (TV, EP snapping pucture s of you in that odd pose in the recliner) but you are detached, don’t really care, like you are dreaming or watching a move, perfectly relaxed & comfortable. Sir of like that short power nap without going totally out … like deep meditation. But you wazke up and remember. Only in this case the medications prevent you from remembering (usually). And you typically come around feeling relaxed and refreshed if not a bit groggy.
In my first experience with a ‘balanced’ anesthesia (repair of a had fracture), I woke up in recovery & told the nurse, a family friend & co-worker that had I known I would feel ‘this good after surgery, I would have broken something sooner!
I am over due for my right eye and could use it for my left.
I plan to call and schedule it after my daughter’s wedding this weekend.
I hear nothing but rave reviews from those having had the surgery. Life will be brighter. Keep us posted.
I had the surgery almost 10 years ago. It involved use of special eye drops to prepare for the surgery on the first eye. On surgery day, drugs were given to relax, but not knock me out, then when ready, the surgeon did the laser surgery, occasionally reminding me to stay awake. After this, a plastic cover was taped over the eye, and very dark sunglasses were given for outside use. The next day, go to the surgeon’s office for a check, and another check a week later. The next week, repeat for the second eye. A month after the second eye is done, an eye exam to see if glasses are needed. After about a year, fogginess in vision may start to be noticed. This involves having an in-office laser treatment to burn away your eyes attempt at healing over the replaced lenses.
You will be given the option to have lenses that correct near or far vision, plus a bifocal option. What you take can depend on what your insurance will pay and what your budget for extra costs is. I would recommend getting the far vision only option on your dominant shooting eye, but you should discuss this with your doctor.
I had both eyes done (lens replacement), one at a time, a month apart. After the first one, it was hard waiting weeks to get the other done … it was so good to see clearly again!
I went from extreme negative prescription to 20/15 vision.
As far as the anesthetic, there are a variety of methods, but a popular version is to put anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye surface, anesthetic hell around the eye to “freeze” the movement muscles, so your eyes stay steady, and a little pop of fentanyl to loosen you up and reduce your anxiety.
The procedure (my procedure) was about 45 minutes of prep drops,gel, fentanyl) and about five minutes of lens replacement.
The old lens is sonically liquified and sucked out through a ~1/8” cut at the edge of the white/cornea. The new lens is rolled up in a catheter on a syringe (looks like a thick needle) and is injected into the lens capsule. At that point, your vision is clear in that eye. You’ll wear a shield over the eye overnight, see the doc the next day, a week later, and a month later. There are no stitches.
Now, the caveats: this is for a cloudy lens; if you have glaucoma, they need that to be medicated and controlled before they’ll do the procedure. If you have corneal cataracts, that is a different procedure (cornea replacement).
The biggest issue for me is that I chose implants for distance vision; I can’t force focus on the closer sites … so I wear +1 readers, which blurs the distant image. I’m getting used to it, but my accuracy suffered.
There are lenses for close (would require glasses for distance), lenses that are hybrid near/far, and (for big bucks) lenses that can properly accommodate like your natural lenses.
If your eyedoc doesn’t know what you do, fill him in and get an educated suggestion for YOUR specific situation. Concussion from firing a gun -may- be a bad thing for a while … ask the doc specifically about this.
I been a fan for a long time Mas, best wishes for a comfortable & speedy recovery!
Sorry for the typos: “gel” around the eye to “freeze” the movement, and “sights” not “sites;” a typo with spell check ?)
Taught tennis and ski in and spent hours on the range. Needed surgery at 55. You won’t believe the difference in colors that you will see. No sweat what so ever in
The operation. With the twilight anasthesia you just wont remember anything. Good move and good luck, you will be glad you did it.
I have had both eyes done. Eye sight improved greatly. Colors became vibrant. No pain. Just had to wear the protective eye patch for a few days and use the eye drops before and after the surgeries. I just use reading classes now.
Massad, you will do fine! A couple of days of prep( special drops in your eyes) and the morning of the surgery. If you have had a colonoscopy and you should have had one as full of bull as you are . The same method of putting you to sleep. You wake up refresh and not groggy. They will give you a list of do’s and don’t. More recovery drops in your eyes and dark glasses. Probably see Dr. Next day and then in two weeks. I think they want you to rest the day of surgery and not be up and running around.A very brief description. You will do fine and be glad you had it done.
The “Evil Princess ” will have you healed _up and cross eyed in no time. Good luck.
No sweat sir. Twilight is no big deal. I was really nearsighted before the surgery and after I barely need glasses at all. Still need bifocals, need no glasses using the computer. Win, win for me.
A definite plus for me.
Good luck to you sir.
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