The last time I went in for an eye exam (05/30/24) , my doctor told me I was probably ready for cataract surgery. In years past, I always thought the time had come but my eye doctor always said "not yet". This time was different.
On August 1 I had a consultation with Dr. David Denlinger at CVP Physicians Dayton. He not only agreed with my optometrist, he said both eyes were ready. Although no one looks forward to surgery, I have had so many vision problems and they've only worsened in recent years. My night vision is failing, bright lights are very annoying and nothing seems as crisp and well-lighted as I remember in my youth.
On September 11 I visited my family physician, Dr. W Brent Ashcraft, and he filled out a physical form approving me for surgery.
I soon received a call from CVP setting the surgery up for November 5, Election Day. I remember saying, "My Lord! That long?" when I realized I'd have about a two month wait.
This was finally the week. Tom drove me to the Dayton Eye Surgery Center in Beavercreek, Ohio. I had to be there at 11:30 am for a 1 pm surgery. But I got a call saying things were moving quickly and could I come earlier? I could and I did.
I'll describe my experience for those who might be facing cataract surgery. Your experience may be similar:
After signing in (with Tom present as my driver and immediate caregiver), I was taken back to a small waiting room. I probably did not sit there more than five or ten minutes. Everything from check-in forward was fast, organized and very efficient.
I was taken to a small curtained cubicle and placed into a bed and covered with a thing white blanket. I kept on my street clothes, including shoes. I answered a number of questions for two nurses such as giving my name, date of birth, what surgery I was there for, which eye, etc.? One nurse marked above my right eye.
I was given two Tylenol with water and an automated blood pressure cuff was placed on my right arm. A pulse oximeter was clipped to a finger on my left hand. One nurse installed an IV into my left arm I do not believe any medication was added at this time.
Soon (maybe 15 minutes later) Dr. Denlinger came in, introduced himself and again asked many of the same questions I was asked before. He added his mark above my right eye and said the surgery would be soon.
A nurse soon came in and said "they're ready" and wheeled me to the operating room. I remained in bed and something that felt like a rubber pillow was placed beneath my head (presumable to keep it steady). I saw a large light on the ceiling and what must be a floor-mounted microscope that was to be used for the surgery. I did not lift up and look further.
I believe this is when the calming drug was added to the IV. I think a woman told me what it was. At some point someone said I may remain awake or I may remember nothing. I remember the entire procedure and never felt I was asleep though I never felt any pain at all and I wouldn't call anything even uncomfortable.
The doctor was on my right and that was the only person I was aware of.
I specifically remember seeing lights and at one point something "sweeping" back and forth in my field of vision. I imagine that was when my natural lens was broken up by ultrasound waves and the pieces removed. It may sound a bit gruesome: it is not.
It seemed only minutes (though it was likely closer to 15) that Dr. Denlinger said "That's it. We're done".
I was wheeled out of the operating room and back to the staging area where I was given a small bottle of water and left to rest only a few minutes (or so it seemed). Then I stood up as a nurse steadied me and walked me to Tom waiting in the car outside the door.
We got home about the time my operation was originally scheduled to begin.
Before the operation I took two drops four times a day. They were Ketorolac (an anti-inflammatory) and Moxifloxacin (an antibiotic). Afterwards a third drop was added: Prednisolone Acetate (a steroid).
Then, the day after surgery (11/06/24) I returned for a checkup. All was well: 20/20 vision in that eye! Only the pressure was a bit elevated but Dr, Denlinger added a drop and said "it's coming down". He said he was very happy with the outcome.
Showered and shaved, I feel like a new man (though I certainly don't look it). Check out my bloodshot right eye. There's only the slightest irritation, though. It feels just fine. And I can see perfectly with it, sans glasses.
I have one more check-up on 11/13/24 nd then all that remains is to continue a schedule of drops for a month. The left eye is schedule for 11/19/24 (two weeks after the first) and I'll add notes about that after it happens.
Later:
11/19/24: Back for the left eye. The arrival time was set for 7 AM and the surgery at 8:30 am. Tom drove of course, and though I was told I would be #3, I was wheeled beck to the OR at almost exactly the assigned time.
The prep was exactly the same as noted above.
I have been giving some thought to whether I was awake for the whole procedure or asleep, both this time and the last. The answer is: I don't know. I remember Dr. Denlinger tell me he was ready to begin and I even remember a couple of pokes. I figured it might be a prelude to pain ... but it was not. Later I again remember something moving back and forth in my field of vision and I assume that's when my dissolved natural lens was suctioned out. And I remember the doctor tell me when he finished. I can't say I remember anything else. Since I certainly don't remember 15 minutes worth of time passing, I must have been in some sleep-like state. In any case, it's a painless, efficient procedure.
By 9:10 am we were on the way home.
We stopped at Bob Evans for brunch. And I took this shot of the aftermath of the second surgery there.
Back tomorrow for removal of the bandage and vision tests.
11/20/24: All's well. Perfect vision. No glasses needed except for reading and close-up work. Final appointment a week from today and then this cataract business id done.
