Lens Replacement

[TxPhotoShooter]

I'm not talking about new glass for my dslr (though I am about to place an order for the Nikkor 105mm VR after debating between the 105 and the Sigma 50-500mm). Yesterday, I had the second lens in my eyes replaced. I went in for cataract surgery. They told me I could replace the lenses and I would not need glasses any longer. For someone who has worn glasses for what seems like a lifetime, I was skeptical and very nervous about doing this. But a little research convinced me. Two weeks ago, the distance lens was placed in the left eye and I was able to see with such clarity the I can't remember. The near lens was place in the right eye yesterday. Today in my post-op exam, the doctor said I was seeing 20/20 in distance and reading.

The proceedures were painless and didn't take very long. (The doctor said the actual proceedure takes him 5 minutes.) The only restriction after the surgery was not to rub my eye very vigorously. Both times the doctor called me late that evening to check my status, remind me to continue my eye drops and to make sure to call him on his cell if I felt something was really wrong.

If anyone needs a recommendation for something like this, send me a pm.

[Redneck]

Are you talking about lasik eye correction?
I'd love to hear more about this.

[TxPhotoShooter]

No, this is not lasik. In this proceedure, they take out your lens and replace it with a an artificial lens. It's like putting in a soft contact. The doctor makes the tinest slit in the covering over your lens. He then takes folded artificial lens, slides it in the opening. He then positions the lens to fit perfectly where your old lens had been. The slit pretty much heals over night. The only needle involved is for the IV because they sedate just a little. After the surgery, there is no patch needed. Just a pair of sunglasses because the eye is so dialated.

[Redneck]

Sounds interesting, I've never heard of that. Do you want to share how much this is and who did it?

[TxPhotoShooter]

The doctor's name is Colby Stewart of the Houston Eye Associates. His dad either started or helped to start this group. Insurance has paid most since this was considered a medical proceedure and I haven't seen the complete totals. But my cost was approximately a Nikkor 105mm VR, a Sigma 50-500mm and a Kinko 1.4 TC. But I just bought the 105mm today anyway so I have 3 new very sharp pieces of glass. :)

[TheFantasticG]

Put you to sleep for it or had to do it awake?

Cause that would freak me the fark out having to watch.

[TxPhotoShooter]

They sedate you and then start bringing you back before the surgery. Just enough that you are aware that something is going on but you have the "who cares" attitude. And when it's over, I swear you remember going into the surgery room, talking with the nurses and sitting up to be wheeled out of the surgery room to go home but you don't ever remember seeing the doctor. Which was fine by me!

[bondarnes]

I had this procedure done a few months back. You need to be awake so they can tell you to look straight ahead and don't move your eye. You are mildly sedated and can only see light and shadow. I didn't find it the least bit frightening, but having the "fog" removed from my eye is really fantastic. Before surgery it was like looking through a fogged windshield, but afterwards it was like someone fired up the defroster.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I had this procedure done a few months back. You need to be awake so they can tell you to look straight ahead and don't move your eye. You are mildly sedated and can only see light and shadow. I didn't find it the least bit frightening, but having the "fog" removed from my eye is really fantastic. Before surgery it was like looking through a fogged windshield, but afterwards it was like someone fired up the defroster.

You are so right. I knew the proceedure would clear up my catatacts and improve my vision. I just didn't know they could replace my lens to address my astygmatism so I would need not glasses any longer.