Cannot Adjust After Cataract Surgery

[moose53]

I've had (or needed) eyeglasses for distance since at least 5 years old (probably even before).  I am 66 years old.  I am USED TO not being able to see the distance.

Had cataract surgery (both eyes) November/December 2009.

Still cannot adjust to what I'm left with.  Different distance vision in both eyes -- can read print on TV with left eye, but, not with right eye.  I could read and use the computer without glasses before the surgery.  Now, I've lost two-thirds of my usable vision (no reading or computer vision).  Difficult to find over-the-counter reading glasses because I need such a strong prescription for reading.

I can use the computer with 2.5 OTC reading glasses.  For reading a book with regular-sized print, I need 3.5 OTC reading glasses.  When I look up at the TV or out the window with the 3.5 reading glasses on, I get dizzy.

The doctor never asked me what kind of vision I wanted after the surgery.  I live in a 400 square foot apartment.  I read, watch TV, and use the computer.  I have no need for distance vision at all.  I can see pine cones 40 feet up a tree.  I can read street signs and traffic signs a mile down the street.  What good does this do me??  I don't drive.  I don't walk.

I have vision capabilities that I cannot use.  And yet the vision that I do need (reading, writing, computer, TV), I don't have.  I cannot see my fingernails to cut them.  I cannot see vegetables in the kitchen to cut them.

Oh, to top it all off, the doctor told me that I would not need glasses at all after the surgery.

Is there anything that I can do??  Oh, I'm limited financially on any options that I might have.  Medicare is my only insurance.  Thanks.

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

I hear your frustration.  But first, you need to reach some acceptance of the "new you", because your only options at this point are IOL exchanges (both eyes) which is technically challenging at 6+ months after the original surgery, or refractive surgery to make you nearsighted again.  I wouldn't recommend either one.  I agree with JodieJ - get a high quality pair of progressive lenses.

[JodieJ]

I'm so sorry to read about your frustrating post-surgery experience.  I hope you let your doctor know how unhappy you are with your results.  Maybe next time s/he'll ask the patient about their preferences for their vision and not just assume that everyone wants good distance vision.

I do have a suggestion for you.  Forget about those OTC readers--they are awful (in my opinion, anyway.)  Have some progressive glasses made in your prescription--they should give you excellent vision at all distances, and you won't have to keep putting them on and taking them off.  And be picky about selecting the frames.  Wearing the right frames can really take years off your appearance.