AS a retirement gift I treated myself to a brand new HD TV. With HD TV, I noticed improvement in colour, clearness of outlines and movements, and well-defined backgrounds. Cataract surgery is like upgrading to HD TV. I immediately noticed an enormous difference in colours, outlines, and clear awareness of depths. I walk about with improved confidence, drive at night without squinting, and sometimes I try to turn off lights that are not switched on! I am writing this reflection without the use of glasses.

I was first diagnosed with a cataract in my right eye approximately twenty years ago. It was explained that the cataract would develop over time, and that it needed to ripen before any action would be needed. It developed and after each regular examination I was getting new prescriptions to correct for my cataract. In the past year, I noticed a marked deterioration in my eyesight. I needed more light. Driving on a rainy night was a definite challenge, and I found myself habitually using the railing as I went upstairs. At my regular check-up, the optometrist told me that I had the option of having my cataract removed. He explained that a cataract is a clouding and thickening of the eye’s lens that causes the vision to blur. With cataract surgery the eye’s lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. And so I was given an appointment with a surgeon.

According to the surgeon, there were options on how to proceed. The surgery could be done in a Laser Clinic or at the hospital as an outpatient. I was told that the surgeon would also be able to correct for astigmatism at the same time. Astigmatism! I had forgotten that I was born with astigmatism. I found out there were options concerning the types of lenses that could be used. The basic lens is covered by OHIP, I was told. But there are other upgrades which would be beneficial for my situation. The basic lens was compared to my Chevrolet, which certainly performs the job. The Cadillac version provides the best functional vision possible in varying light conditions. The multifocal lens was compared to the BMW.

Within two weeks, I found myself checking in at the clinic for my surgery. The members of the staff at the clinic were very professional, organized and knowledgeable, and unhurried. The building appeared sterile and I felt that I was in good hands. I signed the consent, provided my medical history, had my blood pressure taken. And of course I paid for the lens in advance. After taking the medication, I was escorted to another room with comfortable leather reclining chairs and a HD TV, where I was dressed in yellow paper robe and slippers, and hat. There were no mirrors here, thank goodness! Soon a friendly doctor came to speak to me. He explained he would be monitoring my heart and blood pressure during the procedure. I felt relaxed and ready for the next step.

Then I was taken to the operating theatre, where I reclined in a dental office type chair. The surgeon was there, a nurse, and the friendly doctor was also by my side. I could feel the incision slightly and I was aware the procedure was underway. “Keep your eyes open”, the surgeon would repeat. I was getting a little nervous, but calm voices of reassurance got me through the last few minutes. And, of course, the friendly doctor holding my hand was most reassuring.

Next I was helped back to the room with the leather chairs and the HD TV. Everything was coloured red at first. Then, as I looked at the TV, I saw vivid colour. I was aware of the brightness, then the definition of outlines of figures, and of course, the background of the pictures was in focus. I was amazed by my change in vision.

And so the headache from the freezing went away, with the cookies and coffee. I went to my sister’s home for a nice lunch and returned to the clinic at 2:30 for a check-up. The surgeon checked everything, and commented that it looked very good. He informed me that there was now a cataract in my other eye, and suggested that I have it removed soon. He joked that my cataract was like “Granite” because of the length of time I have had it.
Follow-up treatment included keeping the eye dry, using sunglasses, and a regimen of eye drops. Getting the eye drops into my eye was quite a challenge. Three different medicated drops were required morning, noon, and night, and once in between. I tried looking up. I tried looking down. I tried with a mirror. I couldn’t hold my eyelid open and find my eye with the dropper at the same time. Finally, I stumbled onto the secret. Lying down without a pillow was the only way for me. The following week I played golf without glasses, and I made an appointment for the other eye.

Everything proceeded as expected with the next surgery. And when it was over, my vision was very blurry. I was very concerned; however, I was told that this was normal. It feels as though my brain needs to teach my eyes to work together. My vision slowly cleared; however, I couldn’t read with my bifocals. While in the waiting room, I received a tip from a retired teacher I had taught with. She suggested trying my old glasses, or buying some from Wal-Mart until my vision settles, and the eyes focus together. Even my computer glasses did not work for me. Finally, I took them off and found I could do my email without glasses!

Throughout the process, I had confidence in the ability of all the staff. The clinic is pristine, comfortable, and unhurried. Patients are always in view of staff members ready to answer questions and offer assistance. I appreciate that fact that all eye tests, measurements, and final surgeries are done right there in the clinic. Times have changed; so have cataract procedures. It is not necessary for the cataract to ripen before surgery; the recovery time is minimal, and eye patches are unnecessary. Patients may go back to work the next day if they wish. I have learned that eyes, like fingerprints, are unique. Each situation is different and that it is best to base decisions on what is appropriate for each individual situation. There are many choices of procedures to suit all patients and, of course, pocket books.

When I retired I gained freedom from school work, and now freedom from wearing glasses. This is Freedom 55, and 65 and 75! However, now I can see each new wrinkle on my face, and those little spills on my floors that I was missing. And once in a while, I try to nudge my glasses up my nose and I realize that there are no glasses there, and I marvel at the changes in my life since having cataract surgery.