Tag: post-op

Lopsovision No More

I had the second cataract surgery yesterday, on the left eye, and had the same lens implanted as I did in the right – closer focus vs. distance. The eye surgeon called me one evening to discuss choices, so I went with his recommendation.

Visual Pun?

Today, I had the 24-hour post-op check, and everything is doing very well! Eye pressure = 17 (normal is 12-25 per the optometrist) in both eyes, and I can see clearly between a distance of 8-24 inches. I used to only be able to see clearly if things were within an inch of the tip of my nose, if that gives you any idea of the change in vision.

The other rather shocking – but amazing! – thing is that I cannot wear ANY pair of my old glasses, and have to wear non-prescription sunglasses. My eyes are sensitive to the light, the left very much so, which is normal post-op. Currently I am using the wrap-around cataract sunglasses, and they really do help.

I have another post-op visit in a week, and then 2 weeks later an appointment for new glasses altogether!

I am honestly so pleased with the results so far. I have worn glasses nonstop since I was 8 or 9. Right now, none are on my face, and I can function well enough to probably drive without corrective lenses. In the mirror, I look very strange because there are no frames on my face. I will get them back soon enough – not as soon as I would like, but c’est la vie. Then the world will be even more perfect.

Cold Therapy, Post-Op

Ouch!  My radial nerve is hurting.  I hope that it is only temporary, from pressure from the healing process.

One of the best things to treat the swelling from the inflammation which is part of the body’s healing process is cold.  My MD recommended the Polar Care 300, which is a portable, electric ice pack.  An igloo cooler is modified, or specially made by Breg (the manufacturer), to pump cold water through a baffled pack.  This acts like an ice pack, and helps reduce post-op swelling.  Unfortunately, the bandages on my arm were so big that the ice pack did not get employed as it should have, which is very important during the first 72 hours.  Ah, well.

My surgery was done in Valencia, and the Polar Care 300 unit is sold by DME nearby.  Unlike other cold pack set-ups, the Polar Care is not bulky, very portable, extremely quiet, and incredibly well thought out.  We paid about 189.00 at DME.  Today, I am walking around with a tube to connect me to the unit, which I need to do hourly.   Hopefully the burning of the radial nerve will diminish, cuz it hurts more than the surgery!