maddmaxx 

Went to my appointment for new glasses today and came home................without glasses...............and with referals to 3 sets of specialists. "There's no point in selling you glasses today" is what I got.

So who can tell me about "fast growing cataracts and "deposits" in the retna?

Tom Bombadil

And so soon after your birthday ...

CrankyFranky

Sorry to hear it...

skiph

Don't know about the "deposits" in the retna, but the fast growing cataracts are usually 'fixed' by being surgically removed and having an occular implant put in place of the clouded cornea.

I had fast growing cataracts in both eyes in 2006, caused by a reaction to steroidal eye cream.

When the eye specialist does the cataract removal/implant replacement, they can put in a lens with what ever corrective power you might require.

I had been extremely near-sighted since I was in the 3rd grade, so chose to have my vision corrected for good distance vision, so I can do outside sports activities (driving, riding, skiing) with out need for glasses.

However, like all other 50+'ers, I now need 'cheater' glassed to read, and use the computer. Since I had worn glasses for 45 years, this is no biggie, being greatly outweighed by NOT needing glasses to ride or drive (passed my drivers eye test back in Feb with no glasses). As a matter of fact, my far vision after the cataract surgery was 20-15 in one eye and 20-10 in the other eye.

They do make multi-focal (near/far) corrective lenses, but they are still semi-experimental, and cost more $$ (insurance doesn't pay for them). If and when you get to that point, the eye specialist will cover that with you, and you can find out all kinds of stuff about them online (Google is your friend).

I use a 'press-on' plastic bi-focal lense on the right side of my cycling glasses so I can see the speedometer on the bike, and carry the cheaters for reading menus and fixing flats.

The eye doc I went to...his clinic made a video of the cataract removal and the implant 'installation'. I watched one of them....that was enough for me.

Good luck with your eyes, and keep us posted.

cyclinfool

Don't be afraid of cateract surgery - my wife had early cateracts and she loves the results of the surgery. It went very well. As far as the retina deposits - never heard of that. I wish you well on this.
I do have a friend who had the new lenses put in to correct near and far - he really likes them does not need glasses at all now. We did not know about them for my wife otherwise we would have gotten them for her - she has to use glasses to read but otherwise vision is almost perfect.

bcoppola

A 60+ guy who's a regular on our club rides had cataract surgery a couple of years ago, & was back on the bike a week after the surgery.

Never heard of retina deposits. I presume they don't pay interest.

maddmaxx 

Yes. One of the corollaries of Murphy's Law says something to the effect of "If things are going well then something important must have been overlooked."

Look at the bright side however. I'm going to learn a great deal more about modern medecine now. I'm in the process of setting up the insurance and referals for the retnal problem as I am told that it is the more important problem and will have an effect on what is done with the cataract later. Everyone in this forum must develop an understanding for forms and appointments and forms and tests and forms and.............

One thing that I have learned from friends in this forum is "Don't Panic". So, with towel firmly in hand............

JimF22003

My dad had these in his 70s. He's doing quite well now. Good luck!

NOS88

My mother had cataract surgery in her 80s. It went remarkably well. She said the difference was like that of looking through the faded plastic rear window of a 20 year old convertible to that of looking through a clear, clean glass windshield. Good luck with this.

DnvrFox

My wife is going through the cataract bit right now.

Apparently, there are new lenses - sort of "bifocals" that correct both near and far.

Our FORMER opthalmologist had her clerk call us out of the blue and ask us if we wanted the regular lenses, or if we would like to pay an extra $3,750 for the bifocals.

We were totally befuddled, as the doc had NEVER mentioned this possibility 2 weeks before when the wife was examined.

We asked for a consult with the doc prior to dropping an extra $3,750 - hey that is a new bike!!

The doc refused to see us. Checking with out Medicare supplement insurance, we found they DO cover the bifocals, but our doc had never bothered to follow the process for approval, instead just socking it to us - I guess that was easier for the doc.

So, we now have an appointment to see a new doc.

BTW, I have been told I have a very small cataract in my left eye, but none yet in my right eye. Nothing that requires correction at this time.

Good luck with the retina situation. Keep us informed.

cranky old dude

From what I understand, cataracts are repairable. I hope for the best results for you.

Retro Grouch 

I'm pretty good with things that have chains and sprockets. Eye surgery, not so much.

Unfortunately, everybody seems to be glossing over the retina deposits. I'm inclined to think that's the bad one and it complicates the cataract surgery too.

I'm thinking that you need better advice than you're likely to get on BF.

DnvrFox

Hey, we all have cataracts (or soon will).

The retina bit is unusual.

And, really, you think you can get better medical advice somewhere else than the BF 50+ group??

maddmaxx 

Yea, medical advice is not important here. I'm just in the venting mode.

You are all correct, in the world of good news/bad news, the cataract is the good news. I already have some indications that the retinal problem may or may not be a situation of stopping further damage but that there will not be any possibility of repair of that which is already damaged. One can hope for a different diagnosis, but if this one is correct, what's left is the best your going to get

stapfam

Why is it that we have a bit of a problem and just delay going to the specialist's- when they can diagnose the problem and offer the advice to get it corrected. We all do it but luckily you have finally succumbed to getting something done about it and now know the cure.

I was going to say that it is when we get to a certain age that we don't go to the doc'd to get things checked out- but one of my neighbours has been putting off a trip to the doc's for months. He eventually made the appointment- and he has been put on a diet to cut out fats and dairy- and told to get out and do some exercise.

Now how do I get a 51 frame to fit a 32" inseam? Theres always the Tandem that will fit him but when I mentioned it he started talking about breaking legs. Whether it would be his or mine he didn't say.

Retro Grouch 

Yup. I can think of only 3 reasons for going to see a doctor: Can't work, can't have sex, can't ride my bike.

Louis

Hope it all works out for you Maxx. Remember, if it ain't one thing, it's another. I'm going back to my Gastroenterologist tomorrow morning to remove half of a polyp that refused to come out in April.

Let the good times roll!

maddmaxx 

Good luck. I hope it's more cooperative this time.

waldowales

I have an appointment on the 16th of this month, to try to decide what to do about the developing glaucoma in one eye.
"It's always something, if not one thing, then it's another." Emily Litella (Gilda Radner)

spry

Best place to recover after cataract surgery and blend in is southern Florida.
Everyone seems to be wearing those thick frame, dark lense, wrap-a-round post cataract surgery sunglasses and using the right curb to guide their car down the road.

kenkayak

Hello Maddmax Ive put off getting glasses for to long Im afraid ive many of your eye issues good luck to you;and me./Kenneth