You reach a certain age, you'll need cataract surgery. I had both eyes done (one at a time) during the pandemic, actually... the surgery itself takes all of 5 minutes (the prep and waking up from the anesthesia is longer than the actual procedure). Easy peasy! Hadn't realized how much my sight had been fuzzy until I had the surgery done.

The major issue is that I didn't need reading glasses prior to the surgery and now I do. They can correct for distance or close up. But as I had 20/20 distance vision I didn't want to compromise my distance vision and need to wear glasses all the time.

My wife, Dolores, had the surgery with excellent results. 

Thankfully, I have not had that experience ... yet, Richie Alan Naggar 

My mother had cataract surgery in both eyes.  No issue for her. It all starts with making sure you have an excellent doctor. 

All the best to YOU! 

I had both cataract surgeries done five years ago with a great outcome BUT finding the right doctor was a challenge. Do not hesitate to get a 2nd and even 3rd opinion from different opthomalogists until you find one you feel comfortable with (as well as his/her staff). I researched each one before deciding and also did a ton of research on the types of lenses (IOL) that they use and recommend. If you go with the basic lenses (choose for either distance or up close), there is no charge through Medicare and supplement (at least for me). If you go with the other lenses, they become very pricey and you pay out of pocket for them. 

Questions, let me know as there is a much more I could tell you.

I have had both eyes done. Recovery is very quick and what a difference to see again! One eye at a time is done, so when I had the first one done it was shocking to look out of one eye at a time and compare the huge difference, color and clarity both were restored! (you don't realize how much color is muddied in your vision also). I got the lenses that give both near and far vision without eyeglasses and glad I did. I can see sharply down to comfortable arms length for example holding your phone for reading. Closer than a foot it starts to become a little less clear. But that covers a full useful range without glasses.

Richie Alan Naggar  I waited too long and during COVID a cataract grew over one eye so big that I could not see out of one eye. As soon as the surgery was allowed to continue again * painlessly* I could see. One eye at a time was done. I can see now without glasses I was wearing #3 for the close-up and needed them for far away 20-40   .I do not wear glasses at all - except for the SUN -- GO FOR IT 

My wife had it and a major great adjusted she has to say.

I don't need it yet but I know the day will come. I've heard the surgery is an easy one. Good luck!

One of our daughters is an optometrist. She has mentioned to me that I have "age appropriate cataracts", which seems is quite normal and most people have some element of it, sometimes thinking it's something else. It doesn't mean that surgery is imminent. The operation is very brief, only about 15 minutes and the results are generally excellent. Your distance vision would become nearly perfect without any corrections, but for near vision you would still need reading glasses. You would do one eye at a time and should select an ophthalmologist that specializes in this sort of surgery. I  would miss not being able to read without glasses, but would do the surgery if it became necessary. My mother-in-law did the combined distance/near vision surgery some years ago and had a hard adjustment with it. This "double lens" procedure was not covered by insurance at the time, so was costly. By now, those combined vision operations have been perfected, but not sure to what extent and not sure if insurance now covers them. There are solutions, Richie, you will find what suits you. All the best!

I had cataract surgery on both eyes years ago. Not at the same time but about a year apart. Total success in both cases. 

It is neat to see... errr read how helpful and caring the AR family of bloggers is when Richie Alan Naggar asked a question. Genuine concern and we all wish you a speedy recovery in whatever you do to improve vision. It makes me wonder too from others, advice to younger members and any preventative measures like make sure to wear sunglasses, eat more of this fruit or vegetables. Carrots for your eyes? 

Great question and extremely informative answers! I know my day is coming and I look forward to getting them done. I have friends who say they have never had such good eyesight until they had the procedure done. Go for it!!

I have not but, do know that Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 very recently had it done. Perhaps she can shed some light for you! Good luck - I've heard it's a piece of cake. 

Have not needed this done yet, but heard it is wonderful, and easy.

My Mom just had cataract surgery on both eyes, she is pleased with the results.  I have also known a few of my tennis buddies who had it and loved the results.  They have gotten really good with this surgery and the risks are very low, while the rewards are very high.

Also, personally, I had Lasik close to 20 years ago and I am still 20/40 in one eye and 20/30 in the other which is good enough that I don't need glasses for much.  I think it is a similar procedure, but not certain.

I had it and now do not need glasses.

My wife had to have both eyes done while we livd in Florida. She had worn glasses all her life. We opted for the upgrade correction lenses and she has not worn glasses for distance or reading since, Terrific!!

Hi Richie Alan Naggar; I just sent you a message.

My mother had cataract surgery, and opted for the premium lenses.  Her vision became better than 20/20 and she no longer needed to wear glasses for distance or reading. It was remarkable.

Yes, there was an extra charge, but she felt it was worth the extra money.

Good info . . . I just got some driving and reading glasses and the doc says in about 5 years we might be talking about cataracts . . . 

I do not but my mom has had successful cataract surgery. From what I understand the do one eye then the other a few weeks later. I have a friend at the gym who is having it done. She should be back in a week or two and I can ask her how it went.

My Mom (at 90) did surgery and reports she can see perfectly now. Look at physician's recommendations and how many procedures completed.

personally, no, but my daddy had it done and had lens implanted and no longer wears glasses at all.  One at a time, very happy with his results.  He was amazed at how "bright" the world seemed after having it done.

Many people that I know do not need to wear glasses afterwards. That in itself is a deal!

Most people that I have heard of have had good results.

I have not had the cataract surgery, but I have had a Peripheral Iridectomy to relieve pressure and allow draining. I need a lens replacement, but have not done the surgery. Also, insurance will not cover the procedure, so there is that little aspect too.

not there ... yet.... but the ones I know had successful results.