Cataract Surgery

Recently, I have been having cataract surgery on my eyes (Well, of course, I wouldn’t have cataract surgery on my knees).  I am sure that many of you have experienced this surgery, but I wish to address those who have yet to have this experience.

For many years, I tried to prepare myself for what I thought would be an agonizing encounter.  Everyone told me that it is a simple 5-minute surgery, but it was impossible to dismiss the thought of being fully awake, creating nightmares of ‘dodging the knife’ and disastrous consequences.

In my case, I presented, admitting that I had eaten a good breakfast, only to be told (with some annoyance) that by having food in my stomach, I could not be given a sedative … meaning that the arms of Morpheus would not be available.  Thus, a return of the nightmare.

Having waited for more than a year, cancellation was out of the question.

The pre-op consisted of putting various drops into my eye to ‘freeze’ it, and strapping my head to the bed (It occurred to me that there was absolutely nothing on Earth that could stop me trying to avoid a sharp scalpel).  Very bright lights close to my eye were switched on, and I was aware that things were moving around, but there was no pain and ten minutes later I heard the surgeon say, “That’s it.”

Arriving back in the pre/post-op room, I was invited to sit in a comfortable armchair and given a carton of orange juice and cookies.

The reason for writing this was to say, ‘GREAT NEWS’.  Because of the bright lights, you will see nothing and, because of the ‘freezing’ you will feel nothing, and NOBODY EVER TOLD ME THIS.

 Now, my duty is done.

P.S.  I did not enjoy the six weeks applying medicine eye drops, 5-times each day, following the surgery.