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Post by Warrigal on Feb 1, 2019 3:33:46 GMT -5
My eyes, that is.
I saw an eye specialist today and made arrangements to have my cataracts attended to. This will happen early in April with one week between the procedures.
it will be at minimal cost thanks to Medicare (our universal healthcare system) and my private health coverage. All I will have to pay for will be today's consultation, part of which will be refunded by Medicare and some scans of my eyes before the operations, also partly paid for by Medicare. All up, it will only cost me less than $500 for both eyes.
We discussed the astigmatism problem and I was assured that afterwards it would be much better than it has always been. I am really looking forward to seeing everything more clearly than I do now.
I will let you know all the details here as I explore this new medical adventure. |
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Post by highlandannie on Feb 1, 2019 22:01:30 GMT -5
Hope all goes well. I've heard from many who said they were surprised at how much better than can see after the treatment.
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Post by notmydad on Mar 16, 2019 15:56:44 GMT -5
I need to do the same. Probably will later in the year.
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Post by Warrigal on Apr 13, 2019 0:08:54 GMT -5
Both eyes are now done, on 4th and then 11th of this month.
The procedures were over very quickly and there was no feeling in either eye as the lenses were removed and replaced with ocular implants.
The anaesthesia was a form of sedation and I was conscious enough to know what was happening and to allow me to be a co-operative patient. When the lens was removed, all focus was lost and all I saw was an array of coloured lights from the ceiling. Then the new lens was in place and focus returned. A brief spell in recovery while they took my blood pressure and I was out in the patient lounge having light refreshments.
The doctor's receptionist arranged for a taxi to collect me from home, deliver me to the clinic on the other side of Sydney and take me back home when finished.
Cost for each eye - $75 for the taxi and nothing for the operations. Between Medicare, our universal free health scheme, and my private health insurance, all costs were covered. No need even to make a claim. It is all done using the software that is common to all medical and dental providers.
Yesterday I saw the specialist in his rooms for a quick post op check up. Even though there is still slight swelling in the eye that was last done, I could read the eye chart at 20.20 vision. I may need some reading glasses and I will be seeing our usual optometrist in a month for that assessment. For now I am not using my old glasses.
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Post by nkat on Apr 13, 2019 10:00:57 GMT -5
Glad that all turned out well for you. Enjoy the world in more intense color.
nkat
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Post by joymarty on May 11, 2019 0:03:35 GMT -5
Well, good. I'm one who does ALL to avoid any surgery. I've been taking eye supports for at least 20 yrs, when I was told I had the beginnings of cataracts at 60 yrs old, so got to work with all the research I do, and here I am at 81 soon and eyes are just fine. And no surgery. And my vision is clear and colors vivid and scripts have not changed in about 10 yrs for distance and reading. Love love to be my own doctor. And I wear protective sun glasses when I go outside no matter the sun or not.
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Post by Warrigal on May 11, 2019 3:57:49 GMT -5
Sun glasses, especially the wrap around kind, are a very good idea.
Actually, things have not turned out as well as I had hoped. It is a month since the last eye was done and my vision is not very clear. I saw the optometrist on Friday and she said there might still be some swelling of the cornea but I am a bit doubtful about this idea. The right eye, first one done, is definitely better than the left one. They seem to be fighting each other, causing blurriness. I will need specs for close work and reading. My distance vision is fine and I will be able to drive without spectacles as soon as I get my licence changed to that effect.
I'm seeing the optometrist in a fortnight when she will check my eyes again before we settle on the script for the reading glasses.
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