My Experience with a Cataract and Laser Eye Surgery

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What really scared me was when my left eye got blurred. At first, I was hoping it was just a dry eye. I had my check-up done. My worst fears were confirmed by my cloudy vision. I had a cataract but at age 37? It was pretty young. It was a developmental cataract or a developmental defect. I was told that there was no other choice but to have surgery. I was pretty scared. I decided it was time to really view cataract surgery and discover the amazing use of laser cataract surgery. It's a good thing I dismissed the bogus claims of cataract-dissolving drops. 

Above is a sample video of what was shown in the hospital. I was nervous at first about what could happen. Having been told by the doctor (and will not disclose further details out of respect for the doctor's privacy) that it'll take faster than the manual surgery was a relief. I was willing to spend more on laser surgery rather than have the bladed procedure. I could say I was scared of the bladed procedure. I heard that laser surgery is faster, uses less emulsification energy, and will grant better healing as a result of using less emulsification energy. I was nervous but I had to really stay calm, and say a word of prayer to God during the preparation (it helps), and I was actually a little calmer. An attending physician held my left hand during both procedures.

The first procedure was the use of a laser-cutting machine. I was amazed at how the procedure was. I went for localized anesthesia to avoid further complications. After that, I was slowly moved to the other operating table. The same drill as always. A light was provided at the unoperated eye so I don't see the tools. Anesthesia was added again. Instruments were placed into my left eye. However, it felt somewhat ticklish instead probably due to the localized anesthesia. I did have to take Valium (after all) before the whole process began. 

Waking up to my left eye where "a whole new world" happened. At first, I felt like a cyborg aka The Terminator because my vision was somewhat red after the operation. My left eye eventually went watery for four to five hours. It was a result of the anesthesia wearing off. I wore protective goggles most of the time. I wasn't even allowed to have a shower. Showering was allowed but it was harder than usual. No soap or water was ever allowed to get into the eye. Imagine shampooing with my eyes closed. I had to keep my eyes closed and memorize the locations of stuff like the towel, soap, and shampoo. 

It's been at least one week (and a few days) after my eye surgery. I'm still giving my eyes time to heal. I'm still using antibiotics. I had to take two different types of antibiotics for seven days. One was applied three times a day. Another was applied four times a day. It's a good thing I'm now required my other antibiotic for only three times a day. It was also good I was given a third eye drop if ever my eye gets itchy. I mean, it's only common sense that I can't be allowed to rub my still-healing eye! Though, with laser surgery, I'm confident that it would probably take shorter than if I went for the bladed surgery. 

Right now, I'm wondering what I could do next. I'm planning to get the SMILE eye surgery but not now. I did ask if itching was only a natural reaction. Fortunately, it was as the eye is still susceptible to bacterial infection. The itching can be considered a sign of healing. There would be dead cells as a result of the surgery if I'm not wrong. 

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