That is my question. Even after surgery, my Mom never drove at night again. The condition of the retina makes tears, detachment more likely. Healing time could six months, so why do they recomend this for all?
I keep going over what you have posted. Seems you may think this is a major operation, its not. More like a procedure that's done in a doctors office. Its done with a local. Your awake during the whole thing. If the person has Dementia, then maybe they could be put under, like a twilight sleep. People get these done all the time. If we live long lives, we all will probably have the surgery at some time. Its part of the aging process.
No, its not mandatory. You have a choice but not taking the choice means you don't see. Me, I want to see even if I had 6 months to live.
Let me explain: On social media, the use of the word "Mandatory" is a hot button topic, a controversial watch word, striking fear and angry responses from the public.
I agree with JoAnn, I would want to see as long as possible.
I know a man who had cataract surgery at 98. He lived till he was 102. Your Mom is 68, that is not elderly. I am 72 and have cataracts forming. As soon as my Ophthalmologist (MD which Optometrists aren't) tells me my eyes are ready, I am having the surgery.
Not sure about retina surgery but cataract is not that bad. The worst part I have been told is the drops. Its a matter of putting a small incision in the eye, pulling out the bad lense and putting in new one. Then a stitch is done.
Cataracts do cause problems with night driving but they also cause problems being able to see correctly at any time. They get cloudy. The people I know who have had it done say "I can see so much clearer now". Just read that cataract healing is 8 weeks.
"If you wait too long, your cataracts can become “hyper-mature”, which makes them more difficult to remove, and can cause surgery complications. In general, the best outcomes for cataract surgery take place when surgery is performed soon after vision problems develop."
"If the retinal detachment isn't treated right away, more of the retina can detach — which increases the risk of permanent vision loss or blindness.Dec 18, 2020"
This site says 2 to 4 weeks recovery for retina detachment. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp2623
I don't know why you wouldn't want the person to have the ability to see better. Do you think the Drs just want her money? Medicare pays for the surgery, the Dr will need to show its needed. What I understand is the cost to Mom will be if she wants to see or not. Meaning if she chooses the lens that Medicare pays for she will need to wear glasses that Medicare also pays for. The next one is you will see 20/20 but need readers. The next and most expensive is you see 20/20. with no readers.
My husbands uncle would not get cataract surgery because "I am going to die soon" He lived to be 98. He sat 12 in from his TV so he could see it. He couldn't read. His last 10 yrs or more would have been so much bettet if he had had the surgery. The internet shows you what is involved with both surgeries.
"They" don't recommend for all. In fact my eye docs discuss in great detail what to expect in terms of healing time, in terms of improvement in site, and etc. In GREAT detail. Leaving the decision in my own hands. Bottom line for me is that I would have likely a 30% improvement in my distance site now with cataract surgery. If it is worth it in terms of that thinking then I should consider, consider side effects, etc. and decide whether or not to have the surgery. So far I have not. With things like wet AMD present it is even more important to know just how much improvement there might be. If you are dealing with someone with dementia another level is added to concern. It is important that fingers are kept out of eyes, etc, and no rubbing, that eye shield can be used and etc. If there is an eye doc who is not taking the time in exam to explain ALL of that then he or she is not the right eye doc; I recommend a change, or at least the insistence on thorough discussion.
No, its not mandatory. You have a choice but not taking the choice means you don't see. Me, I want to see even if I had 6 months to live.
When it comes to the term "Mandatory", that is not a word you want to add to the protocol treatment of cataracts. imo.
But I am glad you are thinking about the wisdom of treatment for certain elders. You are very wise.
On social media, the use of the word "Mandatory" is a hot button topic, a controversial watch word, striking fear and angry responses from the public.
I agree with JoAnn, I would want to see as long as possible.
Not sure about retina surgery but cataract is not that bad. The worst part I have been told is the drops. Its a matter of putting a small incision in the eye, pulling out the bad lense and putting in new one. Then a stitch is done.
Cataracts do cause problems with night driving but they also cause problems being able to see correctly at any time. They get cloudy. The people I know who have had it done say "I can see so much clearer now". Just read that cataract healing is 8 weeks.
"If you wait too long, your cataracts can become “hyper-mature”, which makes them more difficult to remove, and can cause surgery complications. In general, the best outcomes for cataract surgery take place when surgery is performed soon after vision problems develop."
"If the retinal detachment isn't treated right away, more of the retina can detach — which increases the risk of permanent vision loss or blindness.Dec 18, 2020"
This site says 2 to 4 weeks recovery for retina detachment.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp2623
I don't know why you wouldn't want the person to have the ability to see better. Do you think the Drs just want her money? Medicare pays for the surgery, the Dr will need to show its needed. What I understand is the cost to Mom will be if she wants to see or not. Meaning if she chooses the lens that Medicare pays for she will need to wear glasses that Medicare also pays for. The next one is you will see 20/20 but need readers. The next and most expensive is you see 20/20. with no readers.
My husbands uncle would not get cataract surgery because "I am going to die soon" He lived to be 98. He sat 12 in from his TV so he could see it. He couldn't read. His last 10 yrs or more would have been so much bettet if he had had the surgery. The internet shows you what is involved with both surgeries.