News and Views

From my kids accomplishments, to my heretical perspective of the world

News and Views header image 2

Laser Capsulotomy

December 17th, 2010 · 4 Comments

6 years ago I had cataract surgery, with a replacement lens inserted. The improvement in vision was striking, as everything become suddenly much clearer and brighter.

Over the years, the natural capsule in which the lens is inserted has slowly opacified, to the extent that my vision had gradually returned to about where it was before I had cataract surgery. Glare from lights at night was so bad that driving was becoming dangerous. I had trouble reading my Kindle, and general visual acuity was poor.

Today I had a laser capsulotomy, a procedure in which they zap a laser through the lens and blast away the opacified capsule.

Already, an hour later, the improvement again is as striking as it was 6 years ago with the original cataract surgery, even while my eye is still somewhat dilated. The doctor said my vision should continue to improve for a while as the shreds of capsule dissipate over the next few weeks.

Isn’t modern medicine wonderful?

Tags: Computers, Tech & Science · Family Updates

4 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Donna // Dec 17, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    It certainly is.
    Mom called that getting her windows washed.

  • 2 Richard // Dec 17, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    Glad you got it done. The only question is why did you wait so long?

  • 3 Daryl // Dec 18, 2010 at 8:52 am

    The ophthalmologist said the procedure was not without some risk, so with only one eye we waited until it was more severe.

    Overall about 1.5% of eyes thus treated develop detached retina within a couple of years. However, my doctor said he had done hundreds without any incidences, so I trust he is doing it right.

  • 4 Mom // Dec 18, 2010 at 9:48 am

    White seemed so much whiter after it was done, and it’s not responsible for my macular degeneration–that’s just old age. I’m so glad yours is better.