What can my dad expect after having an eye surgery?

[Sweettears]

Having eye surgery for a macular hole on September 8 myself. Hoping to recover in time for a WDW trip October 5. Don’t want to have any eyeball explosions

 

[seashoreCM]

eyeball explosion

There might be an additional period of weeks when airplane travel is not permitted due to atmospheric pressure changes (in the plane) that adversely affect the surgery.

Would travel by car (or bus) be feasible?

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

You're welcome Lanejudy. Dad is doing very well but the only thing he complains about is headaches and we have taught him to keep his head straight but he wants to find a comfortable position to sleep on. Would Dad be able to wear an eye mask when he sleeps?

Did you bring this up with his doctor at the follow up?

I'm unclear as to why he would have to keep his head up/straight?
That's not generally something you have to do for a simple cataract surgery. Instead that's more indicative of a retinal surgery to have to stay in a certain position.

I'm also unclear as to why he would be getting a headache?

The plastic eye shield is meant to keep the eye safe during sleep so I would not think that he would have to sleep in a specific position.

 

[Sweettears]

There might be an additional period of weeks when airplane travel is not permitted due to atmospheric pressure changes (in the plane) that adversely affect the surgery.

Would travel by car (or bus) be feasible?

It’s a relatively small hole so should heal quickly. Worst case I postpone the trip. Beauty of Southwest (at least currently) and room only reservations

 

[Simba's Mom]

I do know that after cataract surgery, my doctor said that she didn't want me to leave town for "about a month". I got the impression that it was just her choice in case anything went wrong. But that's my doctor, not yours, and cataract surgery, not a macular hole. I don't even know what a macular hole is. But since DH has macular degeneration, I think I should ask "Dr. Google" (as my doctor calls the internet).

 

[Sweettears]

I do know that after cataract surgery, my doctor said that she didn't want me to leave town for "about a month". I got the impression that it was just her choice in case anything went wrong. But that's my doctor, not yours, and cataract surgery, not a macular hole. I don't even know what a macular hole is. But since DH has macular degeneration, I think I should ask "Dr. Google" (as my doctor calls the internet).

A hole is a different issue than degeneration. My doctor seems pretty progressive and said the whole head down thing for a week is unnecessary. He said maybe for a day or so. Also said I can drive the day after.

 

[leebee]

Before cataract surgery I was severely near sighted so the time between left and right surgeries was my biggest challenge. Wore a patch over one eye till the second was done and that solved the problem.

I have glaucoma so eye drops are a part of my life in any event… hardly noticed the extras. My results were extraordinary… perfect distance vision, just need readers. It has been absolutely life altering!

Best wishes for your father’s surgery… with a completely uneventful recovery!

This is my concern. My left eye has a cataract that, while not too cloudy, is smack-dab in the middle of my line of vision, so my eye doc has referred me for surgery. The referral appointment to the surgeon won't happen until late October, so I have plenty of time to worry! My right eye is fine. I have always worn glasses and have a fairly significant astigmatism. What happens AFTER cataract surgery, in the long run? I don't care if I still have to wear glasses, but I am curious. Will they adjust my prescription for each eye? There is no anticipation that my right eye will need surgery... at least not for several years.

Also... were you limited, post-surgery, in driving or flying? We have a trip to WDW scheduled for Nov8-14; I'll probably try to postpone surgery until after that.

 

[bluecruiser]

This is my concern. My left eye has a cataract that, while not too cloudy, is smack-dab in the middle of my line of vision, so my eye doc has referred me for surgery. The referral appointment to the surgeon won't happen until late October, so I have plenty of time to worry! My right eye is fine. I have always worn glasses and have a fairly significant astigmatism. What happens AFTER cataract surgery, in the long run? I don't care if I still have to wear glasses, but I am curious. Will they adjust my prescription for each eye? There is no anticipation that my right eye will need surgery... at least not for several years.

There are different types of replacement in-eye lenses (good description here). This includes lenses that correct for astigmatism, but they are more expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

After some time (1 or 2 months?) to let your left eye "adjust" after cataract surgery, the doctor will retest your eyes. Your left eye prescription will change, but your right eye will likely remain the same.

I've had cataract surgery in both eyes (with a 1-month wait between) and chose lenses for distance vision, but no correction for my astigmatism. I've worn glasses for most of my life (since kindergarten), so I was fine with still needing them.

Also... were you limited, post-surgery, in driving or flying? We have a trip to WDW scheduled for Nov8-14; I'll probably try to postpone surgery until after that.

I think it was just a few days before I could drive, but not sure about flying since I didn't have any trips planned. I agree with your plan to delay surgery until after your vacation.