Don't want to overload the personal testimonies, but.... I've been progressively complaining at eye tests of my struggle to read vocal scores (partly I was worried it wasn't only the eyesight, but further down the line - slowing down of reaction and "processing" the information). Also, in the context of the very annoying faintly printed scores nowadays (take a bow New Novello Editions - I seek out the previous editions) and poor lighting in rehearsal venues. I was told about 5 years ago I had the start of Cataracts - I had the "photo" of the back of the eye taken as well- but that it was a waiting game, no point even writing to the GP. In July the optician said the worst Cataract was, unusually, developing from the centre outwards, and it was now relevant to advise the GP.
I was lucky to live within striking distance of a Moorfields outstation at Potters Bar Hospital and I can't speak highly enough of it. I'm in my early 60's and many of the patients in the waiting areas were considerably older. I asked whether there would be any degradation in eyesight or the lenses as I got older, and I was told there is no downside to going early - only the usual risk of any invasive procedure. I was delighted to be allowed local anaesthetic as it takes me quite some time to feel 100% after general anaesthetic. I just found a bit metalwork to grasp (very) firmly to distract from the sensation of movement and fluid washing the eye. It was painless and quite quick.
I've had both eyes done, 3 months apart, and the improvement in clarity is very marked. When driving at night, now I don't experience the blinding wall of light from oncoming cars. In discussion, I chose a lens for long sight - when driving I don't have to wear glasses. I use Bifocals day to day, as I did before, but with a new prescription. The medic told me I could have different glasses for close work - for example one pair to suit the distance from a computer screen if I did a lot of work with IT, or a pair for even closer work if, say, I worked as a jeweller.
Music is much clearer and new lens have solved any problems in that respect (until increasing years catch up with me, though, I'm sure). The biggest revelation on the first day without the eye guard (op +2days) was the detail of the leaves on the tree and shrubs in the garden when opening the curtains, followed by the shock of very distinct grey and white hairs in what I had thought was a generally soft grey head of hair, and the same clarity for the wrinkles!
I was lucky to live within striking distance of a Moorfields outstation at Potters Bar Hospital and I can't speak highly enough of it. I'm in my early 60's and many of the patients in the waiting areas were considerably older. I asked whether there would be any degradation in eyesight or the lenses as I got older, and I was told there is no downside to going early - only the usual risk of any invasive procedure. I was delighted to be allowed local anaesthetic as it takes me quite some time to feel 100% after general anaesthetic. I just found a bit metalwork to grasp (very) firmly to distract from the sensation of movement and fluid washing the eye. It was painless and quite quick.
I've had both eyes done, 3 months apart, and the improvement in clarity is very marked. When driving at night, now I don't experience the blinding wall of light from oncoming cars. In discussion, I chose a lens for long sight - when driving I don't have to wear glasses. I use Bifocals day to day, as I did before, but with a new prescription. The medic told me I could have different glasses for close work - for example one pair to suit the distance from a computer screen if I did a lot of work with IT, or a pair for even closer work if, say, I worked as a jeweller.
Music is much clearer and new lens have solved any problems in that respect (until increasing years catch up with me, though, I'm sure). The biggest revelation on the first day without the eye guard (op +2days) was the detail of the leaves on the tree and shrubs in the garden when opening the curtains, followed by the shock of very distinct grey and white hairs in what I had thought was a generally soft grey head of hair, and the same clarity for the wrinkles!
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