Is Cataract Surgery in Your Future? Probably.
Several times a week the subject of cataracts, or surgery to correct them comes up at Wink.
Every year about three million people in the United States have surgery to remove cataracts. Cataracts are common among older people. About 68% of all Americans develop one by the time they're 80 years old. A cataract causes the eye’s lens to become less flexible and cloudy. This causes vision problems, and surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.
During the operation, the surgeon removes the lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial one. This lets the person see more clearly.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world. It is very safe and provides millions of people every year with a higher quality of life through better vision.
A typical timeline of the process would look like this:
Day one: First eye is operated on.
Day two: Post surgery follow up visit to the surgeon or an optometrist.
What to expect: The operated eye will probably see distance very well without any need for a glasses lens but your other eye will still need correction to see. The surgical eye will also not be able to see up close at all without some sort of reading lenses.
Good to know: Surgical eye sees much better at distance with no Rx but can’t see near without a reader, Non-Surgical eye will need spectacles as usual. This causes a visual imbalance where nothing seems to work and most people find the next two weeks to be a tremendous visual struggle. Many well meaning surgeons will suggest that the spectacle lens be removed over the surgical eye. Unfortunately, this RARELY works for the patient.
Day 14: Second eye is operated on.
Day 15: Post surgery follow up visit with the surgeon or an optometrist.
What to expect: Now both eyes should have moderately acceptable distance vision but for near vision, you will need to utilize some sort of reading glasses.
Good to know: Although cheep reading glasses are readily available, many people will struggle with choice of powers. After cataract surgery any particular over the counter reader solution will only work at a particular focal length. This causes most people to experience weeks of frustration fumbling around with several pairs of readers, one for the computer, one for the paper, one for the workshop, another for painting and so on.
Day 45: A one month follow up visit with the surgeon or an optometrist
What to expect: At this visit your Doctor will most likely give you a final prescription for progressive lenses. This Rx will fine tune your distance vision to optimal clarity and include a prescription for a reading power in the bottom of the lenses. And as most customers will have been familiar with, the progression of powers from distance to near will finally allow them to see everything through one primary pair of glasses.
Good to know: Although you will finally have a prescription for eyewear and thus relief from 6 weeks of struggle, it may take up to two weeks to fabricate quality lenses in your new prescription.
How we can Help:
With over 32 years of experience in the optical field, Mike has developed a process that allows for customized interim lens system, pre-ordered and ready to go the day after your first surgery. Lenses are provided beginning the day after your first surgery all the way through to the final Rx.
The vast majority of customers who have taken advantage of this exclusive Wink technique were thrilled with how easy it made the process. They were able to travel, work and just enjoy life. Especially when they’ve compared their experience with that of others who weren’t fortunate enough to take advantage of the Wink system.
How it Works:
Either choose a new frame or choose to use your existing frame.
Wink will obtain the most recent spectacle prescription.
Interim lens prescriptions are calculated and your first lens(es) are ordered to be ready the day after your first surgery.
Lens powers are calculated to provide usable distance and reading vision in full progressive lenses.
Another lens (or pair of lenses) will be ready after your second surgery.
Again, new progressive lenses are made to allow usable distance and reading vision.
Lastly, when a final prescription is provided a new set of lenses in your prescription will be ordered. When they arrive, they will be installed in your frame while you wait.