Michael’s Cataract Surgery Story

Michael B. underwent advanced cataract surgery at San Francisco Eye Institute with Dr. Margaret Liu. He knew that the procedure would remove some of the blurring and dulled colors that the cataracts in his left eye caused, but could not anticipate how dramatically improved his vision is after the procedure. 

This is Michael’s story.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are clouding of the eye’s lens, and can cause blurry vision, distorted images, and a dulled appearance to colors. Nearly one-half of Americans will develop at least one cataract by the time they are 75 years old. When cataracts are in their early stages, people can usually get some vision improvement by updating their eyeglass prescription. Once they become advanced, however, the only treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.

Michael’s Vision Before Cataract Surgery

Cataracts usually develop much later in life, but Michael was one of the rare people who showed signs of cataract development in his early 40s. At that time, his ophthalmologist noticed a minor cataract on his left eye, but told him that it would take years for it to develop to the point where he needed treatment.

As the years progressed, Michael noticed that he started to need glasses for reading and for distance, so he purchased progressive lenses. He typically had to replace his prescription every year. The last pair of glasses he bought was in 2019.

Then COVID hit. Like the rest of us, Michael didn’t leave his house much for about a year and a half, so he didn’t notice that his vision was changing. When quarantine lifted and Michael began to drive more, he noticed that his depth perception was much worse and that the distance vision in his left eye was diminished and foggy. This gave him a sense of discomfort when driving. Michael also noticed on his daily runs and walks that things appeared more blurry than they used to, and he began to wear his glasses all of the time.

In August of 2021, Michael met with Dr. Liu at San Francisco Eye Institute. She confirmed that his cataracts had progressed to the stage where treatment would be helpful, and his surgery was scheduled for one month out.

Michael’s Cataract Surgery Experience

Dr. Liu explained to Michael that he could use a standard intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the lens that was clouded by cataracts. This lens would be covered by his insurance and would reverse the effects of cataracts on his vision, but would not improve his vision beyond that. Dr. Liu also told Michael that San Francisco Eye Institute offers premium IOLs, which can correct refractive errors as well as clear vision blurred by cataracts. Michael did his research, and decided that a premium IOL, the AcrySof® IQ Vivity™, was the right choice for him. This extended depth of focus lens would also help correct his age-related near vision loss, or presbyopia, with little risk of halos or glare.

Michael had previously undergone eye surgery to treat a retinal issue, and wasn’t nervous about his cataract surgery. He did have concerns about being put under anesthesia or sedation, but was assured that numbing eye drops were all that would be necessary to keep him comfortable during the procedure. The entire cataract surgery procedure only took about 15-20 minutes, and Michael says that he felt no pain at any point during his experience.

Following cataract surgery, Michael says that there was really no recovery time necessary. He did have to apply medicated eye drops for about a month after the procedure, which he says was a small price to pay for the clear vision he now enjoys.

Michael’s Vision After Cataract Surgery

When he returned home after his cataract surgery, Michael was wearing a plastic guard over his treated eye. The guard had tiny holes in it, and looking through them he could already notice more vivid, deeper, richer colors and crystal-clear vision. In the days after his surgery, Michael says that the improvements in his vision were amazing. The colors on his television were so much more intense that it was almost as though he bought a new TV, and rooms were so bright it was like the wattage on all of the light bulbs had been doubled!

Now, Michael doesn’t need to wear glasses when he goes running or when he drives. He can see street signs from blocks away, and says that his improved vision has restored the confidence he used to have when driving.

Another great thing about cataract surgery? Hearing that so many people Michael knows have also undergone the procedure. “I feel like I’ve joined a little club,” he says. “Now that I’ve had cataract surgery, it feels like other cataract patients are coming out of the woodwork! So many of my friends and colleagues have shared their experience. I’ve even spoken with two former patients of Dr. Liu’s who all had experiences as wonderful as mine!”

When asked if he had any advice for other people considering cataract surgery, Michael said, “I’ve never met anyone who had any issues or complications following cataract surgery. I recommend that you do your research when it comes to lens selection, and I would highly recommend Dr. Liu. She did a great job. Now I’m looking forward to having cataract surgery on my right eye!”

Do You Have Cataracts?

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or have noticed blurry vision and dulled colors that are often a symptom of cataracts, Dr. Liu and the ophthalmologists at San Francisco Eye Institute can help you achieve clear vision. To learn more about cataract surgery and the many premium IOL options we offer, please contact us to schedule a consultation.