Robert’s Cataract Surgery Story

Robert is an accomplished cellist, composer, and bow maker whose ability to do the things he loves was seriously compromised by blurry vision caused by his cataracts. He underwent cataract surgery with Dr. Liu, and reports that the improvements in his life have been absolutely incredible.

To understand how dramatically cataract surgery can change patients’ lives, it helps to understand the condition itself.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a normal part of the eye’s aging process. More than 50% of Americans will have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old, but cataracts may begin to develop as early as one’s 40s.¹

In an eye affected by cataracts, an accumulation of proteins slowly causes the lens to grow cloudy, leading to blurry vision. When cataracts are in their early stages, changing eyewear prescriptions can help improve people’s vision. Eventually, though, cataracts progress to the point where vision is severely impacted. This can make it difficult to perform many daily tasks. For Robert, this meant that he could no longer make or maintain his own cello bows, which requires far more visual acuity than his cataracts afforded him.

Robert’s Cataract Surgery Experience

Despite frequently updating the prescription for his eyeglasses, Robert’s cataracts had progressed to the point that he was functionally blind in his left eye, only being able to distinguish between light and dark. He could still read with his right eye, but his life was greatly impacted by his cataracts.

Robert has been under the superb care of Dr. Marc Cruciger for decades, and as Robert says, “Anything Dr. Cruciger says is law, as far as I’m concerned.” So when Dr. Cruciger told him it was time for cataract surgery and that Dr. Liu was the best person to perform the procedure, Robert didn’t hesitate.

Robert says that he was so impressed by Dr. Liu and felt so confident in her care that he felt no nerves leading up to his procedure. The procedure was fast and comfortable. When asked about his recovery from cataract surgery, Robert says, “There was no recovery: no pain, no irritation.”

The best part about Robert’s cataract surgery experience with Dr. Liu? Robert says it was an instant transformation! Robert says, “I haven’t been able to see this well for the last 60 years. It’s absolutely incredible. I can see better without glasses now than I could two years ago with the best glasses I could get!”

Now, Robert can read music with far more ease. He had to stop bowmaking years ago because he simply couldn’t see the fine details. Now, he can see as well as when he first started, and he’s able to get back to making and maintaining his own bows.

When asked if he has any advice for other people considering cataract surgery, Robert says, “Just get it done!” About San Francisco Eye Institute, Robert says, “I can’t imagine more superbly competent people. I can’t imagine that ‘better’ exists on this planet, and I’ve studied and worked in both Germany and Australia for about 30 years so I have a fair idea what I am saying.” Robert is particularly impressed by Dr. Liu, saying, “She is amazing–absolutely astounding. What a brilliant, brilliant woman!”

Contact San Francisco Eye Institute

If you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts or have already been diagnosed with cataracts, you might be surprised by the many ways your life will improve after cataract surgery. To learn more, contact us to schedule a cataract surgery consultation.

Sources

¹ National Eye Institute. Cataracts. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts Accessed December 29, 2022