What Your Cataract Surgeon Never Told You | FIVE Common *Secret* Side Effects Of Cataract Surgery!

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  • Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
  • In this video, we chat about a few things your cataract surgeon never told you about cataract surgery and common side effects you should expect after surgery. I go through a few cataract surgery “secrets” that you probably should know and what you need to know about them!
    TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Introduction
    01:03 Secret 1
    01:57 Secret 2
    02:54 Secret 3
    04:03 Secret 4
    04:52 Secret 5
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    #cataract #ophthalmology #eyesurgery
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    Hi! My name is Michele Lee, and I am a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon. Please hit the subscribe button if you like my videos, and thanks for following me on my UA-cam journey!
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    Disclaimer: This UA-cam channel is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this UA-cam channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical diagnosis or treatment options as information on this UA-cam channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,2 тис.

  • @carolynshelton952
    @carolynshelton952 Рік тому +580

    I am a surgical tech who assists with mainly cataract surgery. When I started at the surgery center I'm at now, I was taking a step down from doing really major, "life changing" surgeries and thought cataracts were so minor and not a big deal compared to what I'm used to. Until we did surgery on a patient with the whitest cataract ever. The results were immediate for her once we turned the OR lights back on, she started reading our whiteboard and was astonished that she could see it. She started to get emotional right there in the OR with us, and I felt myself tear up. It was the coolest moment ever, and it gave me a much deeper appreciation for what I do.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +30

      Thanks for sharing your experience as a surgical tech!!!

    • @lisatownsend3513
      @lisatownsend3513 Рік тому +48

      Yes I teared up after getting my left eye done on May 3rd. When I drove away from my eye doctor's office and saw everything so clear. It was a great moment for me.. ❤

    • @marymaguire5602
      @marymaguire5602 Рік тому +2

      @@lisatownsend3513 p 5:38

    • @joysanders59
      @joysanders59 Рік тому +11

      Aawww! God bless her.

    • @KallyKafritsas
      @KallyKafritsas 10 місяців тому +13

      @@florencevaneltsi8294I also had an appointment but I canceled after watching a few videos and the negative comments..heartbreaking. Do a little more research on the bad affects. God bless you

  • @beencraftn6612
    @beencraftn6612 Рік тому +512

    Do you see her complete honesty? THIS is the type of doctor you want working on you! Awesome video! I appreciate doctors like you!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +28

      I appreciate your kind words :)

    • @sarahm9723
      @sarahm9723 Рік тому +17

      I agree, and though not every patient will accept truth and reality as well as we do, I agree, this is the sort of doctor I want.

    • @beencraftn6612
      @beencraftn6612 Рік тому +15

      @@MicheleLeeMD Youre are very welcome. Youve earned it. I really appreciate a Physician who is possesses honesty integrity.

    • @larryleejohnson2821
      @larryleejohnson2821 Рік тому +6

      I had Cataract Surgery 2 years ago and my Opthmoligist never explained any of these before either of my Cataract Surgeries!
      My vision is 100% perfect now.
      Very few Floaters now, had quite a few before Surgery.
      No Flashes now, had constant Flashes before Surgery.
      No more Glasses EXCEPT for very small news print.
      I tend to have the opposite of DRY Eye's!
      Tears in the outside edge of both eyes, not excessive.
      My Opthomopoligist said this is not serious.

    • @JoycePrivette58
      @JoycePrivette58 Рік тому +10

      100% agree! My doctor is highly experienced and everything went great with the surgery--- but--- ahead of time he told me NONE of this.... only handed me a 4 page printed brochure (that looks like it was printed years ago). I "dared" to ask a couple of questions because I was very nervous and he simply looked at me and said "well, if you want to see better you'll do it- your choice". I was so intimidated that I just said "OK". I'm not sorry I had it, both eyes, but I do wish I had known more what to expect- the first few days (especially inbetween surgeries) were pure misery. I appreciate you Dr Lee for helping so many people!

  • @DoubleDogDare54
    @DoubleDogDare54 Рік тому +382

    My mother had cataract surgery in her mid-70s. After the surgery she said she'd wished she'd never had it done because it changed her color perception. I asked her for specific examples and she said, well, the color of the spread and curtains she put in the guest bedroom - they now looked like this pukey teal color instead of the hunter's green she had chosen.
    "Mom", I told her, "They ARE a pukey teal color. You are finally seeing colors as they actually are". She was HORRIFIED as she looked around her house. The upshot was having to correct her unintentional color mistakes through the entire house. 😄

    • @StevenBanks123
      @StevenBanks123 Рік тому +19

      That’s so funny! And a good result, once she knew.

    • @thegreencat9947
      @thegreencat9947 Рік тому +37

      I'm afraid I'm going to look into the mirror and see all the wrinkles that my cataracts had blurred into a pleasant presentation. 😨

    • @JoycePrivette58
      @JoycePrivette58 Рік тому +18

      😂I'm laughing because I was the same! Every color was different than what I had thought- for I guess all the years I had cataracts. As you said- the upside was getting to get some new things♥

    • @shenayduffy4043
      @shenayduffy4043 10 місяців тому +15

      Yes colour is incredible I didn't realise how dull everything was..it was hard to watch TV for a few days as it was so sharp..I'm 57 and had nt notice how bad it was getting till a year ago ..I still need reading glasses for small stuff but my long distance not thinking shadows were holes or vise versa..is amazing

    • @beverleymason9038
      @beverleymason9038 9 місяців тому +5

      😂😂😂❤

  • @dankerns171
    @dankerns171 Рік тому +126

    You are so right. Im two days post op cataract surgery. Wow i can see again. I feel like my surgeon is a hero. I had zero side effects and no inflammation. The Dr was blown away how good my eye looked in his post op visit. Prayers definitely work 🙏

    • @georgewibawawan1818
      @georgewibawawan1818 Рік тому +8

      Agree not all catharact surgery have side effects and it all depends whether the doctor is capable or not in performing the surgery.

    • @maryperea4077
      @maryperea4077 Рік тому +8

      I am so happy it went well for you I need it done but I just been hesitant about the whole procedure well congratulations to you and your doctor God bless have a great day 🙏❤️😊

    • @seabreeze7378
      @seabreeze7378 5 місяців тому

      @@maryperea4077me too. Am just so freaking scared. One eye is way worse and just want the best dang surgeon and want it perfect and anything short of that well I don’t want….they are my eyes

    • @KishaAmenio06x
      @KishaAmenio06x 3 місяці тому +1

      Does it hurt?? Im scared😢😢

    • @zuckerkrankheit2908
      @zuckerkrankheit2908 3 місяці тому

      Pray for all ophth surgeons. TKS

  • @bethkoch11
    @bethkoch11 Рік тому +363

    I had cataract surgery about 2 years ago, when I was 71, and I was completely satisfied with the outcome. I have worn glasses since I was 9 years old, and was terribly nearsighted with astigmatism. It's like a miracle to see clearly without glasses for the first time in 60 years. I had no idea the cataracts were obscuring my vision so much. Colors are brighter now too. I had the YAG laser surgery about a month ago, which resolved the secondary effects I was experiencing. I did experience a lot of floaters, but they gradually diminished. It's a lot to go through, and you need to make sure you've considered all the possible side effects, but overall, I'm 100% satisfied.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +23

      Thanks for sharing your experience ❤

    • @gregvanpaassen
      @gregvanpaassen Рік тому +34

      I read some stories like yours, and also lots of comments from people saying "I wish I'd had it done years ago", so I did have it done "years ago", a few weeks ago! Both eyes at 62.
      Loving the brighter colors and the distance vision. I already had quite a few floaters; if anything, fewer after surgery.

    • @acts10truth
      @acts10truth Рік тому +12

      you must have been able to buy the "good" name brand lens.

    • @mase7557
      @mase7557 Рік тому +24

      I had the surgery when I was72. I am very pleased with the outcome.

    • @kritikitti3868
      @kritikitti3868 Рік тому +15

      Whew. Wonderful to hear your excellent results. Am 85, having surgery soon.

  • @dtgreen6
    @dtgreen6 Рік тому +65

    I was so fortunate to have Dr. Lee do my cataract surgeries when she was at University of Washington. She is a brilliant surgeon! So knowledgeable and kind!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +12

      Hi, and thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad to have met you and honored to have performed your surgery ❤

    • @philomath67
      @philomath67 3 місяці тому +2

      I wish I had her as my doctor. I had my left eye done yesterday. My doctor did a good job, as far as I can tell at this point, but as far as being personable or explaining anything, he sucks. Also, I had an IV sedative. Had I known this was not necessary, with respectful, open communication from the clinic, I wouldn't have had it done. I don't do drugs unless absolutely necessary. Normally only an occasional aspirin. So I won't be having any sedation with the right eye next month. Doctors and other health care givers need to give their patients the courtesy of full, open, simple -language honest communication.

  • @starrystarrynight52
    @starrystarrynight52 Рік тому +160

    Thank you! My elderly dad had his cataracts removed a few months ago. He is very happy. Before the surgery he was buying the brightest lightest lightulbs he could find and would carry a small flashlight with him everywhere. After the surgery he kept commenting on how much brighter everything was, and that colors looked brighter too. I'm so happy for him :)

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +9

      Thanks for sharing - how wonderful :)

    • @vallee3140
      @vallee3140 Рік тому +7

      My dry eye got so much worse, its costing a small fortune for drops.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +7

      @@vallee3140 I'm so sorry to hear about your dry eye. You should let your provider know about the high cost of drops - there may be other options that are less expensive. Best of luck!

    • @vallee3140
      @vallee3140 Рік тому +4

      @@MicheleLeeMD thanks but doubt I would get anywhere the UK we have a bad medical system now. I feel so miserable about it.

    • @johnmartin7158
      @johnmartin7158 Рік тому +2

      @@vallee3140 There’s huge upsides in Nationalised Health and downsides and vice versa as in United States Insurance Health system. My wife’s sister is American and I can assure you it’s not exactly a bed of roses there.
      I learnt a lot from watching this video. Extremely interesting. And by and large most people seem extremely happy after cataract surgery. Of course there’s always some exceptions.
      Cheers NZ.

  • @beerster
    @beerster Рік тому +26

    Thank you, Dr Lee, for your honesty. I had surgery 14 years ago on 1 eye for a cataract. The Dr installed a B&L Crystal Lens HD Multifocal lens. I have had almost everything possible go wrong, including retinal detachment. My retina was restored repairing 18 tears in it. I also now have a band wrapped around my eye to reshape my eyeball. I tell anyone who asks me about my surgery, to never, under any circumstances, allow someone to talk you into a multifocal lens. They all have glare issues, and have more problems than they are worth. Keep all multifocal devices on the outside of your eyeball.

  • @ksanurse
    @ksanurse Рік тому +44

    Yeah they tore the lens capsule and dropped the old lens in the back of my eye. I spent 5 days in hospital before they could get it out. I could not have even sedation as my heart rate dropped to 30 during my prior surgery. So all done local anaesthetic, they took out the vitreous humour and replaced with I don’t know what. After I got out of hospital things went badly and I got an infection. It’s all settled now and I love that I can read and write and oh the colours. So vibrant. It was worth all the suffering. My other eye cataract surgery done first, was uncomplicated in my opinion but I then found out I had macula degeneration. I have regular shots into the vitreous humour (back of eye) for that. I am so grateful for my surgeons for what they did and I’ve even forgiven the one who dropped the lens into the back of my eye. I know it was an accident. It is truly a miracle to be able to see again, the colours… It just blows my mind. No one can understand unless you’ve had your eyes fixed. I was legally blind before my surgeries. I would go through it all again in a heartbeat. So if you are thinking about having cataract surgery go ahead, what happened to me was rare. They are not likely to drop your lens in the back of your eye. I just want to say I didn’t move. It wasn’t my fault. Regards from Australia

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +6

      Thanks for sharing your long but positive experience with eye surgery! I'm so glad you are seeing better ♥

    • @anonymousanonymous-tw3wm
      @anonymousanonymous-tw3wm 2 місяці тому +1

  • @luvlylady55
    @luvlylady55 Рік тому +19

    OK..i was prepared to have cataract surgery..but now after listening to her..i dont know if i want to...i pray that none of that will happen to me.. im very anxious about the surgery..

    • @harndino8789
      @harndino8789 Місяць тому +1

      You have to do the op. It helps alot rather than the negative impact.
      Success with the surgery! It takes only 5-15 minutes max! The laser cataract surgery is most by far the hitech non pain one.

  • @phishno2767
    @phishno2767 Рік тому +58

    The cautionary advice I would give based on my experience is that since the need for cataract surgery is highly likely for most of us, one should absolutely avoid any vanity surgeries such as RK or lasik. Unless wearing glasses or contacts is simply not feasible, such surgeries add an unnecessary risk of a poor outcome with subsequent cataract surgery. My ophthalmologist did a fantastic job on my cataract surgery and I would have better than 20/20 in each eye except for having had RK surgery in my 20s that led to severe refractive effects within the corneas. As a result, I now have to wear scleral contacts (no diopter correction needed, just a smoothing of the surface of the corneas) if I want to see clearly. And it's all because I thought if I could just ditch the glasses, my life would be perfect. Now, I would gladly wear glasses if they could correct my defective vision.

    • @tonyafrehner6201
      @tonyafrehner6201 9 місяців тому +6

      Same thing happened to me. I had prk and rk surgery in the 1990’s. Cataract surgery in 2017. Now doctors can’t get my vision to 20/20 with corrective lenses. Along with having floaters, and distorted vision of light bouncing off the shape of my eyes I have been wearing colored lenses to stop the light from doing that. My vision to me looks as if I have small white smudges on my eye lens

    • @MrsBuzzard771
      @MrsBuzzard771 8 місяців тому +3

      @phish2767, thank you so much for sharing, I had RK surgery back in 1986 in my 20's and am regretting that now at age 61... cataract surgery will be very complicated per the opthalmologist I saw, I have 16 radial incisions on each eye... Do you know how many RK incisions you have from your RK surgery? Did your cataract surgery still improve your vision despite having to wear the scleral lenses to see clearly? I had scleral lenses for two years, now I have glasses only as my cataracts are getting progressively worse and I'm really nervous to have any further eye surgery at all even if my opthalmologist tells me he can try despite the complexity of the procedure for me. Sorry for all the questions but I really appreciate your response if you have time, I don't know any other person who has had RK back in the day and has also now had to deal with cataracts in their older years.

    • @MrsBuzzard771
      @MrsBuzzard771 8 місяців тому

      ​@@tonyafrehner6201I'm so sorry to hear about your complications...is your vision still better than it was before cataract surgery? I'm guessing that's a dumb question, floaters, distorted vision and smudges does not sound like an improvement... sorry for the questions but I appreciate you replying if you can, you and @phish2767 are the only other people I know who had RK and then cataracts in their older years...I have cloudiness now with my cataracts but I'm afraid of having massive complications like you are experiencing...my opthalmologist says it will be a very difficult cataract surgery due to my 16 incisions on each eye from the RK back in the day...

    • @phishno2767
      @phishno2767 8 місяців тому +2

      @@MrsBuzzard771 Yes, I have to say my vision is a little better after surgery. It definitely would have gotten worse without it and despite the atrocious resolution in one eye, it at least eliminated the dead zone squarely in the center of my field of view so I have a better ability to detect relative motion with that eye. The scleral lense work great when I can shove them in, but they present maintenance challenges I just do not have the luxury of time to deal with for the foreseeable future.
      The best resolution (pun not intended) would be a replacement cornea. At present, synthetic materials appear to be out of the question due to the need for oxygen permeability. I am hoping that some work being done with using a patient's own stem cells to grow replacement corneas will result in a viable, affordable solution while I am still young enough to care and poses the least amount of risk of rejection or even more serious problems. But Dr. Lee or other opthalmalogists can comment on that much more knowledgeably than I can.

    • @phishno2767
      @phishno2767 8 місяців тому

      @@tonyafrehner6201 My vision varies from day to day. I see a smear of light from point light sources, which makes driving at night and especially in the rain a real white-knuckle proposition. I have found that yellow -tinted lenses help to a degree with that, but the sheer number of visual artifacts from sources of glare just make it dicey. Ironically, in low light conditions I can still see fairly well as long as there aren't any really brought sources or reflections of light in my field of view.
      Oh, I forgot to mention my peripheral vision has narrowed and I occasionally see false movement in the periphery of my vision. Either that, or my house really is haunted.

  • @garykaplan7728
    @garykaplan7728 Рік тому +159

    I had my second cataract surgery a few days ago. My surgeon explained the risks to me before my first cataract surgery a couple months ago. The results of the surgery were amazing! I have not seen this well in over twenty years. I am currently 62 years old.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +9

      So happy to hear about your amazing results! Thanks for sharing ❤️

    • @johnswoodgadgets9819
      @johnswoodgadgets9819 Рік тому +14

      I had the same experience. The change was... Biblical. I do believe my cataract surgeon is one of the happiest people I have ever met. He does cataract surgery exclusively, has done thousands of them (did a few years in the VA) and he said it never gets old seeing how being able to see again effects people.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +10

      @@johnswoodgadgets9819 Thanks for sharing!

    • @CharGC123
      @CharGC123 Рік тому +11

      @@johnswoodgadgets9819 I was nearly blind in one eye so the surgery was life changing for me but I do have very dry eyes now. Also, as a once avid reader I can no longer read for long because my eyes have a hard time focusing together now, especially if I am looking side to side or up and down. I find myself closing one eye after a while, which gets old fast!

    • @beachbum77979
      @beachbum77979 Рік тому +10

      @@CharGC123 I only have one eye so I won't have to close one to be comfortable reading. But I do need cataract surgery. If something goes really wrong, I'd need to learn braille. I have to admit, I'm scared.

  • @Rich.-
    @Rich.- Рік тому +218

    I was totally blown away with the clarity after the surgery! I was living in a fog, and I mean fog every day for two years. After the surgery the next day, I looked in the mirror, and I began to cry. I could see myself again, I could see color again, I could see the grass blades on my lawn again, no more seeing blobs, I could now see details. I threw my glasses away and will never take my site for granted again. It’s been one year and I am still amazed at the results!
    The only side effects I experienced was my eyes always seem to be tired even till this day. My eyelids are not droopy, but they seem tired 80% of the time. But I don’t mind, if I did not get the surgery, I would be legally blind by now. I now have 2020 vision without glasses! I was once blind but now I see!!!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +21

      Isn't cataract surgery amazing? So happy for you!!!

    • @jeanmerron1918
      @jeanmerron1918 Рік тому +4

      I am.due to have mine done brefore it gets worse

    • @Rich.-
      @Rich.- Рік тому +4

      @@jeanmerron1918 I wish you well… everything will work out!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +4

      @@jeanmerron1918 Best of luck! I hope everything goes well ❤

    • @jeanmerron1918
      @jeanmerron1918 Рік тому +5

      My eyes are tired all time i blame it on my mobile staring into it how do you go on with your mobile

  • @lovewins6041
    @lovewins6041 Рік тому +33

    When I had cataract surgery I could literally See Clearly immediately after the surgery it was life-changing I'm very thankful I didn't have any side effects

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +4

      Thanks for sharing!!!

    • @mollypitcher9380
      @mollypitcher9380 Рік тому +2

      I can’t comprehend seeing “clearly immediately.” That seems impossible…just fantastic!

    • @lovewins6041
      @lovewins6041 Рік тому +2

      @@mollypitcher9380 I promise you it's true ! right after surgery still laying on the gurney in recovery ....I started to cry because I could see clearly after the surgery. My family and I went out to breakfast it was amazing. I had to have the cataract surgery because I had a detached retina they had to operate laser the tear and put a gas bubble in that's a long process I know the doctor knows what that's all about that gas bubble clouded the lens which caused me to have a cataract so this was an extensive situation but I can see perfectly and it's a blessing I Thank God 🙏

  • @lisatownsend3513
    @lisatownsend3513 Рік тому +26

    I had cataract surgery on my left eye on May 1st and my right eye on May 31st. Both eyes are doing fine and I'm so happy right now. I struggled for a year not being able to see. I follow my doctors instructions on my eye drops.. 👍 I'm 54 years old and are having no problems. I consider my eye doctor my hero. She brought back my eye sight.. ❤

  • @paularowe7651
    @paularowe7651 9 місяців тому +14

    I am in the UK age 73. Under the NHS i have recently had cataract surgery with monovision. This has cost me nothing and am very pleased with the results. Thanks for your informative video.

    • @anythingbootneck
      @anythingbootneck 7 місяців тому

      Hi, I’m in U.K. and aged 74, I’m glad I saw your post as I was really concerned about having the procedure done after watching this!

    • @simonknights7526
      @simonknights7526 5 місяців тому +1

      ​@@anythingbootneckI'm also in the UK. Had cataract operation, on the NHS, in both eyes earlier this year. I'm 64. It's been brilliant - I can now see colours correctly, don't need glasses except for close work (reading, etc). It's life changing. Go for it!

    • @anythingbootneck
      @anythingbootneck 5 місяців тому

      @@simonknights7526 Thanks Simon, you’ve reassured me! I’ll defo go for it now!👍🏻. Glad it has made such a difference for you.

  • @michaelkaliski7651
    @michaelkaliski7651 Рік тому +20

    I developed a cataract after vitrectomy and laser treatment for a detached retina. This detachment was due to walking into a low hanging tree branch while distracted walking the dog. The cataract developed over a period of a couple of years after the initial treatment. The cataract surgery resulted in immediate clear vision and after rigorously following the eye drop routine for a fortnight, no problems were experienced. A couple of years later I needed some further laser treatment to clear away some cell regrowth over the replacement lens. Since then, no problems at all. All operations carry the risk of some side effects, but cataract surgery is one of the most common operations carried out and the benefits certainly outweigh the risks provided you follow the follow up care guidelines.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      I agree that it is all about weighing out the risks and benefits. Thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @LvnLlfe6
    @LvnLlfe6 Рік тому +99

    This is a fantastic video, Dr. Lee! I am an ophthalmic technician and agree that when risks and benefits are discussed with patients prior to surgery, these 5 very common side effects are often not mentioned, or mentioned very briefly. I particularly appreciated your explanations of why these side effects might occur, and think patients would, too.
    We sometimes spend a lot of time on the back end of surgery (post op visits) explaining these things after the patient has noticed or been bothered by them. An extra 5 minutes to provide this information during the consult would decrease that time on the back end and, more importantly, decrease some of the worry and anxiety patients might feel if they experience any of these side effects.
    Thanks for posting this! I'll be using this for technician training, in the future!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +9

      I really appreciate your feedback, as well as the hard work you do as an ophthalmic technician!
      I agree that we - the team of surgeons, co-managing eye doctors, and ophthalmic techs - end up doing a lot of explaining on the back end. In my practice, I've learned the hard way that setting expectations at the beginning is beneficial for everyone, including the patients and the team. Thanks again ❤

    • @shahareenabbas1812
      @shahareenabbas1812 Рік тому +1

      @@MicheleLeeMD 0

    • @war-painter
      @war-painter 8 місяців тому +1

      I’m having worry and anxiety already and just postponed cataract surgery because my doctor failed to answer my questions regarding color perception after surgery. I’m a professional artist with an MFA, having studied color for fifty years and I’m not prepared to see red as magenta. And no, I don’t see the world through a yellow haze as I do a lot of color matching in my work. Just passed my DMV vision test (without glasses)- distance is fine, but my reading glasses need stronger prescriptions! I read a lot and do a lot of color work, both things which are vital to my existence.
      Am getting a second opinion with an eye doctor who is one of my collectors. Any info on the blue/purple/magenta cast after cataract surgery? This is really not acceptable in my line of work.

    • @maryloughman2109
      @maryloughman2109 5 місяців тому

      The cataract is a growth that has a color. I experienced it as a slight brownish stain. I had one eye done at a time so I was able to see the difference before and after surgery on one eye. One eye was different than the other Whites were clearer and brighter after surgery..I was good at color matching before my surgery and am still good at it.

    • @dr.donchristie7093
      @dr.donchristie7093 4 місяці тому +1

      I assume that you have no color blindness, war-painter, so consider your cataract as a yellowish filter that has grown more dense -- more yellow and "dirty" -- over time, making your eye and visual cortex adjust color perception to yield what you had learned to call a "neutral" or normal color balance, thus matching the color perception in your "good" eye. (That's why you don't believe you see through a yellow haze, only a neutral haze. Your visual system has, in effect, interposed a complementary blue-green filter to compensate for the yellow-ish cataract.) When the cataract is suddenly removed, the "cooler" acquired color temperature perception, sans "yellow" filter, temporarily makes for not only a brighter image, but one with a persistent, cooler, blue-green (cyan) hue. Over time, this compensation should normalize itself, and you should see, not "red" or magenta, but with what you consider a normal, or neutral, color balance, and the image will be, once again, so clear that you will wonder how you ever tolerated that cataract for as long as you did. Best wishes!

  • @JBass33
    @JBass33 Рік тому +29

    Very informative video. I put off cataract surgery for years until I was 72 because I was afraid of all the potential complications. I had both eyes done about 2 weeks apart. The surgery corrected most of my astigmatism and I now need glasses just for reading. I was lucky. No complications other than a secondary cataract in one eye that required the YAG laser treatment. It’s now been six months and no further problems.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Thanks for sharing your experience with cataract surgery :)

  • @lisaw8202
    @lisaw8202 Рік тому +24

    Thank you for this. I had cataract surgery 10 months ago and still experience almost all of these symptoms. I would have appreciated knowing this before my surgery.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      Thank you for sharing. I hope things got better for you!

  • @dogchicken
    @dogchicken Рік тому +23

    Increased risk of retina detachment after cataract surgery is not understood by cataract surgery patients. I had a detached retina in both eyes after cataract surgery. The reattachment surgery is extremely painful and recover time is 1 to 3 months.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +8

      I'm so sorry to hear about your retinal detachments and your difficult recovery ❤

    • @keithhobbs1
      @keithhobbs1 Рік тому +2

      I had cataract surgery because 12 months before I had a Pvd and then two days after I was diagnosed with a detached retina. Couldn't drive for 5 weeks, and had poor vision in the affected eye till the cataract was done. Then last year I noticed vision getting blurry again and had a YAG operation and vision now crystal clear.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      @@keithhobbs1 Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm so sorry to hear about your detached retina, and I'm glad to hear that your vision is clear!

  • @cijmo
    @cijmo Рік тому +26

    Life changing is exactly the word I would use. I remember my mum saying that her results were instant and I couldn't imagine that they wouldn't be blurry for a few days at least. When they wheeled me to recovery...I could see all around me! I could read posters on the walls and see clear faces - it was like I got new eyes. Because this was late 2020 and the situation the world was in, they wanted to do both eyes at the same time. Risky, yes but they just wanted people in and out as quickly and as few times as possible. I'm just so glad it worked well for me. I do still wear glasses because I feel funny without them but they're mostly glass, just a reading lens in the bottom.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +3

      Thanks for sharing your positive experience with cataract surgery!

  • @vegas11t
    @vegas11t 10 місяців тому +5

    Absolutely life changing, astigmatism reached the point where corrective lenses couldn't improve, left eye at age 80, instant change with Toric implant, right eye at 81, passed DMV test, zero restriction. Use 2.5 readers/prescription for books/e-reader or computer. zero correct for 36" or beyond, color saturation is so much better.

  • @Momcat_maggiefelinefan
    @Momcat_maggiefelinefan Рік тому +44

    I had bilateral cataract surgery in my 50’s. No problems at all during the procedure and post-op recovery. So did my older sister and younger brother. Fortunately, none of us had any I’ll effects. I carry the cards I was issued stating the implants date, type and kind of implant in my wallet. In my late 60’s now and still no issues.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +6

      Thanks for sharing :)

    • @NoName-zn1sb
      @NoName-zn1sb 5 місяців тому

      Ill effects

    • @Momcat_maggiefelinefan
      @Momcat_maggiefelinefan 5 місяців тому +3

      @@NoName-zn1sb That’s a result of not reading before texting. I’m aware of the difference …

  • @tanjorebhuvaneswari3429
    @tanjorebhuvaneswari3429 Рік тому +35

    I wish I had not seen this video. It is scarring me from having my cataract surgery in a couple of weeks.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +8

      I didn't mean to scar you! Cataract surgery can be very positive and life-changing. While some people have some issues like dry eye, etc. most do not regret their decision. Best of luck!

    • @febeleven
      @febeleven Рік тому +2

      Please keep us updated, I see the surgeon in Nov for a post op. I'm scared!

    • @SuperCaliforniaBarbi
      @SuperCaliforniaBarbi Рік тому +9

      Having worn glasses from age 5 i now see the world clearer than ever. Dance into surgery its wonderful. I never knew the world had such sharp edges and that the color white so beautiful 😍 20/20 + 20/30

    • @tammielarrison3455
      @tammielarrison3455 Рік тому +1

      I go in tomorrow to see I am scared to now I was looking forward to it

    • @febeleven
      @febeleven Рік тому

      @@tammielarrison3455 My eye doctor told me that the test she did showed my cataract were bigger than what she saw, so I went to a Cataract Specialist and he said my cataracts were to small for surgery and Medicare wouldn't cover it unless they were bigger, he gave me a new prescription for glasses... I'm really glad I didn't need the surgery, because my left eye is partially blind {been like that since I was little} and if something ever happens to my right eye, I would be screwed.

  • @sassy2086
    @sassy2086 8 місяців тому +5

    I just had cataract surgery about a month ago. I did notice that the eye with the new lens doesn't open as wide as before. Now I know what this is. Thank you!

  • @sarahm9723
    @sarahm9723 Рік тому +9

    THANK YOU! This is very scary, but it's what we need to hear. That way we are going into a surgery very informed and don't feel that information was withheld from us.

  • @claredouglass6018
    @claredouglass6018 Рік тому +55

    Thanks for being honest, I am left with lasting dysphotopsia and thick lines in my vision after having surgery six years ago. The cataract is removed, but the jagged lenses do not suit everyone - my sight is worse now. Be aware of any risks involved. ⭐️

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +11

      Thanks for sharing your experience, and I'm sorry your quality of vision was not good after surgery. I hope things eventually get better for you ♥

    • @dryan3261
      @dryan3261 Рік тому +12

      hope your sight gets better, mine has been a disaster, it does not help that the doctor has treated me awful on top of dealing with loss of vision.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      @@dryan3261 I'm so sorry to hear about your experience with cataract surgery. Thanks for sharing your experience

    • @lordlucan529
      @lordlucan529 Рік тому +10

      The descriptions you see online of dysphotopsia don't do it justice! Mine feels like someone went at my cornea with a black marker pen, and the worst part is it moves around based on where I am trying to focus! Not enjoying the result at all!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +4

      @@lordlucan529 I'm so sorry to hear about your dysphotopsias. It can be really frustrating! I hope it gets better for you ♥

  • @allenjenkins7947
    @allenjenkins7947 Рік тому +40

    I had cataract surgery just over 4 years ago, left eye then right eye a month apart. I have had no lasting side effects, other than occasional dry eyes. There was some temporary discomfort for a few weeks after each surgery. I'm certainly pleased with the results.
    By the way, my eye surgeon explained the possible complications beforehand. This is also the reason for not doing both eyes together. Had there been serious complications after doing the worst eye, the other one would have still been usable.

    • @allenjenkins7947
      @allenjenkins7947 Рік тому +3

      Just an additional comment on the level of pain and discomfort during the procedure. Pain pretty much zero. All done under local anaesthetic. No sedation was used, although a cannula was put in the back of my hand and a couple of monitor pads taped on my chest. I presume that this was in case I panicked, or had an adverse reaction to any of the drugs used. Removing the tapes holding these in place was the most painful part of the whole procedure 😆. The overall level of discomfort was about the same as, or less than having a filling done at the dentist.

  • @waleyefish9026
    @waleyefish9026 Рік тому +8

    My Dr. Told me about the risk. I was fumbling around with bad cataracts and nearly blind. I had the surgery because I couldn't see. NOW I can except for mid and close vision I need glasses, I am fine with that. It is a Blessing.💒

  • @magicunicorn6535
    @magicunicorn6535 Рік тому +11

    I had cataract surgery on one eye about a year and a half ago, and I couldn't be happier. My night vision is now fantastic, making driving at night so much easier. My good eye was far-sighted, so I got a lens that matched that characteristic. I still have to wear readers for near vision, but my distance vision is so good I passed my driver's license vision test with ease, with no glasses. That was one thing that had driven me to get the surgery done - my driver's license exam was coming up, and I knew I'd never pass the vision part in my bad eye. I was nervous about the surgery, but it was a total breeze. The ONLY thing I felt was a slight sting when they first put the numbing drops in my eye. The procedure only took about 15-20 minutes. I never had any pain or discomfort in that eye afterward. Amazingly, as early as that evening I could see my TV set so clearly in that eye, through the little holes in my protective plastic eye patch. My followup appointment was the very next day, and although I was supposed to have a friend drive me to the doctor's office, my vision was close to 20/20 by then, and so I just drove myself there. If and when the time comes for my other eye to undergo cataract surgery someday, I won't hesitate for a second. To me it felt even easier than a normal trip to the dentist.

  • @stevezodiac491
    @stevezodiac491 Рік тому +10

    I got cataracts early in life at 46 years old. I had previously taken corticosteroids for asthma ( which I no longer have ) and I am told that this can lead to early onset cataracts.
    In my earlier life I had photo refractive kerotectomy on both eyes for short sightedness and was in the pilot study for this with astigmatism computer correction during my laser treatment, which was very successful at the time. The early oblation of my eyes however caused the calculation for my cataract prescription first inserted lens to be wrong and the result was medium short sight in my first eye. From the experience of my first operated eye, the surgeon got the second eye prescription bang on for good long sight. Thus by serendipity, I have one eye good for reading and one good for long distance, with the less able eye in each scenario ' filling in '. A lot of people can't put up with the disparity between eyes, causing headaches but I had no such problems and it has been perfect for 17 years now. The cataract operation has been better than glasses, contact lenses or oblation for me ! I also had a capsulotomy done at the time with a yag laser to prevent them from getting cloudy as well with a hole blasted through.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      Thanks for sharing your story with us :)

  • @randyrunyan9434
    @randyrunyan9434 Рік тому +6

    I had cataract surgery in sept and oct this year. My eyesight was HORRIBLE. I am so glad I had the surgery!

  • @kevinlytle6215
    @kevinlytle6215 9 місяців тому +4

    My surgeon didn't spend any time with this info before I had my surgery. If they did it was not done verbally but buried in paperwork. I had significant floaters afterwards which scared the heck out of me. I wish they had spoken to me the way you just did in this video. Thanks for the way you presented this.

  • @standingbear998
    @standingbear998 Рік тому +25

    thank you for being honest, rare these days. They use eye drops to dissolve cataracts away in dogs with little side effects at all. It can't be too much of a stretch to do this for people. BUT like always cures are wanted or looked for from big pharma or the medical profession. $$$$$$$$$$$$ not your health or quality of life.

    • @sgbsammy
      @sgbsammy Рік тому

      You should shut up...not all is money

    • @lindacrawley7255
      @lindacrawley7255 11 місяців тому

      What is it they use for dogs?

    • @annagigar763
      @annagigar763 8 місяців тому

      Helpful.

    • @andrewnewick8910
      @andrewnewick8910 7 місяців тому

      I have a older dog going through this at present. Which brand did you use please?

  • @jessicaeiss2541
    @jessicaeiss2541 4 місяці тому +3

    I work with an ophthalmologist and optometrist. I've seen a couple of patients who complained about having new ptosis after surgery, and the dry eyes are for sure a real problem too. Thanks for an informative video.

  • @MicheleLeeMD
    @MicheleLeeMD  2 роки тому +17

    If you want the counterpart video to this series, check out this next video on Unexpected Benefits Of Cataract Surgery: ua-cam.com/video/3OS0lJwuQqw/v-deo.html
    Thanks for watching ❤

    • @AznJsn82091
      @AznJsn82091 2 роки тому +5

      Does the Life of an Ophthalmologist video feature a loyal scribe? If not, can I audition for it?😉

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  2 роки тому +8

      @@AznJsn82091 YES!!! As you know, we can't do anything without our loyal scribes (I wish I were joking, but it's so true) 😂

    • @AznJsn82091
      @AznJsn82091 2 роки тому +5

      @@MicheleLeeMD I can’t tell you the amount of nodding I do on a daily basis when scribing for my ophthalmologist! We truly make their lives easier!🤣

  • @MicheleLeeMD
    @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +73

    I am planning to film a Cataract Q&A Video in the next few weeks and would love to answer some of your questions about cataract surgery! Please feel free to comment below with any general questions you have, and I will do my best to answer them for you.
    Thanks for supporting this channel 🙏

    • @michellechang2538
      @michellechang2538 Рік тому +12

      Thank you very much for caring, will continue to watch your video !

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +11

      @@michellechang2538 Thank you for your kind words ❤

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +9

      @@3100fps That is a fantastic question! You are absolutely right - healing time can range from 1 day to 1 week to even months. I'll include that in the Q&A video for you :)

    • @rdkuless
      @rdkuless Рік тому

      Hello Michele Lee.. i'm stage 3 blind, profound contrast impaired, mono-ocular due to 2 failed vitrectomies in my right eye. (no vision left in Right side) My cataract in my only eye (L) has gotten to the point if looks like i'm in a heavy fog.. Cold or hot weather makes it worse..
      If the surgery goes well, it may improve my vision. If there is a complication, i may be left completely blind. It is no longer a 50/50 proposition that patients with two functioning eye have. And i have concerns about being able to put the multiple drops in after surgery.. And the fact that i will have a patch over my one eye, makes it impossible for me to monitor my blood sugars and draw insulin.. Not everyone has a caregiver or family member.
      Under informed consent, what are my actual risk? and because i have already had laser for PDR in that eye, does that run up the risk factor.. I need someone to be honest and give me the facts.. OHSU CaseyEye won't tell me how to get after surgery care to monitor my glucose levels or take insulin. They tell me to contact the Oregon Blind Foundation, and the OBF said, We can't help because your diabetes is medically related, it poses a liability. What do i do..?

    • @vicki826
      @vicki826 Рік тому +8

      I was diagnosed with cataracts in Dec 2019, just before the pandemic. I'm also dealing with a bad flare up of my psoriasis. My question: will active psoriasis (mostly on my legs, a few small spots on my face) be a problem when having cataract surgery since it’s an inflammatory disease?

  • @OzSteve9801
    @OzSteve9801 Рік тому +31

    I had both eyes done about 18 months ago and haven't seen any changes yet. I had some irritation on the day of surgery but it cleared up. I had droopy eyelids before surgery (from contacts) and they haven't gotten worse. In the right light I can see the outline of the lens as a whiteish circle. I no longer have to wear glasses except for close up work. I'm very pleased.

  • @newmyr-2556
    @newmyr-2556 Рік тому +7

    I sure did find this helpful. I've had cataract surgery done 2+ years ago and my one eye has gone from 20/25 to 20/70 since December of last year. It's like looking through a glass of dried milk. Just found out about the YAG yesterday, appointment set for June. Anyway one of my questions was how often I would have to have it done and you just answered it. Thanks. This is a nice synchronicity, I wasn't even searching for the answer I just happened on your channel; catchy title. Consider yourself hugged.

  • @abrahamasare5486
    @abrahamasare5486 Рік тому +11

    I am 23 years old I just had my cataract surgery one week ago hope I will be able to see clearly again

  • @lindaegert552
    @lindaegert552 Рік тому +20

    I am totally freaked out......

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +7

      Please don't freak out! This video was not intended to scare or freak out anyone. These are some side effects that may happen after cataract surgery - most of these are treatable. While no surgery is 0 risk, cataract surgery can be life-changing and positive overall!

    • @mnfarkas
      @mnfarkas Рік тому +2

      Hey Linda, no need to be scared. The operation is a wonder!

    • @aliboss52
      @aliboss52 Рік тому

      ​@@mnfarkas is either do or die.

    • @karenmonson9893
      @karenmonson9893 4 місяці тому

      I had the same reaction! It seems like the risks could outweigh the benefits especially if your eyes are worse then before you had surgery.

    • @lindaegert552
      @lindaegert552 4 місяці тому

      Absolutely....@@karenmonson9893

  • @altaylor3988
    @altaylor3988 11 місяців тому +2

    The Dr who performed my Cataract surgery explained all of your points even down to floaters and possibly the post op need for a bit of Laser work, I had absolutely no discomfort or problems.
    I have nothing but praise for my Dr.
    From Aus

  • @altamau8678
    @altamau8678 Рік тому +4

    Excellent video! Clear explanation and pictures. Not so much, mumble jumble, over explaining . Thank you!

  • @basilicarusnac2864
    @basilicarusnac2864 Рік тому +9

    Thank you very much for the complete information given to everybody for free. You are one of a kind ,special human being. God bless you!❤

  • @patriciamcnamara9821
    @patriciamcnamara9821 Рік тому +7

    I now see vibrantly. I am only 2 weeks post op and will have the other eye done soon.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +7

      Thanks for sharing your experience!!! Best of luck with the second eye ♥

  • @catherinemelnyk
    @catherinemelnyk Рік тому +23

    I'm a 68 year old female and I've had cataracts for a decade. At my last eye exam a month ago, I was told I was still a long ways off from being considered a candidate for the surgery. After seeing this I'm very grateful I'm not eligible. Thanks so much for the information.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +4

      Thanks for your feedback! Hopefully you will be OK without cataract surgery for a while, and when the time comes, I hope your cataract surgery goes smoothly.

    • @catherinemelnyk
      @catherinemelnyk Рік тому +2

      @@MicheleLeeMD Thanks. It''s always such a challenge to get ALL the information you need to make an informed decision. I appreciate your honesty.

    • @catherinehazur7336
      @catherinehazur7336 Рік тому +2

      candid and comprehensive information regarding possible side effects. This Opthalmologist seems to genuinely have the well being of her patients at heart, providing the info they need to make a truly informed decision regarding this procedure and putting it out there on the internet for all to see.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +4

      @@catherinehazur7336 I really appreciate your kind words ♥

  • @TaipanTex
    @TaipanTex Рік тому +7

    So glad I saw this video. Have cataracts and am considering surgery. Never knew about these side effects. Thanks for informing. A bit nervous now and need to take into consideration.

  • @isabellakerr9225
    @isabellakerr9225 Рік тому +5

    Since my cataract surgery I can not drive a car in the evening when is dark. Reflections of light are huge and obstruct my view. I do have floats as well. When I saw a doctor 2 months ago he told me that as soon as I see flash lights to go to emergency room.
    I have not been warned about side effects before surgery. I had a cataract surgery in 2015 and I have been using eye drops for dry eyes since then. In addition my eyes are always reddish.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Thanks for sharing your experience after cataract surgery. I'm so sorry to hear about your dry eyes, floaters, and red eyes - have you asked your eye doctor if you would benefit from a prescription-strength treatment for dry eyes? I hope things get better for you!

  • @bonniechan7146
    @bonniechan7146 Рік тому +169

    Dr Lee, Thank you for being very honest for telling all the side effects that may incurred from the cataract surgery that most other doctors won't tell. I had my left eye done 5 years ago and have developed many problems ever since including both negative and positive dysphotopsia, the eye floaters, secondary-cataract and severe dry eye. I wished the doctor who did the surgery for me had told me what could possibly happen after the surgery.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +18

      Hi Bonnie, I'm so sorry that you have experienced side effects from your cataract surgery. While the dysphotopsias and floaters typically settle down but may not completely disappear (at least I hope you can get used to it!) ,the secondary cataracts and dry eye might be treated. Have you discussed these issues with your eye doctor?
      Thanks for sharing your experience, and I hope you get relief soon!

    • @richardprice9730
      @richardprice9730 Рік тому +17

      Yes Exactly much research is suppressed because there is alot of money in cataract surgery and its high qudos

    • @chuckfriebe843
      @chuckfriebe843 Рік тому +4

      Should've left the cataract in. Life would be even more enjoyable not being able to see with the cataracts still in your eyes, right?

    • @claredouglass6018
      @claredouglass6018 Рік тому +7

      Thanks Bonnie, me too. Permanent lines in my vision for the last six years. Good luck with your problems. 🌈

    • @toomanymarys7355
      @toomanymarys7355 Рік тому +7

      You probably didn't notice the floaters when you had the cataracts and now your brain has a hard time ignoring them.

  • @mase7557
    @mase7557 Рік тому +2

    Very informative, thank you Dr. Lee.

  • @helenh.2172
    @helenh.2172 Рік тому +4

    I had cataract surgery and have not had any of these symptoms!!! Makes me smile!!! Glad I ran across this info!!

  • @salimthebarefootsage8182
    @salimthebarefootsage8182 Рік тому +5

    I don't have cataracts right now, and hope I don''t in the future. But in the event I do, I want you as my surgeon.

  • @MrLanternland
    @MrLanternland Рік тому +13

    I had cataract surgery 12 years ago at age 67. It came out much much better than anticipated or even than the doctor promised. I have had none of these problems except the follow up Lag laser treatment which was like nothing.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +6

      Thanks for sharing your experience ❤️

    • @bryanshapiro6977
      @bryanshapiro6977 Рік тому

      I'm glad to hear that your YAG was without complications.

  • @donnasdigressions
    @donnasdigressions Рік тому +2

    I’m 65 and had cataract surgery on both eyes last year. I’ve been sorry ever since. After being very nearsighted all my life I’m now extremely farsighted and have virtually no close vision. I can’t do anything without readers, not even cook. Plus I have separate glasses for my computer at work that take care of my mid distance, readers don’t work for that. Had a partial detachment in my right eye which caused severe floaters. Still have fluttering lights on the edge of that eye. My left eye got extreme dryness and discomfort and my surgeon did the YAG laser on that eye which caused me to now have poor night vision with halos around all lights, so I can barely drive at night as any light blinds me. Overall it’s been a very depressing experience and I wish I had never had the surgeries. 😢 Wish I had found this honest doctor beforehand. Thank you for letting me vent my frustration.

  • @RobertSmith-ft9qz
    @RobertSmith-ft9qz Рік тому +5

    Had mine done 12 years ago. Went from pop bottle thick glasses to perfect 20-20 vision.
    Whatever you do, follow the instructions regarding the eye drops after your operation to the letter to avoid infection and inflammation.

  • @ruidadgmailcanada8508
    @ruidadgmailcanada8508 Рік тому +7

    “Eye hope you found this video helpful…”
    Love it! lol

  • @FlowRXOXOXO
    @FlowRXOXOXO Рік тому +3

    VERY interesting information! Thank you for being so thorough!

  • @anitas5817
    @anitas5817 Рік тому +3

    This video is helpful but terrifying. I’m glad I read lots of comments where people are so happy after their surgery. I’m going to need mine soon.

  • @dougyates7218
    @dougyates7218 Рік тому +4

    Very helpful, thank you.

  • @joycewright5386
    @joycewright5386 Рік тому +11

    Wow I never knew thee were so many potential complications. Now I’m afraid to schedule the surgery.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Please don't be afraid! Cataract surgery can be amazing & life-changing. Everything has risks but you just have to weigh the risks vs benefits and see if you are ready to go ahead. Best of luck ❤

    • @lsdlrf
      @lsdlrf Рік тому +2

      Dr Lee, It is amazing to me the “strong arm tactics that some eye doctors use to push cataract surgery. 😔😔

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      @@lsdlrf I'm so sorry that has been your experience. This is your eye so ultimately it should be your decision. Your eye doctor can certainly help you and guide you towards a decision but please don't ever feel forced to make a decision.
      Thanks for your feedback. I try to be respectful of my patients' decisions and not pressure them to do surgery unless I feel it is necessary, but your comment will remind me to keep that mentality

  • @nancyallen5336
    @nancyallen5336 Рік тому +4

    Very helpful…thank you!

  • @Bodtec66
    @Bodtec66 9 місяців тому +1

    Its rather amazing what has been shown concerning cataracts and vitamin C deficiencies. Great material out there with Dr. Thomas Levy leading the way.

  • @wordreet
    @wordreet Рік тому +4

    Thanx for uploading this very interesting info.

  • @mrshort702
    @mrshort702 Рік тому +6

    Got cataract surgery....5 days later had a retinal detachment....and still dealing with that over a year later....check the condition of your eyes before surgery...lost my left eye to the same issue...now I can't lift walk or strain anything....had a partial detachment because I coughed too hard ....PLEASE be careful!!!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      I'm so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing ♥

  • @donnayeager2703
    @donnayeager2703 Рік тому +7

    Excellent video. I work at an eye surgery center and this is information every patient should know, but unfortunately, most do not.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for your supportive comment - I appreciate you and all the work you do at your surgery center ❤

  • @ps603
    @ps603 8 місяців тому +2

    I got a cataract at 50, It started in the middle of my eye. It looked like I had a cotton ball in my eye. They fixed & I was amazed at just how blind I had been. Then I got the secondary, which they fixed immediately. Although, many people thought I was crazy when I told them.This video was very educational & easy to understand.

  • @Me2Lancer
    @Me2Lancer Рік тому +7

    Thank you for your post. I had cataract surgery in 2019 and a couple months ago visited an ophthalmologist for a routine follow up. During the examination the doctor discovered scaring of the cornea as you mentioned. Laser treatment has removed the scaring and I'm thankful for that.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      Thanks for sharing your experience!

    • @luannprovencio4819
      @luannprovencio4819 Рік тому

      @MicheleLeeMD
      Hey doctor Michele A lady commented
      Above this comment Shelley Needing you to help her out with her mom what has happened To her mom is really sad would be nice Read that And see if you can help her out. Thank you
      But anyhow listening to this video Yes it's very helpful but at the same time why would you even have it done With all these Problems afterwards And do they ever go away I was listening to some of the comments. You would think in our time with all the technology as years went on We wouldn't have these issues after the fact. This lady said she had it done in the fifties her and her 2 siblings and they did great. And that's in the fifties so now in our time Why would you have all these problems still❓️

  • @lgsprings5623
    @lgsprings5623 Рік тому +7

    After watching this video I will not be getting cataract surgery until I absolutely have to. Hopefully it will never get bad enough to where I need surgery. Thanks for the video. I realized that I'd rather live with the devil I know than to try and adjust to some knew irritant.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Thanks for your feedback. When the pros outweigh the cons, I urge you to consider the surgery for what will (hopefully) be a positive experience. It is not a bad idea to wait until you get to that point though.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      Also here is a video I just made on slowing/preventing cataracts: ua-cam.com/video/TGC40ebtqJ0/v-deo.html
      Hope this helps!

  • @alantubbs5113
    @alantubbs5113 Рік тому +4

    After 2 cataract surgeries my eyes got slightly blurry ( I could not read street signs), so after 5-7 years I went back and the doctor did a simple YAG lazer . I'm back to 20/20 again. Doctors rarely tell you that your eyes could get cloudy again, but it can be corrected.

  • @koyu8050
    @koyu8050 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for this video. My ophthalmologist just told me during a regular eye exam that she found my lenses started "yellowing". She said I still don't need surgery now but I want to know every risk of surgery from now, to prepare myself. I have myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, thinning retina, bad floaters, and now cataracts. I'm just 50.

  • @ellabrad3886
    @ellabrad3886 Рік тому +2

    Thanks for the honesty

  • @staciamj1
    @staciamj1 Рік тому +5

    Good info thanks. Jus had the surgery two weeks and decided to postpone the other eye until this one fully heals

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Thanks for sharing your experience! Best wishes for a smooth recovery!

  • @maryluevano4827
    @maryluevano4827 Рік тому +4

    Very helpful thank you

  • @skipt.5165
    @skipt.5165 Рік тому +1

    Amazing🙏🏼👏🏼 Answered all my “whys”! Knowledge is definitely relief

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching! I'm so glad it was helpful :)

  • @judyPatr
    @judyPatr 9 місяців тому

    Thank you for that explanation, it’s very clear and precise.

  • @elizabethfield6526
    @elizabethfield6526 Рік тому +65

    Thank you for this. I've had cataract surgery in both eyes. And also retina detached in both eyes requiring vitrectomy surgery. As a result I have terrible dry eye syndrome. I also got scared tissue behind one of my new lenses requiring the YAG laser. I wish that more patients considering cataract surgery were made more aware of these possible side effects. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I'm super happy now with my vision but wow, I had a lot to go through.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +6

      Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm glad you are doing well now!

    • @maddscientist3170
      @maddscientist3170 Рік тому +8

      ditto & I required a scleral band on my eye

    • @elizabethfield6526
      @elizabethfield6526 Рік тому +8

      @@maddscientist3170 yes. Me too on both eyes. I think that's standard practice. Unfortunately it took away my good long distance vision and made me short sighted!

    • @jac3054
      @jac3054 Рік тому +8

      After a lifetime of near-sightedness with astigmatism I had several eye operations. After the first cataract job, I was really freaked out -- I was very, very aware of being awake during the procedure and decided I would not even have the second one. Doc did not appreciate my criticism at the day-after followup visit. I did get the second surgery because he promised to take me more "out of it." Recovery went ok and colors were very vibrant. I had Lasik from the same doctor and did not need glasses for about 5 years, but the whole time I needed a magnifying glass to read a newspaper, magazine or a book. Had 2 YAG procedures in there somewhere, too.
      Then I had both vitreous sacs collapse about 6 months apart. I was warned to be aware that retinas may detach after the vitreous collapses.
      Within a few years I did have both retinas detach. First surgeon was really, really good at explaining what was going to happen before, and then very helpful after the surgery. Second time I wanted the same surgeon but it wasn't his turn in the rotation. This second surgeon was not as good. He explained things in somewhat broken English, even ignoring some of my questions. I asked him about seeing stuff in my periferal vision afterward and he told me to pay no attention to it. After 5 weeks I was still having pain in the outboard corner of the eye and he put off telling me to come in. I finally insisted that I be seen, and guess what? He needed to remove a stitch from my eye -- the source of the extreme irritation.
      So glad that Costco sells 5-packs of artificial tears that help with extreme dry eye, I have those little green bottles all over the house. If I read a book it takes about a year to finish it due to dry eye. I stopped driving at night about 6 years ago, and actually stopped all highway driving about 2 years ago. (I'm 71 now.) Now I wear no-line bifocals again, and they need to be updated almost every year, just like before all the surgeries, but it's a much lighter prescription than before Lasik surgery.
      That's it; I got a little verbose there.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +3

      @@jac3054 I'm so sorry to hear about your experience with cataract surgery. I'm glad everything is OK at the end ❤

  • @darlenepowell5948
    @darlenepowell5948 Рік тому +5

    I’m afraid to have this surgery! My vision is still pretty good so I am waiting!

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +1

      It's always OK to wait if you are doing OK :) Best of luck!

  • @johnz4412
    @johnz4412 Рік тому +1

    Never heard about this. Very helpful. Thank you!

  • @pattypiselli4402
    @pattypiselli4402 Рік тому +9

    Thanks

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      You are so welcome! Thanks for watching :)

  • @patriciaschuster1371
    @patriciaschuster1371 Рік тому +5

    I was terrified. On my second eye, suddenly my eye went black and I got upset. I heard her say "Cauterize!Cauterize! Then I was fine. My goodness, I was nearly blinded by mine. I could see perfectly immediately. I was much better off after surgery.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

  • @butchbinion1560
    @butchbinion1560 Рік тому +2

    Thanks very informative. ✌🏻👊

  • @KindCountsDeb3773
    @KindCountsDeb3773 10 місяців тому +1

    My 2nd video from Dr. Lee. TY again for explaining more about the POSSIBLE effects of surgery. I think it gives a patient Knowledge so IF a complication comes up, t he patient will KNOW to tell the Dr.. , Or not to panic if one happens and to have more an idea what is happening. WHAT a great free consultation from Dr. Lee !! LOL I will continue to seek advice from my own Dr. and Dr. Lee as needed. Such a gift ! Thank You !! 😊😊⭐⭐

  • @lorrainericardo8680
    @lorrainericardo8680 Рік тому +13

    I had some cataracts removed , and even though my right eye recovered, my left eye did not, I kept getting many infections , then I contracted a fungus ,, "aspergilis fungus , even though the doctors tried everything to cure it ,, it just got worse and eventually destroyed my optical nerve , and now I am blind from that eye ,, I will never see again from that eye ,, and now they are talking about removing my eye since the infections and fungus is not clearing up ,, I am in shock of this turn of events ,, I just went in for a cataract removal , and just to end up blind , I am still in shock ,,, but my question is ,,, after so many years of all these types of eye surgeries ,, how come the medical profession has not found a true cure for these cataract growths removals , ,,, what the hell do you people do in your areas ,, are you people just taking the easy way out ,, if we go blind , so what ,,??? I do not trust you ,,,,

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      I am so sorry you had a rare fungal infection after cataract surgery! That must have been so devastating. I don't blame you for being upset.

  • @pamelarennia2001
    @pamelarennia2001 Рік тому +24

    I was ready to call for an appointment to see what I had to do about surgery. After watching this I am scared to death about the post surgery. Thank you for telling the truth.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +6

      Cataract surgery can be truly life-changing! As with any surgery there are some risks and potential side effects, so it is always a good idea to weigh them before proceeding. I hope that when you are ready you have a positive experience with cataract surgery!

    • @allgoo1990
      @allgoo1990 Рік тому +7

      "After watching this I am scared to death about the post surgery...."
      ==
      Me too, the result could be worse than before.

    • @reasoningtruth
      @reasoningtruth Рік тому +3

      @@MicheleLeeMD I have a friend that is soon having cataract surgery. I won't tell her about this video, it would serve no useful purpose. She has to have it or go blind, why scare her on top of that? I can think of no compassionate reason.

    • @febeleven
      @febeleven Рік тому +3

      Pamela Rennia, I have a post surgery in Nov 2022, and I'm not gonna lie I'm scared {I have one eye that's partially blind} and now watching this video I'm really scared!

    • @reasoningtruth
      @reasoningtruth Рік тому +4

      @@febeleven It does sound reminiscent of Russian Roulette, doesn't it.

  • @robertschlesinger1342
    @robertschlesinger1342 Рік тому +2

    Interesting and worthwhile video.

  • @nelliecharles5153
    @nelliecharles5153 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for this information Dr bless your hands ❤

  • @josephpepin8822
    @josephpepin8822 Рік тому +3

    I had cataract surgery a year ago and I should have had it much sooner. An amazing side effect was that my perspective vision returned! I had been living without it for so long that I forgotten things had depth. The three kinds of eye drops were a pain, however.

  • @kclark7067
    @kclark7067 Рік тому +8

    Oh, my gosh! This has scared the bejeebers out of me! At my eye exam this year, my eye doctor told me I am about two years away from needing cataract surgery, and additionally I got the news that at some point I am going to need a thin-tissue cornea transplant(s?) because the back side of my corneas are damaged. I've had several surgeries in my life for various things (not related to my eyes), and I always end up with some strange issue that I was never warned about in advance that made me sorry I had the surgery. I already have floaters and eye "freckles," and my eyelids have already started to sag because of my age. Now, with all these possibilities that have me scared silly, I'm kind of hoping, since I'm old, anyway, that something will come along to take me out of the game altogether before I have to face the fear of surgery on my eyes.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +5

      Thanks for sharing your fears about cataract surgery. It sounds like you don't need the surgery yet. When the time comes and you are really struggling with your vision, you and your eye doctor can weigh the pros and cons to decide timing of surgery. We don't have a nonsurgical way to treat the cornea condition you have or the cataract yet (hopefully one day) and in the meantime surgery can work beautifully.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +1

      I just made a video about things you can do to prevent (or slow down) cataracts if it is helpful for you: ua-cam.com/video/PjLMkaBQoHw/v-deo.html
      Hope it's helpful!

    • @kclark7067
      @kclark7067 Рік тому

      @@MicheleLeeMD I did watch the video today, and I see there are a couple things I can do better, but I do not consume alcohol at all (and I won't be considering taking up drinking red wine), and I have never smoked in my life (and no smoky food scenarios at our house, either). However, I wonder about the impact of smoke in our air during the summer/fall months due to wildfires; nothing I can do about that, though. I used to be quite diligent about taking a lutein supplement, but became kind of lax about it about six years ago; I will resume taking that supplement regularly. We do have leafy greens (spinach, Swiss chard, and kale) at our house, but we can add them to our diet more often. Certainly, there is room for some improvement in our diet, but we are already fans of healthy food and try to stick to a protein source with grilled vegetables for dinner. A big change for me will be wearing sunglasses whenever I am outside the house. I have only one pair of Rx sunglasses, and I leave them in my main car. So, if I end up in my husband's car, or going outside to do any kind of yard work, I don't take the time to get them out of my car and put them back when I'm finished being outside. My plan now is to buy some "FitOvers" to ensure I have them in all cars, and inside the house, so I can always have them handy. I have to say I don't like the inconvenience of having to change from my regular glasses to sunglasses and back to my regular glasses every time I drive somewhere (put on the sun glasses), go into a store (take off sunglasses in the car and exchange for my regular glasses), and switch again when I am back in my car--for as many stops as I need to make. But, I guess this will just have to be a matter dealing with the irritation of the inconvenience.
      Thank you for the suggestions. I hope I really can delay needing the surgery.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому

      @@kclark7067 Thanks for your feedback and sharing some of the things that you are doing to proactively take care of your help (and maybe slow progression of cataracts)!

  • @michaeldean9338
    @michaeldean9338 6 місяців тому

    Very informative. Thank you, Doctor.

  • @SandiLenton-fh3um
    @SandiLenton-fh3um 10 місяців тому +1

    I'm getting ready for the surgery myself and am so excited! I never imagined at 71 I'd be able to see clearly as its been foggy for so long. I can't even see the TV clearly so yes I'm excited!

  • @lindahughes9207
    @lindahughes9207 Рік тому +6

    I had cataract surgery, 8 years later suffered retina detachment with mac off, tough road back to a new wonky vision.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому +2

      I'm so sorry to hear about your retinal detachment. Thanks for sharing, and I wish you (and your eye) all the best ❤

  • @kpatel7995
    @kpatel7995 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for bringing this video to us.Very Informed.

    • @MicheleLeeMD
      @MicheleLeeMD  Рік тому

      You are so welcome! Thank you for watching ❤️

  • @davevarga
    @davevarga 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you. Scarey stuff, but I am glad you are so forthcoming...

  • @arnoldpillay9834
    @arnoldpillay9834 Рік тому +7

    Thank you... Very informative

  • @rdgr
    @rdgr 9 місяців тому +4

    I have been diagnosed with cataracts and need to talk with a surgeon regarding this. The more I learn about cataract surgery, the more I do not want this surgery

    • @di4085
      @di4085 9 місяців тому +1

      Try to find N-acetyl carnosine eye drops.

    • @harndino8789
      @harndino8789 Місяць тому

      You have to do the op. It helps alot rather than the negative impact. It takes only 5-15 minutes max! The laser cataract surgery is most by far the hitech non pain one.

    • @harndino8789
      @harndino8789 Місяць тому

      ​@@di4085what's it for?

  • @ekummel
    @ekummel Рік тому +2

    What a cheerful person she is. I hope that when I need this procedure my doctor is a upbeat as she is.

  • @donnakano282
    @donnakano282 Рік тому +1

    Dr. Lee, I was a patient of yours when you were starting out in Chandler. I was surprised to see your videos and am glad you are still in the area.

  • @AmazingPhilippines1
    @AmazingPhilippines1 Рік тому +11

    Thanks for these honest discussions. I had my gall bladder removed several years ago and the surgeon never discussed any issues with me beforehand, only asked if I had questions.

  • @jennyfulcher8035
    @jennyfulcher8035 Рік тому +3

    Very informative! I haven't had cataract surgery yet but probably will in the next year or so. This video is a heads up for what to expect but hopefully most of these won't occur or last long. Thanks. Jenny