How I Endured A Cataract Surgery
High Strung
I had been putting off my long overdue cataract surgery! I am quite chicken-hearted when it comes to visiting hospitals, although my husband, son, and daughter in law are doctors. Finally, buckling under pressure, I reluctantly agreed to let my eyes go under the knife!
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens of one’s eye and replace it with an artificial lens. D-day arrived! As the paramedical staff led me to the operation theatre, my heart quivered and I felt like I was being dragged to the guillotine, nay, the electric chair!
In The Operation Theatre
How did it feel inside the operating theatre? A strange kind of fear and anxiety overwhelmed me. Was it preoperative anxiety? Maybe. I am aware that I have an irrational fear of surgery. Then, I was pinned down and trapped. Really? No, it was a feeling! A feeling of intimidation caused by the green robe I was given to wear, the cap on my head, and the huge machine above my face.
Any thought of fleeing the theatre in panic was swiftly abandoned as I was surrounded by many formidable masked medical specialists.
Then, my surgeon’s soothing voice wafted over my cotton stuffed ears, asking me to relax, and assured me that the procedure would be over in no time at all. The anesthetist being a woman sensed my nervousness and gently touched my hand to calm me down, and I clung on to her hand for dear life!
Suddenly in a flash, my eye was taped, eyelashes clipped and the bright light was switched on. My heart racing, I started praying fervently in total panic. What if something went wrong and I lose my vision? I was fully conscious and felt no pain, because of the anaesthetic drops instilled in my eyes, as the surgeon made the micro-incision on the side of my cornea.
The Procedure
Having no other choice but to lie still, I decided to humor myself and let my mind wander. I keenly lent my ear to the surgical procedures happening in the theatre. To my amusement, the cataract surgical machine was making some very interesting noises, like the sounds of my video game! In between these intriguing sounds, the machine made three loud dramatic sounds.
I assumed that:
1. The first notable noise was made, when the ‘phaco’ device emitted ultrasound waves to soften, and break up my cloudy lens.
2. The second time was when it was removed by suction.
3. The third riveting sound was perhaps when the original lens is replaced by a folded clear lens, which is inserted through the tiny incision. The folded lens unfolds when it is positioned in the eye.
However, since I am obtuse, or rather simple minded regarding medical topics, I surmised that this is what must have happened! Finally, there were a few short beeps like when my video game is nearing the end. Then, as suddenly as it began, the tape over my eye was peeled off, my lashes unclipped and I was asked in a warm hearted manner to get up. Oh my God! Is it over and done with? The procedure took about 6 minutes, but it appeared like 6 hours!
After The Surgery
When I walked out of the theatre back to my room, I nearly collapsed with relief. Since there were no stitches, I was allowed to go home right away. After a week, I underwent the same process on my other eye!
The first couple of days after the surgery, I viewed the world with slight blurry eyes, then everything became bright and crystal clear! The colors were sharper and more focused, which reminded me of my blurred photos when ‘auto-corrected’ or ‘auto-focused’. I now survey the world through clear lens that are no longer cloudy.
With my cataract surgical episode behind me, I laugh when I reminisce, ‘What’s the big deal! It was a cakewalk!’ Nevertheless, being faint-hearted, I am still wary of medical procedures, however simple!
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About The Author
Laila, a Christian blogger, empty nester, and mother of three married children is very optimistic person who is always hopeful that difficult days lead to better ones. Believes that nothing is as powerful as a smile, showing compassion and kindness, spreading love and sunshine and to live in peace and harmony.
You have the gift of writing Laila. You write so beautifully. When I was reading your blog, I could really visualise, what you would have gone through with your eye operation. I wish you all the best in your future blogs. God bless.
Thanks Matty.Your appreciation means a lot to me.Thnx.
Touching story, 7 yrs ago at 74, I had cataract surgery, took rest 1 day, worked next day, saw 20 patients, entered notes typed. 2 mo, other eye after 3 days later drove 150 miles, to my sistès 70th. I was blessed. Next yr trab.for glaucoma!
It’s so good to hear brave stories.Thank you so much for sharing your story.