2/20/18: If you know Eva, you know she loves her glasses and has multiple pairs for every mood. She’s been wearing her specs since she was eleven years old when she had difficulty seeing the chalkboard. Recently, her vision became blurry and she started seeing double – even when wearing glasses. A trip to the eye doctor revealed that Eva was one of those unlucky 40-somethings who have cataracts in both eyes. And the thing about cataracts is, they only get worse over time.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens that affects vision and is generally age-related and found in older people. According to the National Eye Institute, there were about 24.4 million cataract cases in the United States in 2010 and about 50 million are expected by 2050. About 3.6 million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year, with an overall success rate of 98 percent or higher.
Eva was terrified by the idea of eye surgery but desperate to see clearly again. This month she got cataract surgery at the Vermont Eye Surgery & Laser Center in South Burlington and invites you along for the ride. Meet her surgeon, Dr. Gregory McCormick of Ophthalmic Consultants of Vermont, and learn what a cataract is and what the surgery entails. Join Eva on this optic journey as she regains her sight and gives you an inside peek at this increasingly common procedure.
Music: Rue Mevlana, “Galaxy Eyes,” “Galaxy Eyes (Donka Trunk Mix),” “Galaxy Eyes (Pulsar ReMix)”
This episode of Stuck in Vermont was made possible by
Hotel Vermont and New England Federal Credit Union
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This article appears in Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2018.
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I had the surgery done in 2008 on both eyes, a week apart. When the bandages came off for the first eye the day after, I cried — I saw textures and detail that I’d not seen in years. I tell everyone not to put it off. I’m still seeing better ten years after. I did need a procedure to remove cloudiness later, but it was a simple laser procedure.
So awesome! You did a great service by filming this. So many people are terrified of having any kind of eye surgery. I had Lasik voluntarily, and then cornea repair (by Dr, Greg!) in an emergency. Couldn’t be more happy with the results.
So very cool, Eva! Congratulations and thanks for this SIVT! I had to force myself to watch the surgery part but am glad I did. I have baby cataracts myself and can’t wait till they grow up so I can get them removed and see without glasses too. : )
Deb – I know, it is gross but so worth it in the end!
Rchadden and Steve, thanks for sharing! This surgery really was a gift. 🙂
Kudos to you , Eva, for having the courage to tell this story! I am a film maker, and cataract patient myself. I worried that people would see me as having diminished capabilities but in the long run, I have adapted and even come to see the world in new ways, as I’m sure you will.
I especially like the “inner view” of the procedure. It’s hard to describe what that light show looks like but I think you really captured it! – Ken French
Thank you Ken! Yes, the view during the surgery was really fascinating. The whole experience was eye opening (haha) and I am just so happy to be seeing again.