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14 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 S Additional drops were added to the schedule following the surgery. On the following Friday, I began the drops in the left eye. The clinic provided me with a handy check-off chart to help me keep track of the drops as the frequency changed over time. The actual procedure took just a few minutes. A mild “anesthesia” relaxed me, and my eye was draped to pro- vide a sterile field. I experienced no pain during or after the procedure. Once the doctor had removed the clouded lens and replaced it with a clear one, I spent a few min- utes sipping apple juice (my choice from the menu of bev- erages available) and I was discharged for the ride home. Here are a few notes to bear in mind if you are contem- plating cataract surgery: 1) Medicare usually covers cataract surgery, but not the most expensive method. If you opt for the laser proce- dure, expect to pay a premium difference. 2) Medicare covers a basic lens. There are premium op- tions available here as well, but you will pay the differ- ence. With the basic lens, you will probably need reading glasses of some sort (an eye exam after recovery will de- termine the prescription), while the premium lens may leave you without a need for any glasses at all other than sunglasses. 3) Follow the pre- and post-surgical instructions for opti- mal results. Take a little care now to avoid problems in the future. 4) Use your eye drops as prescribed. Each drop serves a different purpose. Don’t skip them. 5) Ask your doctor any questions you have about the pro- cedure. If he/she won’t answer to your satisfaction, con- sider finding another doctor. The subject is your vision, and you deserve the facts. 6) You’ll need a driver to take you home following the pro- cedure. Although the anesthesia is mild, you may experi- ence some lingering slow reaction times which may interfere with your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Cataract surgery offers a fairly simple way to restore qual- ity to your vision. I love my vision miracle! (And I didn’t sneeze.) Reference: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/dis- eases/what-are-cataracts © 2021 Mary Beth Magee Author/speaker Mary Beth Magee writes cozy Christian fiction, poetry, children’s books and devotions. For more on her writing and training sessions, visit her website at www.LOL4.net .