Eye surgery, possible cataracts, and hunting/shooting

Update: had the vitrectomy done January 15th. My right eye is healing quickly and I am probably back to about 20/30 in that eye. Dr says it should come back to 20/15 or 20/10 within a couple months. No floaters. Crystal clear except the lower acuity. I can drive again . Great decision even if I get cataracts early from it.
(y)

I know a lady that got a hemorrhage in her eye a few weeks ago. It was so bad the eye docs couldn't even see through it to see what caused it. She went to a retinal specialist last week and did the vitrectomy. She had a torn retina that they found and were able to fix with the laser, and she's good this week.

I had the vitrectomy done in November in my right eye (non-dominant). Had a giant floater in it from 26 years ago when I had a torn retina. I had cataract surgery in 2024. There's another ophthalmologist on here (TexasBuckeye) that really helped me out deciding what lenses to get etc. Vision is better than it had been for years.
 
I’m a cataract surgeon and most of what’s posted above is true. I will offer a few pointers to think about but this post is by no means a medical advice post. I don’t know the history or exam of any of the above patients. I would say that 20/15 and 20/10 have never come out of my mouth before when talking to a patient about anything.

Most patients that are outdoorsy want a distance priority for their vision. Also, It’s extremely important to understand that there is no perfect lens out there. There is always a compromise.

For example, with hunters, doing a multifocal or even an extended depth of focus lens will decrease contrast sensitivity. This could potentially impact low light glassing, etc. In return, you would get better intermediate and/or near depending on your lens choice.

Light adjustable lenses are pretty cool technology. The logistics and process of dialling things in seem to take forever but most of my patients have been very happy with them. I personally like to use them for patients that want distance in both eyes. It’s awesome to dial in 20/20 in both eyes (when patients have other ocular problems, 20/20 might not be attainable but LAL will get it as good as possible). You will get a little intermediate often doing them for distance but not always. I have done mono vision and mini mono vision with them but it’s not my favorite.

It’s important to note that there is no lens out there that will allow everyone to use open sights perfectly after cataract surgery. I’ve had some patients do great and some still struggle. If you’re wanting to do a lot with open sights, I would probably lean toward vivity or diboo but again no perfect option because we don’t have a good accommodating lens out there.
To be clear, the surgeon told me it should come back to the acuity I had prior to the hemorrhage, which I had been testing at 20/15-20/10. He didn't make any promises or anything like that. Even if it only stays where it's at now, I'm still happy. Driving and having 2 eyes is better than 1!

(y)

I know a lady that got a hemorrhage in her eye a few weeks ago. It was so bad the eye docs couldn't even see through it to see what caused it. She went to a retinal specialist last week and did the vitrectomy. She had a torn retina that they found and were able to fix with the laser, and she's good this week.

I had the vitrectomy done in November in my right eye (non-dominant). Had a giant floater in it from 26 years ago when I had a torn retina. I had cataract surgery in 2024. There's another ophthalmologist on here (TexasBuckeye) that really helped me out deciding what lenses to get etc. Vision is better than it had been for years.
That's awesome. Glad to hear it's worked for you and improved! It's amazing what they can do with the eyenand amazing how the body can heal. After watching a couple videos on what they do in a vitrectomy, i was blown away that I can see as well as I can just a few weeks after they did that.
 
I had cataract surgery in 2010, a bit early but a lot of outdoor time at altitude. Went for distance vision in both and my eyes are flexible enough I can generally read w/o reading glasses but not always. It has helped my hunting immensely. Finding animals is 90% of most big game hunts. A good cataract surgeon will greatly improve your life.
 
Very helpful and timely post. I capitulated and am going to my first eye exam in my life next week. I am almost 66 and it is definitely time. My wife sees this doctor and he is a hunter, so hopefully he will help me with my failing vision!
 
Very helpful and timely post. I capitulated and am going to my first eye exam in my life next week. I am almost 66 and it is definitely time. My wife sees this doctor and he is a hunter, so hopefully he will help me with my failing vision!
Just make sure he's good. You don't want a scenario where they tell you it's age related and will be fine and then 6 months later you find out half your retina is dead.
 
The newer tech allows the doctor to adjust vision post surgery. I don't know much about it. I will say without reservation that the money I spent on cataract surgery was some of the best money I have ever spent.
 
I recently tried to do an eye exam for my medical card and had an extremely difficult time making out the letters, I did not pass. I went to the ophthalmologist for an eye exam. He found astigmatism, and cataract in my right eye, my left eye is 20/30 my right is 20/50. I’ve been having a hard time shooting this winter my right eye is constantly in and out of focus. I should have my new prescription next week. The doctor said he wants to check the cataract in six months and see what it looks like then.
 
18 months ago I had cataract surgery on my dominant eye. I was a little nervous but to be honest, I’m shooting irons better than I was 10 years ago. I’m glad I had it done.

T4
What lens did you get?
 
Just make sure he's good. You don't want a scenario where they tell you it's age related and will be fine and then 6 months later you find out half your retina is dead.
Yes, he was very good and thorough. I clearly need cataract surgery and he has lined me up with a reputable surgeon for a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks. I felt very comfortable with him and his staff was extremely professional.
 
One more question:

If I have lens replacement and laser cataract removal, how long is normal recovery?

How long before I can see?
How long before I can shoot .22LR?
How long before I can shoot .223/6.5cm centerfire rifles?
 
One more question:

If I have lens replacement and laser cataract removal, how long is normal recovery?

How long before I can see?
How long before I can shoot .22LR?
How long before I can shoot .223/6.5cm centerfire rifles?
Things are generally clearing up pretty good within a couple days. Sometimes there can be mild visual fluctuations as things settle into place or if the eyes are dry post op.

I generally tell folks not to shoot anything with recoil for at least a week. If it was me and I did a specialty upgraded lens, I would probably wait a couple weeks to shoot anything with recoil just to be sure.

Hard to say on 22 w a peep or iron sights. You could probably shoot it as soon as you feel your vision is clear but it also depends on your refractive outcome on how well you’ll be able to shoot. Worst case scenario you may need to wait until it’s time to do glasses to get your best shooting in. With a scope, you probably will be able to feel comfortable shooting a 22 pretty soon as long as you were going for a distance outcome for your goal.

Hope that makes sense
 
So, I am now scheduled for surgery at the end of March. Basic laser cataract removal and a new 'distance' lens.

I am *VERY* nearsighted in my right eye and the doc mentioned that there's a greater chance of future retina problems because of this, but that's the same whether I have the surgery or not. I also have a bit of astigmatism and the doc mentioned that astigmatism is sort of caused by two different parts of the eye and it's hard to tell until after the surgery how much will be left, if any.

He basically told me I had a 70/30 chance of not needing contacts for distance at all, but that's exactly what he told the other patient in the other exam room 5 minutes before, so I took that as his standard disclaimer, not a careful prediction based on my own eye. Afterwards I spoke at greater length with his assistant who said my chances were slightly lower than 70/30 but still 'very good'.

On the one hand I appreciate them being up front and I don't see this as a deal-breaker because having the surgery will almost certainly be better than not having it. On the other hand, my optimism is a little lower now.

As usual, time will tell.
 
Had cataract surgery 2 years ago, 71 at the time. Near sighted with astigmatism and worn glasses since age 12.

Chose a Toric lens due to astigmatism and wanting the best possible distance vision knowing I’d need reading glasses.

Surgeries were done 4 weeks apart. In my case it was at least 24 hrs post surgery before vision got decent in the eye that got the new lens.

As per shooting, I shot skeet with a .410 auto a week after my first and dominant eye was done….410 has zilch recoil. And shot a sporting clays tournament 11 days post surgery with light 1150 fps 7/8 ounce reloads in my Beretta A400 Xcel 12 ga Sporter. Was a bit weird doing that between surgeries (one eye fixed) as I used regular non prescription Pilla shooting glasses but I did OK, about like usual in the tournament.

I had no issues post surgery. Distance vision ended up 20/20 with greatly enhanced night vision and vivid colors. I shoot and hunt with my bow with a string peep and 5 pin slider without issue.

I’ve even won a couple sporting clays tournaments since the surgery….hadn’t happened for years prior.

And last week hunting wolves in Alberta when it was -30* F or colder it was great not to have my glasses all fogged up, same with hiking hard up a mountain or in the rain.

I do wear Costco reading glasses in various powers from +1.25 up to +1.75 depending on the application. They cost $19 for three pair here in Canada. My Pilla shooting glasses (no correction) are expensive but worth every penny and double as great sunglasses and motorcycle eye wear.
 
I don’t know all these terms so excuse me for that. However last year my wife underwent cataract surgery AND she did the lens replacements that allow for both near and far vision. She wore driving and Reading glasses before. It took a few months before they worked flawlessly. However she can read small print and pick up a quail in the woods at 30 yards in flight. Even though she wore shooting glasses before she shoots better now. 4 months ago we glassed mule deer for a week on a hunt. She by far spotted more deer than me. It was pricey to do these lens but I would highly recommend it.
 
Having a vitrectomy on March 9. Bunch of floaters since beginning of Jan. Then about two weeks ago it got really blurry. Cleared up a little since then. Diabetes is tough on the eyes. Hopefully all goes well in the surgery. Surgeon doesnt see any problems and will do some laser work to address some bleeding too
 
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