Understanding the Need for Eye Surgery

Last month, I underwent eye surgery in Chile, where my wife and I reside. The ophthalmologist, known as the finest in the country, was set to perform the operation on me. It became clear that surgery was unavoidable when I noticed a persistent thin white cloud gradually obscuring my left eye's vision. While I don't drive in Chile, my reading was being affected—a significant issue for an avid reader like myself. Thus, I knew it was time to act.

After some planning and a preliminary visit, we made the trip for the surgery. My wife had already begun administering the necessary eye drops and would assist me in navigating the streets and staircases, especially since I might have to wear a patch over my left eye for a few days. My mother-in-law had also undergone cataract surgery a few years back and assured me it was a straightforward process. Modern advancements had simplified what was once a more complicated ordeal. Many of my colleagues echoed similar sentiments.

Nevertheless, I felt anxious on the morning of the procedure. I learned that two other patients were scheduled for cataract removal that same day—one before me and one after. They too were visibly nervous.

"We'll give you a light sedative," the ophthalmologist assured me, "to help you relax."

I had experienced something similar during dental work, where I was given a drink that helped me zone out while the dentist worked. I remembered that feeling but still felt jittery as I was wheeled into the surgical area. The staff started applying drops to numb my left eye and secured my head to ensure I remained completely still.

A nurse administered the sedative through a needle in my hand. "This might sting a bit," she mentioned.

"That's alright," I replied, while trying to stay calm and tapping my fingers on the stretcher.

After what felt like an eternity, the operation began. The ophthalmologist had previously informed me that it would take about 20 minutes.

Twenty minutes.

In reality, it felt even shorter. My eye was propped open, and all I could see was an intense light above me. I sensed some movement and a light tugging sensation. At one point, a translucent disk appeared and then vanished. My main concern was whether I was moving my eyes too much.

Finally, the doctor announced, "We're done!"

I was moved to the recovery area, where they checked my blood pressure, which was slightly elevated—something I later learned had been the case throughout the morning. They advised me to have it checked at the earliest opportunity.

The procedure itself was over, though I experienced some itching. I mentioned this, and the ophthalmologist chuckled, "You just had eye surgery."

"Was that what it was?" I replied with a grin, still feeling the effects of the sedative.

My wife arrived, and I learned that the staff had praised my calmness; I was considered a "good patient." We received a list of post-operative instructions: take eye drops four times daily until a specified date, then reduce to twice a day; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a week; and no screen time for three days—a tough challenge for me!

For the next 24 hours, I had an eye shield taped over my left eye. The following morning, the doctor removed it, examined my eye, and declared it healthy. He tested my vision, and the thin white cloud was gone—"good riddance," I said. My distance vision had significantly improved, and he mentioned I might need a new glasses prescription as my vision continued to enhance.

What Insights Did I Gain?

So, what did I take away from this experience? What wisdom can I share that warrants an article on Medium?

Firstly, despite assurances from others, I approached the surgery with some fear. All the evidence suggested it was safe and routine (the doctor had performed this procedure countless times). Logically, I shouldn’t have been nervous, yet I was, as were the other patients. It's likely they had received similar reassurances from their friends and family. Cataracts are common, and so is their removal.

Yet, we often don’t base our feelings on reason alone, especially when our knowledge is limited to the experiences of others. We tend to react emotionally, especially when facing the unknown—what could possibly happen?

This emotional response is often stronger than rational thinkers appreciate.

As it turns out, it required significant effort to remain a "good patient." Understanding something intellectually is one thing; experiencing it firsthand is another. The anticipation of an event can often be far worse than the reality itself. We tend to worry about "what's next," whether it's an upcoming job interview, a presentation at work, or a daunting home repair task.

These concerns stem from our fear of the unknown. I had never undergone eye surgery before and only had a vague idea of what to expect.

As the Stoics taught us, we can control certain aspects of our challenges—preparing ourselves rather than facing them blindly, researching our interview subjects, practicing presentations, or learning how surgical procedures work to alleviate some anxiety.

Conversely, there are elements we cannot control: the situation itself, the reactions of others, and the knowledge that we gave our best effort.

At that moment, lying beneath the bright light, I felt the ultimate loss of control!

However, what we can’t control often turns out to be less daunting than we anticipate.

So, I stand with those who advised me about cataract surgery. If the need arises, you can approach a routine procedure performed thousands of times each year with confidence. Right?

Well, don't take that for granted, because we are not entirely rational beings. Still, the sedative can certainly help.

The first video, "LASER EYE SURGERY - HOW IT'S CHANGED MY LIFE! - MY STORY," shares personal transformations experienced post-surgery, emphasizing emotional and practical changes.

The second video, "Recovery & Vision Expectations After Cataract Surgery," provides insights into the recovery process and what to expect after undergoing cataract surgery.