Preparing for Cataract Surgery

[00:00:09.400] Part of my job when I'm sitting down with patients during the preop [00:00:12.400] is to really listen to them and what their needs are, [00:00:15.960] whether they want to be able to read without glasses, [00:00:18.440] they want to be able to drive and never have to wear glasses [00:00:21.720] for the distance, or they're really looking [00:00:23.640] for something that gets them out of the glasses the most of the time. [00:00:27.240] It's important that I hear what they're saying [00:00:29.400] so that we can counsel them, which option may be best for them? [00:00:33.000] Because it's not a one size fit all. [00:00:35.600] This is a very unique thing and a personal decision. [00:00:38.440] I had cataract surgery on one of my eyes, and then I think it's about three years [00:00:44.840] ago, I had the second cataract and would never think about going to anybody else. [00:00:50.160] I remember after the first cataract surgery thinking, "Oh, my God! [00:00:54.840] I cannot believe how clear everything is." [00:00:57.840] I don't think I realized how impaired until I had that cataract surgery [00:01:03.280] and was actually eager to get the second one done. [00:01:08.120] That was about two years later. [00:01:09.960] Having the surgery was godsend, and I would recommend it for anybody. [00:01:14.800] Dr. Justo is the person to go to. [00:01:17.160] It was so comfortable. I didn't even know it was going on. [00:01:19.680] If the goal is independence from glasses, [00:01:22.920] there are many options available that can really provide a significant [00:01:27.480] degree of independence from glasses, [00:01:30.080] and in many cases, eliminate them altogether. [00:01:33.480] By having the laser surgery, [00:01:35.480] was really good for us because we like to travel [00:01:39.920] and don't have to worry about wearing glasses or contacts. [00:01:43.280] During my examination and my consultation with you, [00:01:47.640] we will discuss these options and I will [00:01:49.600] be very clear and honest with you in terms of what options may be suitable for you, [00:01:55.080] and perhaps which options may not be suitable for you. [00:01:58.600] It's very important that we have the same goal, [00:02:02.080] and my job is to do my very, very best to satisfy your needs, goals, [00:02:07.680] and expectations, but at the same time, keeping reality in mind. [00:02:13.680] Because although refractive cataract surgery [00:02:16.680] is very advanced in the 21st century, as with any surgery, nothing is perfect [00:02:23.400] 100 % of the time, even though I try to achieve that level. [00:02:29.320] One of my favorite things about what I get to do is taking a patient who, [00:02:33.280] when they've come into us, they have very little vision. [00:02:37.800] Maybe they can only see motion in front of their face, [00:02:40.600] and then after surgery, they now are seeing and they're able [00:02:44.520] to drive without glasses and they can get around their home and they can cook [00:02:48.080] for themselves and now have an independent life. [00:02:51.040] It is just one of the most wonderful [00:02:53.120] things and rewarding things that we can do.