I Think That I Have a Cataract

[Chip (OP)]

So i'm very concerned ... apart from having one eye and astigmatism, i'm also short and long sighted and NOW i'm quite sure that I have a cataract; my vision is a bit blurry in spots and it's deteriorating.

Off to the ophthalmic doctor after having secured a referral. wish me luck - having one eye just makes it all the more scary.

Apparently, having a high protein diet, like steadily eating meat, can be an aggravating cause.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Chip (OP)]

as it turns out, is a case of dry eyes.

I am also experiencing flashes at night and this is typical age related deterioration.

all in all, better than expected ... thankfully.

[Roxstar]

That's good to hear that it wasn't something worse. 

Do you need a referral to go to an ophthalmologist?  I guess I've never thought about it. 

I'm on my last pair of contacts.  I need to go get an eye exam and get new contacts too.  I'm just waiting on my insurance to start at work so I can get the exam paid for.  Insurance usually pays for the exam and a majority of the portion of how much a pair of glasses cost OR a pair of contacts.  I figure I'll pay for the contacts and have insurance pay for glasses because they're much more expensive.  It's funny that I've worn contacts for over 12 years before getting my first pair of glasses like a year and a half ago.  I always wear my glasses around the house and at night. 

How does eating a lot of meat and protein aggravate the eyes??

[Chip (OP)]

the high protein levels can dissolve the lens as it's protein-based.

this is for cataracts only but it's not common knowledge.

[Sand and Water]

Im not familiar with your insurance etc., but when you go to the specialist, would asking about LASIK or similar procedure be something you could look into? (no pun intended). Its outpatient and very routine here. My best friend went blind so i can certainly understand the anxiety you may be feeling. I wish you the VERY best of luck. 

[smfadmin]

i forgot to get back to you.

it was ONLY a case of dry eye(s) ... because the Mdone taper and the crystal both conspired to make my vision dry/blurry ...

... *add drops in real time* (thanks for the reminder).

thank fuck. i get flashes though because i am highly myopic. eyes are fucked, ears are fab.

[Sand and Water]

No worries.  big smile NOT at you... my daughter's eyes are totally fouled up too so i "hear" ya lol. Her hearing is fine too (except when its an issue of 'mom speak' lol.

[Chip (OP)]

"mom speak" ? ah yes, selective deafness 

[candy]

My youngest son went through cataract surgery last year and I do not know how he did it.
Congenital cataracts can be much different/worse than those in older adults. Each eye done only a few weeks apart.

He was a real trooper that kid of mine.

All I have to say is that sometimes young kids and teens do much
better when it comes to illness or surgical procedures.

Glad it was'nt cataracts.
I will say my eye sight has gotten much worse in the last few years. Not uncommon with MS.
Not uncommon with age either.