Cataracts can gradually make everyday vision feel less clear, whether you’re driving, reading, exercising, or simply trying to take in the details around you. For Howard Jacobsen, changes in his vision eventually reached a point where he knew it was time to find a surgeon he could trust.
At 80, Howard had previously undergone LASIK in one eye and knew he wanted a surgeon with the experience to handle his specific vision needs. After researching his options, he found Dr. Rajesh Shetty at Florida Eye Specialists.
For Howard, choosing the right eye doctor Jacksonville patients could trust was about more than finding someone to perform cataract surgery. He wanted to feel confident in the person caring for his vision.
Finding a Cataract Surgeon He Could Trust
Howard’s background in health care gave him a particular appreciation for quality patient care. Having previously worked as a pharmaceutical representative, he understood the importance of choosing an experienced physician and a practice he could trust.
When he began looking into cataract surgery, Howard researched his options carefully before deciding to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shetty. “I did lots of research on him, and I wanted to see him,” Howard said. “I wanted someone who really knew what they were doing.”
Because one of his eyes had previously undergone LASIK, Howard appreciated the time Dr. Shetty spent understanding his medical and vision history before moving forward. He felt confident in Dr. Shetty’s approach and the personalized care he received throughout the process.
When Changing Vision Started Affecting Everyday Life
By the time Howard began considering cataract surgery, his changing vision was affecting more than his ability to see clearly. He noticed the difference when he went to renew his driver’s license.
“I’m 80 years old, and when I went to renew my driver’s license, I couldn’t pass the test without glasses,” he said. For someone who enjoyed staying active and spending time outdoors, Howard knew he didn’t want to keep adjusting to declining vision. He decided it was time to address the problem.
Given his LASIK history, Dr. Shetty recommended an advanced approach using femtosecond laser technology and the Light Adjustable Lensโข, tailored to Howard’s individual needs. “While he’s very businesslike, heโs not cold; he comes across like he knows you,” he said. Having a surgeon who took the time to understand his history made a huge difference.
Seeing Results After Cataract Surgery
Howard noticed a significant improvement in his vision following surgery. In the eye that had previously undergone LASIK, his vision improved from 20/70 to 20/20 within a week. The other eye also improved significantly, going from 20/40 to 20/25.
The changes were especially noticeable in the details he had been missing. “When I go out for a walk, I can see the trees and see the detail. I can see the colors. I can see everything,” Howard said. “It’s a little scary, quite frankly, because I can see my wrinkles.”
Getting Back to the Things He Enjoys
Restoring his vision has also helped Howard look forward to getting back to his normal routine. Before his procedure, he regularly spent time at the gym and was eager to return to his workouts once he had recovered.
Being able to see the world more clearly has given him another reason to get back to the activities he enjoys. The improvement has also changed the way he experiences simple moments, from walking outside to noticing details and colors that had become difficult to see.
The Difference Clearer Vision Made
Looking back on his experience, Howard has one simple piece of advice for anyone who has been told they may need cataract surgery.
โWhat I would suggest to someone considering this is, donโt wait,โ he said. โIf the doctor recommends doing it, do it. Youโre only wasting your time. Youโre taking moments of your life where you could be seeing and wasting them. Go do it.โ
For Howard, finding the right surgeon and moving forward with cataract surgery gave him back a level of clarity he had been missing. โHeโs the best,โ Howard said of Dr. Shetty. โHe did exactly what I needed him to do.โ
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
If cataracts are making it harder to drive, read, exercise, or enjoy the details of everyday life, cataract surgery may help restore the clarity youโve been missing. Schedule an evaluation with the cataract specialists at Florida Eye Specialists to discuss your vision and treatment options.