By: Mark McCumber, PGA Tour Champion
It’s easy to take your sight for granted. After about 40 years playing professional golf, I always relied on my sight to help me play my best. Unfortunately, once I began developing cataracts, everything changed. The thought of having cataract surgery made me anxious at first, and I’m sure there are many of you out there who feel the same. If you’re unsure about having cataract surgery, I want to share my experience with you.
Living With Impaired Vision
I couldn’t clearly see the things that we tend to take for granted when our vision is normal. It got to the point where I couldn’t clearly see the ground while playing golf.
Driving at night was especially challenging. It was getting harder and harder to discern exactly what I was looking at.
I had previously gone through a successful surgery to repair what’s known as a “macular hole.” This led to my cataracts getting worse, so I felt a little “forced” to get the cataract surgery. Even though I wasn’t looking forward to more eye surgery, everyone told me that it was what I should do. I was definitely worried.
As a professional golfer and golf broadcast analyst, I needed clear eyesight to do my job effectively, and more importantly, to fully enjoy everyday life. It wasn’t until after my cataract surgery things seemed to get back to normal. What a relief to see things clearly again.
I have to admit I was still apprehensive and a bit nervous about having more surgery on my eyes. But Dr. Hasan explained the whole procedure to me and I instantly felt more comfortable. Thanks to Dr. Hasan, I got over the worry and had the surgery. And I’m so glad I did.
Getting Ready for Surgery
The initial thought of anyone repairing your eyes is uncomfortable. But I was very surprised with how simple and effective it was. Recovery was so painless that I didn’t even need a Tylenol, and I was stunned by the results.
I laughingly asked my wife when I returned home from the surgery if she had repainted the inside of our home. It looked totally different, with new colors and brightness. I was absolutely amazed. Everything was new and improved: driving, hitting a golf ball, being able to see the ground and grass clearly again.
Each eye has its separate day for surgery. After the first eye was done, I could clearly spot the differences between good and bad vision. My bad eye showed off-white, beige, dull walls. Everywhere I looked, colors and brightness were muted. But my improved eye showcased all the colors of nature completely illuminated again. I felt like I was living in a technicolor movie.
I appreciated the entire experience from start to finish. The office was a pleasure to work with, Dr. Hasan made me feel comfortable, and the surgery center was clean and organized.
It All Became Clear
My improved vision has restored my quality of life. Before surgery, I couldn’t even attach a lure to my grandkids’ fishing lines. Now, I can take them fishing, watch them cast their lines and see all the little details of the lake, blades of grass, and the leaves on the trees.
Post-cataract surgery life is good. Everything is more enjoyable now, including golf.
I would highly recommend this procedure. If I had to have it again, I would immediately go back to Dr. Hasan. His caring approach was greatly appreciated.
Don’t wait for clear vision. Schedule your cataract surgery consultation today, to start living life to the fullest.
Mark McCumber is an American professional golfer and Ponte Vedra resident. His surgeon, Dr. Akbar Hasan, M.D., is an ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists.