Cataracts and Eyeglasses

Underwent cataract surgery on both eyes—right eye in February and left in March. Adjusting to the improved vision took time, as colors, especially whites, became strikingly vivid. As a hermit, finding transportation and someone to wait in the lobby during each procedure was challenging. After three years of searching, I secured help, paying $240 per surgery for a driver to meet me in Gainesville, FL, and then take me to a clinic across the street and wait.

To celebrate completing my cataract surgery, I searched for high-quality eyeglass frames, moving beyond the $9-12 Walmart frames I’d used for 13 years. After receiving my new prescription in April, I chose four pairs—two from Warby Parker and two from Walmart—to suit my improved vision.

• • Warby Parker: Callum (Raven Matte) and Langley (Jet Black with Polished Gold) were quite expensive. Then I added a premium progressive lenses to the Langley pair—which was an additional $300. There was a 15% discount for 2 pair, but still expensive.
• • Walmart: Bio Eyes Men’s BE152 Myrtle Prescription Eyeglasses with Case, Black and TiFlex Men’s T1503 Prescription Eyeglasses with Case, Dark Pewter. The BE152 pair got Polycarbonate Trifocals and the TiFlex pair got standard mid-range (for computer) lenses. Since the Callum pair from Warby Parker just had the free Single (mid-range) lenses in them, and were just too nice for computer glasses I checked with Walmart to see if they would put Progressive lenses in them. They would for $20 and I went with their standard $100 Progressive lenses. I actually like the Walmart $100 Progressive lenses better than the Warby Parker $300 premium Progressives, i.e., they are clearer and I can watch TV better with them.

Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor

I considered the Samsung 27″ LS27D806EANXGO monitor, which was similarly priced, but it included unnecessary features like TV viewing software, a camera I didn’t need, and multiple USB ports I wouldn’t use. Overall, it felt too complex for my needs.

Using several AI’s to help me with the decision, it was down to:

Text Clarity (Articles): Both are excellent due to 4K resolution and 163 PPI, with scaling for larger fonts. The Dell has a slight edge due to its 1500:1 contrast ratio, improving text definition for aging eyes with reduced contrast sensitivity.

Video Watching (Occasional, No Slowdowns): The Dell is superior with its 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium, ensuring smoother motion and no slowdowns, which is easier on aging eyes and aligns with your needs. The Samsung’s HDR10 is better for color vibrancy but less smooth at 60Hz.

Conclusion

With a 15% discount, my Warby Parker glasses totaled about $527. Their optician was incredibly helpful, convincing me to try progressive lenses. The excellent service justified the higher cost.

At Walmart, the BE152 frame with polycarbonate trifocals cost $188, while the TiFlex frame with standard mid-range (computer) lenses was $138. Adding standard progressive lenses to the Callum frame was $120.

For cataract surgery, I drove to a large parking lot in Gainesville, FL, and paid someone $240 per visit to drive me across the street and wait in the lobby. A medical service failed to arrange a driver for my right-eye surgery, but fortunately, someone was found at the last minute. Finding anyone willing to make a 100-200 mile trip, even at a high price, was challenging.

It took a few days to adjust to my new eyeglasses, Systane Ultra PF drops for dry eyes, and a Dell 27 Plus 4K monitor. The monitor’s display is crisp, and text clarity improved after a couple of days. The glasses and monitor arrived around the same time, and new glasses typically require an adjustment period.

I hadn’t realized how severe my cataracts were until after their removal—right eye in February, left eye in March, with a new prescription in April. Whites & colors now appear bright and vivid!

The significant expense, time, and effort were well worth the valuable education and improved vision.