Yvonne Fuller My Cataract Experience by former BMJ Artist

[CharlotteinWeimar]

@CatBlackGallery  Five and a half years on and fortunately still very well indeed. I am so glad the video was helpful.

[marlyharris]

What a brilliantly conceived tale. Plus the delight of hearing Cuenod (who's 108 and probably doesn't need to wear glasses). I am ambivalent, however, as friends warn me that since I have macular degeneration, the cataract removal (both eyes) may exacerbate the condition and lead to blindness. It's a huge decision for me. I am a silversmith and loss of vision is too terrible to even consider. I'm happy for your successful conclusion.

[CharlotteinWeimar]

@marlyharris Thank you for such an appreciative comment. I have been extraordinarily fortunate with the Tetraflex lenses. Also, I had cataracts which just affected the lenses and I had no retinal problems, so you are right to be cautious. I sincerely hope you get the best possible advice and that you will be successfully treated in whichever is the best way for you. Do let me know, and all good wishes.

[hedgechair]

Sorry! I should have looked at your site.

I think I heard you in Callisto at Glyndebourne in about 1968. Cuenod sang "Linfea" May have met in London 72/73? Small but infinite world!

[hedgechair]

Good to hear M. Cuenod etc. Your name Yvonne Fuller, takes me back some long time. Are you a singer as well as artist?

Did you sing at Glyndebourne in the late sixties? Or perhaps I met you at the RCM a little later. Blessings.

[agingbeauty]

This is both fascinating and joyful. What a blessing that you,an artist, were able to got these lenses! The exquisite music expresses this transformation of sight ! Thank you for this,  C.P.

[borbos75]

I had cataracts at the age of 14 and since the surgery my vision got better than I can ever recal

[Enfantdepluie]

what kind of lens did the surgeon put into your eye? Was it for distance, intermediate or close-up vision?

[CharlotteinWeimar]

The lenses are Tetraflex, which means they are flexible. They move slightly, enabling focusing for all situations, distance, intermediate and close-up. I only need to wear glasses occasionally for close-up work in poor light.

[stilljazzed]

Wow, your video is quite informative, in particular, the dramatic before and after illustrations as well as details about what you could see during the operation and then right after. I have been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes and am trying to decide about going ahead with surgery or toughing it out for a while longer. Thank you so much, Yvonne, for creating and posting about your experience--I am feeling more positive.

[basenjidiva]

Oh, my goodness! What a surprising video! My husband had cataract surgery, the first eye on the 2nd of June, and the second eye on the 30th of June. Such a shame the ophthalmologist does not offer a packaged deal: both eyes for husband, and facelift for wife! Prior to this, I had led him to believe that I was twenty, a very tall, long-legged blonde, drop dead gorgeous, and slightly underweight. Now that he can see, he knows I'm not tall!!! It's discovering your little Chihuahua is a Sharpei!

[marlyharris]

@basenjidiva

What a fabulous sense of humor you have!

[snbmcn]

Thanks so much for posting this. I had surgery yesterday and saw the same colors you described, the pink and blue. Also for a few hours there was a red spot in the center of my vision--it's gone now. I'm not as good an artist as you are, but I do like to "dabble" and am really looking forward to painting again and seeing colors that are clear and vivid.

[CharlotteinWeimar]

I am so glad you found the video helpful and that you will have as good an outcome as I have had. Your vision ought to get better and better over the next few months as everything settles down. And "Good painting"!