Eyesight and getting old...

[lensimages]

@mightypilot2000 sorry to hear about your eye issues,i have have a cataract operation on my right eye which improved my vision ,but i have to wear glasses for reading, but up to now fortunately ,my long vision is still ok, sight loss like hearing loss due to age is a darn nuisance,and it creeps up on you ,

Omm, on a clear night my eyesight is so good I can see the moon, but still deaf, beat that, cheers Len

 

[old man mavic]

@lensimages hi Len is that the same moon that i can see as well

 

[Citizen Flier]

...sucks.

I'm 61. Yesterday I was blessed with a Vitreous Detachment in my left eye. I'm going to see my Optometrist to make sure that's what it is, which is benign, but I'm very sure, because I had the same thing happen in my right eye a few years ago.

So now my "good" eye has faint cobwebs and floaters all over my vision. I can still see just fine, sure I could read the 20/20 line on an eye chart, it's mostly just annoying. It will get a bit better in the coming weeks, but much will be permanent.

Literature says ½ of people have a VD by 60, ⅔ by 70. So as common as keratomas on aging skin. Still, I'm a little down today that I'm dealing with Good Eye Gone Bad.

There's gotta be a blues song in there somewhere...

Not sure if this applies to your case, but FYI: I'm a few years older than you, and my vision was deteriorating steadily. Even with glasses I couldn't see my drone after a certain distance. My GF was often my navigator. Then I had the miracle of... Cataract Surgery. Now I have eagle eyes even at distance. I use readers for the computer, but can read my iPhone without if needed. Not sure if this applies to your condition, but it changed my world. If you're in the USA, basic cataract surgery is covered by medicare (age 65). If you opt for this surgery, be sure to get recommendations and find the BEST surgeon available. It has an extremely high success rate, but there are hacks out there. Research is important. Whatever, good luck!

 

[lensimages]

Not sure if this applies to your case, but FYI: I'm a few years older than you, and my vision was deteriorating steadily. Even with glasses I couldn't see my drone after a certain distance. My GF was often my navigator. Then I had the miracle of... Cataract Surgery. Now I have eagle eyes even at distance. I use readers for the computer, but can read my iPhone without if needed. Not sure if this applies to your condition, but it changed my world. If you're in the USA, basic cataract surgery is covered by medicare (age 65). If you opt for this surgery, be sure to get recommendations and find the BEST surgeon available. It has an extremely high success rate, but there are hacks out there. Research is important. Whatever, good luck!

I’m going on for 83, have Glaucoma and have had both eyes done for cataract removal. Whilst on the operating table the Surgeon whilst working on my eye was asking me if I knew where the bus stops were in my area because he had an accident in his Volvo and needed to take it to the body shop his insurance company wanted. Was able to enlighten him to where he wanted to go all the while lying down scared to death that this bloke was operating on my eye and casually asking me for directions, the upside was the first op was successful. As was the second . Found it odd having had one eye done that all the colours were different looking through either eye . Left eye looking at something white was white this was the first replacement, right eye white was yellow. I now only need glasses for near vision , cheers Len

 

[hagman23]

Oh my... hardly right for me to whine at all.

I suppose you're treating this with pressure reducing drops? Best of luck with this as you enter that part of life where joints and muscle get stiffer and stiffer and hurts after you do anything.

Even if you stretch and work out. Just hurts then too

Yes on the drops, two different ones for now, probably a third one to add down the road. We play the hands we are dealt and do the best we can, so I will fly as long as I can, which hopefully is another well into my late 60s or so. Thankfully I have a great eye doc who stays on top of it. My vision is still very good, it’s those pesky pressure numbers that aren’t

 

[hagman23]

I have had glaucoma (in 1 eye) for decades, but still see pretty well due to aggressive treatment (laser surgeries to relieve pressure)...so stay positive. I will put drops in that eye (Timolol) every night for the rest of my life.
Don't understand why he said both retinas are damaged since glaucoma affects the optic nerve, but I have retina issues as well (both detachments and tears)...and I see as well at 60 as I did at 50.

I misspoke - it is optical nerve damage in both eyes. I too still see very well, my doc is treating me now with two different drops and mentioned starting a third “at some point” down the road. Otherwise I enjoy my photography with all my drones and my Sonys. I’ll keep plugging along as long as I can

 

[Droning on and on...]

Not sure if this applies to your case, but FYI: I'm a few years older than you, and my vision was deteriorating steadily. Even with glasses I couldn't see my drone after a certain distance. My GF was often my navigator. Then I had the miracle of... Cataract Surgery. Now I have eagle eyes even at distance. I use readers for the computer, but can read my iPhone without if needed. Not sure if this applies to your condition, but it changed my world. If you're in the USA, basic cataract surgery is covered by medicare (age 65). If you opt for this surgery, be sure to get recommendations and find the BEST surgeon available. It has an extremely high success rate, but there are hacks out there. Research is important. Whatever, good luck!

Sadly, there's no treatment for Vitreous Detachment. The problem is with the jellylike liquid inside the eyeball. I'm stuck with it, and unfortunately it seems to be near the fovea and worse than my right eye.

Basically I now have what looks like a full fake eyelash (not one hair but the entire thing my wife glues on her upper lid) about 15° below my vision center.

And that was my good eye. Funny thing, I can still read the 20/20 line with this floating around. More than anything it's just annoying and distracting, especially while reading.

 

[SpitFire]

I also had cataract surgery, in both eyes. Now have 20/20 vision. The operation went very smooth for me, and I am flying my drones with good vision. Thank full for the advancement in that field.

 

[James in the Desert]

...sucks.

I'm 61. Yesterday I was blessed with a Vitreous Detachment in my left eye. I'm going to see my Optometrist to make sure that's what it is, which is benign, but I'm very sure, because I had the same thing happen in my right eye a few years ago.

So now my "good" eye has faint cobwebs and floaters all over my vision. I can still see just fine, sure I could read the 20/20 line on an eye chart, it's mostly just annoying. It will get a bit better in the coming weeks, but much will be permanent.

Literature says ½ of people have a VD by 60, ⅔ by 70. So as common as keratomas on aging skin. Still, I'm a little down today that I'm dealing with Good Eye Gone Bad.

There's gotta be a blues song in there somewhere...

Maybe try flying with goggles this is when I do works really well for me. It’s very difficult for me to read of the Controler now

 

[basyok]

...sucks.

I'm 61. Yesterday I was blessed with a Vitreous Detachment in my left eye. I'm going to see my Optometrist to make sure that's what it is, which is benign, but I'm very sure, because I had the same thing happen in my right eye a few years ago.

So now my "good" eye has faint cobwebs and floaters all over my vision. I can still see just fine, sure I could read the 20/20 line on an eye chart, it's mostly just annoying. It will get a bit better in the coming weeks, but much will be permanent.

Literature says ½ of people have a VD by 60, ⅔ by 70. So as common as keratomas on aging skin. Still, I'm a little down today that I'm dealing with Good Eye Gone Bad.

There's gotta be a blues song in there somewhere...

I'm "only" 53, but I can certainly empathize with getting old...er...

So, here's the blues song that you requested (courtesy of chatGPT):
(Verse 1)
Woke up this morning, something wasn't right,
My good eye gone bad, cobwebs in my sight.
Used to see clear, like a hawk in flight,
Now it's floaters and shadows, clouding up the light.

(Chorus)
I got those good eye gone bad blues,
Feels like a loss, feels like bad news.
I'm just a man, feeling kinda sad,
Living with these good eye gone bad blues.

(Verse 2)
Sixty-one years, vision sharp and keen,
Now I'm walking around, caught in a hazy dream.
Vitreous Detachment, what a cruel scheme,
An unwelcome guest, interrupting the scene.

(Chorus)
I got those good eye gone bad blues,
Reading life's fine print, paying my dues.
I'm just a man, feeling kinda mad,
Struggling with these good eye gone bad blues.

(Bridge)
It's a common tale, as we age and grow,
Half by sixty, two-thirds by seventy, so they know.
But it hits hard, when it's your own show,
This ain't the script I chose, but I'll play my role.

(Verse 3)
Off to the optometrist, confirmation to find,
Hoping for some solace, some peace of mind.
It'll get better, they say, with a little time,
But much will be permanent, this new life design.

(Chorus)
I got those good eye gone bad blues,
Living in shadows, singing my muse.
I'm just a man, feeling kinda had,
Reeling with these good eye gone bad blues.

(Outro)
So here's to the journey, the story unread,
The floaters and cobwebs, my new daily thread.
I'll adapt, I'll adjust, move forward with dread,
But I'll never forget the clear sight I once had.
Just strumming on, with these good eye gone bad blues.

 

[Reelman67]

I just had cataract surgery on both eyes in March. Had new lenses inserted. Only need drug store glasses for closeup. Love that I can now see the brighter and more colorful world without glasses. Doesn't affect my flying at all. I can see the drone, can see my Ipad mini as well, without glasses. Highly recommend not putting off cataract surgery and lens replacement.

 

[Robert Prior]

Would you mind satisfying my curiosity? How do you get the old one out and the new one in through that tiny opening? pulverize/liquefy the lens tissue and suck it out?

There's loads of videos on Youtube. I used to show one when I was teaching the optics unit (grade 10 science) that showed everything from the patient getting prepped to the recovery.

(No link because I had it bookmarked at school and I'm retired now and can't find that exact video.)

This isn't the one I showed, but seems good:

You can also find videos of laser eye surgery. The part where they peel the cornea back always grosses me out.

 

[Robert Prior]

Highly recommend not putting off cataract surgery and lens replacement.

A few years ago at a physics conference session on the optics of vision the presenter told us that you only get one shot at a replacement lens, so it pays to get the best you can afford (because you can't upgrade later). He also said that because technology is always advancing the longer you put off the operation the better the lenses you can get.

(He wasn't saying to live with significant visual impairment, just to not rush to get the operation.)

Maybe Dale can weigh in on this?

 

[Droning on and on...]

I'm "only" 53, but I can certainly empathize with getting old...er...

So, here's the blues song that you requested (courtesy of chatGPT):
(Verse 1)
Woke up this morning, something wasn't right,
My good eye gone bad, cobwebs in my sight.
Used to see clear, like a hawk in flight,
Now it's floaters and shadows, clouding up the light.

(Chorus)
I got those good eye gone bad blues,
Feels like a loss, feels like bad news.
I'm just a man, feeling kinda sad,
Living with these good eye gone bad blues.

(Verse 2)
Sixty-one years, vision sharp and keen,
Now I'm walking around, caught in a hazy dream.
Vitreous Detachment, what a cruel scheme,
An unwelcome guest, interrupting the scene.

(Chorus)
I got those good eye gone bad blues,
Reading life's fine print, paying my dues.
I'm just a man, feeling kinda mad,
Struggling with these good eye gone bad blues.

(Bridge)
It's a common tale, as we age and grow,
Half by sixty, two-thirds by seventy, so they know.
But it hits hard, when it's your own show,
This ain't the script I chose, but I'll play my role.

(Verse 3)
Off to the optometrist, confirmation to find,
Hoping for some solace, some peace of mind.
It'll get better, they say, with a little time,
But much will be permanent, this new life design.

(Chorus)
I got those good eye gone bad blues,
Living in shadows, singing my muse.
I'm just a man, feeling kinda had,
Reeling with these good eye gone bad blues.

(Outro)
So here's to the journey, the story unread,
The floaters and cobwebs, my new daily thread.
I'll adapt, I'll adjust, move forward with dread,
But I'll never forget the clear sight I once had.
Just strumming on, with these good eye gone bad blues.

Brilliant!

 

[Droning on and on...]

I just had cataract surgery on both eyes in March. Had new lenses inserted. Only need drug store glasses for closeup. Love that I can now see the brighter and more colorful world without glasses. Doesn't affect my flying at all. I can see the drone, can see my Ipad mini as well, without glasses. Highly recommend not putting off cataract surgery and lens replacement.

That's great news!

Unfortunately, my issue is Vitreous Detachment, not cataracts... there is no treatment.

Fortunately, it's benign, doesn't get worse, and I'm still reading the 20/20 line with the problem in both eyes now. Saw my Opthamologist and confirmed.

I hate getting dilated...

 

[ctdodge]

...sucks.

I'm 61. Yesterday I was blessed with a Vitreous Detachment in my left eye. I'm going to see my Optometrist to make sure that's what it is, which is benign, but I'm very sure, because I had the same thing happen in my right eye a few years ago.

So now my "good" eye has faint cobwebs and floaters all over my vision. I can still see just fine, sure I could read the 20/20 line on an eye chart, it's mostly just annoying. It will get a bit better in the coming weeks, but much will be permanent.

Literature says ½ of people have a VD by 60, ⅔ by 70. So as common as keratomas on aging skin. Still, I'm a little down today that I'm dealing with Good Eye Gone Bad.

There's gotta be a blues song in there somewhere...

A couple years ago I woke up one morning and had floaters in my right eye that wouldn't go away. Went to eye doc and was told I had vitreous detachment and that it would "be my little friend forever". Not that I would call it a friend, but I sort of got used to it. Then about a year and a half later I woke up to have the same thing in my left eye. And yeah, nothing they can do for it so we gotta just deal with it.

I just turned 62

 

[FlyNorth]

I too am 60+... been flying "drones" since you had to solder them together yourself and flying R/C since 1979... I totally get the eyesight thing, mine certainly is not getting better.

THIS is one reason I have been harping on DJI to update current properly equipped models to allow for goggles use with the R/C controller (not the motion Controller!). I am WAY more comfortable wearing goggles when close to my subject matter (typically waterfalls, cliff faces, and other nature stuff in the boonies). Goggles eliminate the glare and I can just see way better.

Of course you would need a spotter, but my wife is accustom to that already. If the Mini Pro 3 and the Mavic Pro 3 were goggles compatible (with the R/C controller) I would have already upgraded my fleet.

Back to the subject of vision: Another alternative that I already use is a good sized tablet, not my phone for my viewing device. I believe it is a 10.5" tablet, and that helps a lot.... as long as I am in the shade so it does not wash out my screen.

I hope this boosts your spirits?!

 

[FlyNorth]

I use a 10.5" tablet also, with a full hood (and my reading glasses). My phone just wouldn't cut it anymore. Don't know what I'd do if I couldn't fly. 66 years old hoping for the best!

 

[NightFlightAlright]

...sucks.

I'm 61. Yesterday I was blessed with a Vitreous Detachment in my left eye. I'm going to see my Optometrist to make sure that's what it is, which is benign, but I'm very sure, because I had the same thing happen in my right eye a few years ago.

I'm sorry… I had early onset cataracts in my late 40s, got surgeries but then had complications which resulted in vitreous detachment which then resulted in detached retinas which then resulted in more surgeries including a vitrectomy.

I'm sure they've told you this but if you see the "dark curtain" come down into any part of your vision, you need to see a retina specialist immediately. And when they tell you it's black, it's not black like when you close your eyes at night, it's black like an empty abyss that sucks all the light out.

Yeah getting old is rather annoying. And our vision is perhaps the most fragile part of us—is involved in 62% of our brain's processing, and is literally a majority of the human experience... and yet vision so often taken for granted...

We have reason to believe that the reason I had early onset cataracts was having been prescribed nasal steroids for allergies like Flonase. Had I known it would have a side effect like --losing my vision-- I would've just carried more Kleenex with me for f---s sake....

 

[Droning on and on...]

Sorry to hear, @NightFlightAlright, how's your vision now? Were the surgeries and treatments successful?