Cataract Operation

Prior to the actual cataract operation in early January 2021, I have had a long internal debate to decide whether to opt for multi-focal lens or mono lens for my cataract operation. It had been my preference that if I ever have a chance to replace my deteriorated lens, I should opt to be free from wearing spectacles thereafter. This preference was prompted mainly by life style and the nuisance and clumsiness of putting on glasses during cycling when I needed to put on glasses to read the time on my watch or to browse the messages on the handphone.

The ophthalmologist in one of the local private hospitals whom I first consulted in November 2019 was adamant that I should choose mono lens even knowing my preference for multi-focal lens. Her reason which was based on her experience was that multi-focal lens would not be suitable for certain professionals. People like engineers and architects who prefer to see "sharp" pictures would regret later on for having chosen the multi-focal lens. Her comment put me in two minds and by the time I wanted to proceed with the operation, Covid-19 pandemic set in in early 2020. 

It was in December 2020 that I finally decided to seriously consider having the cataract operation done again. This was also prompted after I got to know a new friend, an old school mate through the Lok Yuk Old Photos FB Group - this was almost a divine intervention of sort! She worked in one of the reputable eye specialist hospitals and was too happy to set up an appointment for me with the ophthalmologist after I told her of my desire to have a cataract operation. 

This ophthalmologist was not that insistent about having mono lens but he did explain the possible repercussions of having multi-focal lens, just like what the previous ophthalmologist said. Surprisingly, both never mentioned about the third option - a mono vision.

It was my DIL, an eye specialist in Singapore who introduced this third option to me, a compromise between multi-focal and mono. In the end, I opted for this - to be able to see both far and near without glasses and with minimum "risks" associated with multi-focal.

I was pleasantly surprised just how "advanced" the eye hospital where I had my operation is. The actual procedure lasted less than fifteen minutes. Immediately after the operation, my eye was only covered by a transparent perforated plastic cover and I could use my new eye to see my surrounding. A classmate who now resides in Hong Kong who had her cataract operation done almost the same time had her eye bandaged up for at least two days! My second eye was operated on 6 January, two days later. This short span of time did away the need for a second Covid test to justify for an operation!

The cataract operation instantly offered me a new lease of good vision. I realized just how far my vision had deteriorated over the years. White cloud which had turned pale brown was back to its pure white again! But still, there is a limit what science and technology can help to reverse failing organs. In the end, mono vision is good for normal near and far vision up to a certain extent. It cannot be the same with natural eyes. For comfort and clarity under prolonged reading, I purchased a pair of reading glasses.

"Virtual" Granddaughter

Time passes exceedingly fast. This is most felt especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic when the ticking of the clock is felt strikingly pronounced. In the midst of the restrictive mobility, our fourth grandchild, Madeleine turned one year old on 17 April 2021. Sadly, her grandparents outside her country have yet to hug and cuddle her.

Still, we are glad to have been updated regularly of her growth from birth to one year old through virtual connectivity. WhatsApp photos, Skype and Zoom sessions have been the only mean of communication.

Maddie is adorably vivacious. Her keenness to get to know this set of grandparents is demonstrated by her eagerness to get close to the media screen during online chat and touch the "virtual" grandparents. Like her sister, she too pleads her request by way of "pounding the heart" (Read here).

Some say that normal travel will only be possible in 2024, that is at least two years away. To a four years old by then, will her grandparents known to her all along in a virtual world be welcomed and accepted by her in a real physical world?

1st day

2 weeks

5 weeks

10 weeks

12 weeks (3 months)

5 months

6 months

7 months

8.5 months

5 days shy of 10 months

10 months

11 months

1 year old.