[Jeff2016]

Hey Everyone,

I'm still alive and kicking... still far from producing the welds that I want; but, I'm more comfortable with Tig.

Kind of an odd question...

I am scheduled to have cataract surgery in both eyes within the next month. I have opted to go with multifocal lenses which should correct distance and most close-up vision.

One of the side effects of this type of lens is halos. Most of the discussion has been about night driving and lights from oncoming cars. It is supposed to subside (or somehow get programmed out by my mind) after several months.

I'm just curious if anyone else has experience with welding after having this type of lens implanted (or even with regular cataract surgery). I'm wondering how much time I will need to stay away from welding. Not sure if the weld light through the auto darkening helmet will be the same kind of issue as headlights at night.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

[77cruiser]

I'll follow this as I'm having my eyes done next week with the adjustable lenses.

[cj737]

Your helmet should provide fully dequate protection and not allow any “halos” given your shade setting is high enough.

Don’t be surprised if you still benefit from a cheater lens after surgery though.

[Jeff2016]

Hi CJ,

Thanks for your thoughts.

This whole experience is going to be interesting. I have heard great things about the multi-focal lenses. The two negatives most often mentioned are that I will probably need reading glasses for low light / small print conditions, and that the lenses are more prone to halos. I have talked with some people who had these issues, some people who had no issues, and some who had issues with halos and mono lenses.

I'm going in with the expectation that I will have some halos, but general overall vision. Removal of the cataracts is the most important part... not something to disregard. (Last night I was driving at night... halos have become an annoyance the last year or two with bright headlights. I just don't know if I should expect the same or worse, at least until my brain adjusts to the new lenses.)

I'll provide an update in a few months.

Thanks,

Jeff

[77cruiser]

I had one eye done yesterday, next Tuesday the other one. I'm going to ask the Doc about welding.

[Jeff2016]

Hi 77cruiser,

I had one eye done yesterday, next Tuesday the other one. I'm going to ask the Doc about welding.

If you're on the computer writing messages here it must be a good sign about your surgery yesterday. It's great you're able jump right back into things.

Good luck next Tuesday with the other one.

Jeff

[77cruiser]

It's doing fine, I see a lot clearer out of that eye. After everything is all adjusted she said welding would be a non issue.
I drove after dark last night & didn't notice any halos, although the first day after looking at our LED yard light I saw a big sparkling halo.

[77cruiser]

It's doing fine, I see a lot clearer out of that eye. After everything is all adjusted she said welding would be a non issue.
I drove after dark last night & didn't notice any halos, although the first day after looking at our LED yard light I saw a big sparkling halo.
BTW I got the Light adjustable lenses.

https://rxsight.com/

[Jeff2016]

Hi CJ,

I have a question about your comment concerning the cheaters.

Your helmet should provide fully dequate protection and not allow any “halos” given your shade setting is high enough.

Don’t be surprised if you still benefit from a cheater lens after surgery though.

I'm really pleased with the cataract surgeries. Both were successful, and there were no complications.

I opted for the multi-focal lenses. I can now read without glasses (for both regular reading and computer) and distance is pretty good, too.

I have only sat down at the bench a few times since the surgery. I can see the joint, torch and filler pretty well without any cheater before I start welding; but, something still isn't quite right once I strike and arc. I have tried cheaters in the helmet (1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3) which I have gathered over the years. To be honest, I probably see best with the 3 magnification; but, I feel like that's way overkill. Maybe I'm trying to make it too easy?

Just wondering about your comment regarding cheaters, and if you have known welders who have gone through the process, too.

I know that my eyes are still healing from the surgeries (the left eye 4-weeks ago and the right eye 2-weeks ago), so maybe I am jumping the gun with questions.

Thanks,

Jeff

[cj737]

At our advanced age it’s really more about light gathering ability and a proper distance for our eyes to focus. It may be that once you strike an arc, you’re adjusting your head distance and thus falling out of prime focus distance.

There’s really no harm in using a higher magnification lens. It should allow you to be slightly farther away from your work. Once you get within 14” of anything, your eyes will actually cross to focus. That’s not ideal.

But I don’t know anyone directly who has had cataract surgery and welded for a living, you must be really, really old! 🫣

Just keep trying different lenses as you heal up. Something will work “best” for you.

[Jeff2016]

Hey CJ,

It hurt to read that. Lol

If 70 is really old... I guess I need to own up to that.

Isn't 70 the new 50... or however that saying goes?

I'll play with the different magnifications over the next several weeks and see what happens. (My garage heater failed last weekend, and it's cold out there. So, I hope to get going again when a replacement arrives tomorrow.)

Thanks for your input.

(Not sure why I never saw a message that you replied.)

Jeff

[cj737]

(Not sure why I never saw a message that you replied.)

Probably those damn old eyes again…

[77cruiser]

Hey CJ,

It hurt to read that. Lol

If 70 is really old... I guess I need to own up to that.

Isn't 70 the new 50... or however that saying goes?

I'll play with the different magnifications over the next several weeks and see what happens. (My garage heater failed last weekend, and it's cold out there. So, I hope to get going again when a replacement arrives tomorrow.)

Thanks for your input.

(Not sure why I never saw a message that you replied.)

Jeff

I think 70 is still 70 from what starting to happen to my body.
Had 1 adjustment done on mine going for another tomorrow, I'm not expecting that much. Right now 2-4 ft. is really good & anything else it get a bit hazy.