welding after cataract surgery

[johndeerefarmer]

Hi, I had cataract surgery on both eyes at 56 years of age. I blame this on using Flonase for 20 years BTW!
Before surgery my distance vision was sorry and close up was fair. I could see to weld without issue.
The lens that were implanted gave me great distance vision in both eyes. Intermediate vision is good but close up vision stinks unless I am in bright light. I use a 1.5X to 1.75X to read in low light conditions
I have a Digital Elite helmet. I mounted a 3 LED headlamp on the helmet, which might help a little. If I am welding thin metal, 1/8" or so the view is so blurry I can't see what I am doing. I am nearly welding "blind".
Once I turn up the amperage to weld thicker metals, the arc is brighter and I can see perfectly and my welds are great.
I have tried using some bright lights over the welding table which helps a little. I also use 2X reading glasses under my helmet.

Has anyone had this issue? What did you do about it?
Thanks

 

[Jeepnford]

Don't feel too bad, I had cataract surgery at about the same age and never took Flonase a day in my life. I attribute it to working outdoors for 25 years. Anyway, You're doing about the same thing I do, put as much light on as I can. Have you tried readers up or down 1/2 or 1/4 diopter? I like the cheater lens that mounts in the hood.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Cataract surgery did not change my welding except I could see the puddle clearer. I use a digital usually set on #10 and wear my 2.0 cheater. Overall my vision went to 20-20 from a lot worse. Bet thing I did. Dr said welding did not cause the cataracts, it is old age and stiffening of the lens.

Ron

 

[zzvyb6]

My opthamologist can send my prescription to Sweden where they make 'glasses' that are actually ground glass, not pressed plastic. As I recall they are Ray-Bans (Maybe same as normal sunglasses brand). Takes a month to get them. Tall frame with wide lenses.

 

[yomax4]

Another thing to consider is your welding hood. The new technology out there removes the Green tint to your lens while welding. This makes it look like the lens never changed to dark. A friend gave me a hood from Weldcote Metals called a Kleer-View Plus True-Color. When I strike the arc there is no color. Kleer-View. Not only inexpensive but has a 3 year warranty. Try one out at your LWS I was pleasantly surprised. Good Luck !!

 

[dragoneggs]

Another thing to consider is your welding hood. The new technology out there removes the Green tint to your lens while welding. This makes it look like the lens never changed to dark. A friend gave me a hood from Weldcote Metals called a Kleer-View Plus True-Color. When I strike the arc there is no color. Kleer-View. Not only inexpensive but has a 3 year warranty. Try one out at your LWS I was pleasantly surprised. Good Luck !!

And I assume it accepts the 'cheater' lenses?

 

[WranglerX]

I had cataract surgery 4 years ago, and took the far vision option.... At computer I and general reading I use 2.5 diopter cheaters.... For welding I managed to insert a 2 and a 1 diopter cheater lens in behind standard AD lenses, I know its a lot, but I get better vision to see what arc is actually doing as it it washes over gap/puddle I am trying to weld.....Another thing that helps immensely is to put a lot of light on area where weld will be done, a good light source would be good quartz work lamp... Also playing with "headlamp" on helmet because a slight tilt of head puts a lot of light where I want it....



Fount htis example on I-net and I have dome something similar with small LED flashlight and duct tape till I find headlamp I am happy with to mount permanent...

Dale

 

[Budweiser John]

Dale where did you find that light? Internet address?
My macular degeneration is killing my welding skills among other things and i’m Needing lost more light to see things these days.

B. John

 

[johndeerefarmer]

I mounted a 3 LED head lamp on my helmet and it helps some but still blurry. I will look into the Weldcote Metals helmet.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[WranglerX]

Dale where did you find that light? Internet address?
My macular degeneration is killing my welding skills among other things and i’m Needing lost more light to see things these days.

B. John

Actually I have not found it yet... Pic is snatch from Google Images.... But just about any miner or cave explorer light may work.... Try to find one that is for mounting on bump/hard hat, If you find really cool on the has cool adjustments and mount I would really like to know....

Dale

 

[RoyKing]

You need to get a lenses that is focused for your welding distance. Also when you get tested have them dim the room lites so your pupil will open. The more expensive solution is a full frame progressive bifocal. This will allow you tilt your head and be able to change your focus distance about 10 inches from selected distance, they will be about $600.00,you'll need a large window face mask to make it work

 

[yomax4]

And I assume it accepts the 'cheater' lenses?

I use a cheater as well. Yes it will go in from the top or bottom and slides to where you need it.

 

[George2615]

Great post. I too had cataract surgery on both eyes just last month. Chose to correct vision for distance. Both eyes now 20/20. I haven't tried welding yet but figured I may need to use readers under the helmet. I use 1.75 or 2.0 for close work.

It's hard for me to get used to because for the past 50 years I needed glasses to see distance and NOT for computer work, reading, or any close up work. Now, it's just the opposite and need glasses for close work. Things are much brighter now and use sunglasses to drive.

 

[oosik]

OH, Brother. I just had the eye Dr check my eyes yesterday. I'm beginning to develop cataracts. For the last couple years its been reading glasses OR real strong light if I'm doing anything up close. So far - distance needs no help. This whole situation scares me. I'm blind in my right eye (hereditary). If, for any reason, they should screw up on the surgery on my left eye..........

The Dr said I should wait until things get worse before any surgery. I've been to two local eye Dr's for their opinions. Both say the same thing. I will be going to the eye Dr every year from now on.

 

[stuckmotor]

I have dry eyes. Dr. says my face is sagging and don't hold my eyes tight enough among other causes. I had the cateract surgery on the worst eye. The good news - When the moisture level is right it's now my better eye. The bad news - Keeping the moisture level right is kind of an art and I'm no artist. Welding is probably a little better now.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

Because I am in my mid 50's the doctor put in multifocal lens that were for distance and intermediate vision. The left eye has astigimatism so it took a different lens. It has a focal point of 16" and the right eye is 24".
Distance vision is 20:10 in one eye and 20:20 in the other. I can read the computer fairly well without glasses but way better with them. If I am out in the bright sun I can read most things. In a darkened room I need 1.75x to 2X. At night every light has a starburst pattern with rays coming off of the light. Luckily I don't drive much at night.
Give me bright light and a strong arc from lets say 120A from a stick welder I can see fine.

Someone suggested a fixed gold lens so I will try that instead of using my Miller Digital elite. I also see that they now make helmets with true vue lens so something else to look into

 

[flusher]

After cataract surgery I used the same auto dimming helmet as before. But I added a pair of wrap around sunglasses, polarized, UV400 with light yellow tint. You need to protect those plastic insert lenses in your eyes from damage due to ultraviolet radiation, which can get into your helmet from the backside after reflection from walls, etc. And I always wear the sunglasses outdoors.

Good luck

 

[cqaigy2]

I use cheaters that focus best at the distance i'm mostly welding. I would sometimes try to get closer, thinking i'd see better, then remember to back up and the picture was much clearer. Bright lights help, welding in the sun is pretty good, if your hood blocks out light shining into the hood. I've come to the conclusion, that my sight will never be as good as it once was.

 

[Bsavulis]

I would suggest you try this light, it is way beyond bright! It is rechargeable. I have one on my recumbent trike that is 7 yrs old and still works great. Could probably put the very small battery pack on your belt. No larger than a pack of cigarettes.

Brian


https://www.amazon.com/Comunite-Hea...=B018YU370M&psc=1&refRID=9WDEN7SRRV7FV6YE6HPP