Beverly Bradley used to get out a magnifying glass to read the newspaper and magazines. Bev’s cataracts had gotten so bad she gave up driving. Doctors actually considered her legally blind…but that’s all changed.

Bev recently underwent cataract surgery at university of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Surgeons now use new techniques, which allow for much faster rehabilitation. For Bev, the results were dramatic.

"She had a level of vision that was considered legally blind prior to her surgery. Within a week or two after the initial surgery, she had uncorrected vision that would allow her to pass a driver’s test," says Tim Johnson, M.D., UI Health Care ophthalmologist.

"My vision has just turned around. I just could see everything. Everything’s so bright and colorful. I’m really happy I had it done here," says Bev.

Bev is back to reading again – without a magnifying glass or even glasses. She plans to get her driver’s license back, too:

"It’s very rewarding as a surgeon to take somebody who is legally blind and return to functional vision," says Johnson.

"If you have cataracts, you sure want to have them taken care of, because you miss seeing a lot of things," says Bev.

Bev doesn’t plan to miss seeing things any more… she’s got too much catching up to do.

For more information about cataracts and your treatment options, talk with your local eye doctor or visit the UI Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

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Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Tim Johnson, M.D.