my machine has the threader too but one must remember how to use it! I like to thread the stilly needle myself. just habit. sometimes I do wet the back of the needle. even tried the white card trick. I just had cataract surgery but haven't really noticed threading being better. Just that everything is very bright!!! Still, have your eyes checked out when you can and in the mean time, get that needle threaded what ever way works best for you.