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Cataracts

(10 Posts)
mrsmopp Thu 18-May-17 12:29:58

Had my eyes tested today and I knew they have deteorated since my last test. I found reading difficult and couldn't see the subtitles on TV. I have tripped over kerbs and fallen flat on my face.
Optician says I have cataracts in both eyes as I struggled to read the letters on the board and she referred me to the hospital. What is the operation like? Very quick I am told and I will need eye drops for 4 weeks and then only need glasses for reading. I would like to hear from anyone who has had this done as I'm a bit squeamish about the op under a local a aesthetic. Will the new lenses they put in last for some time or do they need doing again? Any advice?

mcem Thu 18-May-17 13:01:37

Check out the thread Driving at night Where you'll find a full discussion of the topic. Probably others too as this question crops up fairly regularly and there are lots of experiences to be shared.
Bottom line is - worst part is imagining what it will be like. Stop worrying! You'll feel nothing and significantly you'll see nothing.
Straightforward aftercare and great results. Go for it as soon as you can.
Come back and keep us up to date.

Auntieflo Thu 18-May-17 13:59:08

MrsMopp, the procedure is quite painless. Yes, I was aware of 'something' going on, but your eyes and the surround, will be anaesthetised, and this wears off after a while. You will probably be given an eye shield to wear home and at night for a while. Everything looks amazing afterwards, colours are so bright. You will need specs for reading, after a period while your eyes adjust. Don't worry, you'll be fine. DH needed a laser blast, after a couple of years, but he said it was so quick and also painless, and he is the biggest worrywort re anything to do with his eyes,

PoshGran Thu 18-May-17 16:21:55

I echo what Auntieflo said.
I had rapid onset cataracts done 7 years ago (NHS); first op done by a "baby" surgeon (her first op) under direct supervision of consultant (who did take over at one point). Second op done 7 weeks later by same consultant, who obliged me with a commentary on what she was doing!
mrsmopp I would say I experienced moments of mild discomfort, but no pain in both 15-20 minute ops. It is usually a very straightforward procedure, with quick results. Ask questions at the clinic, take something to listen to on op day (you won't be able to read easily once the first lot of dilation drops are in) & just "go with the flow".
Earlier this year I also had laser treatment on one eye, it is not uncommon. Again,no pain & immediate gain.

Good luck & let us know how you get on. smile

Liz46 Thu 18-May-17 16:44:54

I've had both mine done in the last few months. It is uncomfortable and there is a lot of sitting round waiting for the drops to work but it is perhaps on a par with a long visit to the dental hygienist.

Nothing to worry about and the benefits are great. I bored my poor husband to death reading number plates to him soon after my first one was done!

rizlett Thu 18-May-17 16:54:08

My mum said it was amazing how well she could see after her op - she didn't realise how cloudy everything had become - 2 years later she did get some further clouding but again just had them lasered and perfect vision again.

grandma60 Thu 18-May-17 17:34:58

Yes please don't worry Mrsmopp. I have had both mine done and have had worse visits to the dentist. Well worth it as others have said. You won't believe how clear everything is.

mrsmopp Thu 18-May-17 18:33:16

Thanks for all the reassuring posts. I knew my eyesight had gone worse as l was struggling to read as my eyes were so tired and the words dancing about on the page. Couldn't see bus destinations or road signs. The world looks as if it needs its windows cleaning as all was misted up. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks all!

mcem Thu 18-May-17 18:55:19

My aunt had the treatment at 80 and likened the experience to switching from a black-and-white tv to a colour one.
The bonus for me was that I had clear lens exchange (inserting prescription lenses) and I was free of specs after wearing them for 50 years!
You won't regret this step.

Iam64 Thu 18-May-17 19:52:10

I'm another one who had cataracts removed from both eyes in the past several months. Mine were complicated because of a history of eye inflammation but the ops were easy, recovery speedy and outcomes fantastic.