Cataract surgery

I've just had cataract surgery (on 31st May) and it was fine- my eye is a bit gritty and misty still but I did have a very bad cataract because I'd been too terrified to get it done! Can't drive or wear make-up for a fortnight and the drops are a bit of a faff but will be having the other eye done without fear now because I know what to expect.

I wouldn’t post before I knew you d had it done Sapphire as I didn’t want to freak you but I had a very bad experience when my first eye was done just before Christmas as the local anaesthetic didn’t work and I felt every cut and dig it was extremely painful almost unbearable however I couldn’t be lop sided so I went ahead with the second op and it was a breeze
I m very pleased I had them both done but wouldn’t want to go through that again

I'm the original poster of this thread, and can tell you almost a year on from my op, that it is one of the best things I've ever done. The op was painless, I could just feel a bit of pressure during the procedure, and the discomfort afterwards was minimal ...my eye felt a bit gritty and dry for about a day. I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again!

Read the posts above - it is a doddle - pain-free and untraumatic.

Im terrified of cataract op is it scary.I go on 15th this month and im having doubts but know i need it done. Any replies would be helpful.Thanks.

Meant to say, so glad I got it done.x

I had cataract done six weeks ago and am having the 2nd eye done next week. No problems, no pain. By the 2nd day you will be able to see so much better. Trust me, it's a breeze. Do glad to get it done.

I was lucky my second one was done just before lockdown ,a painless procedure everything looked a lot brighter glad I got it done .

That's reassuring Luckygirl3. Thanks. I suspect that's the way I'll go (if given the choice)

I had both done at the same time - it was entirely painless and non-traumatic. Much preferable to the dentist!

I had distance vision lenses put in both eyes and then later had varifocal glasses to take account of astigmatism and the need for close work ability. I wear the glasses all the time, but can potter about without and indeed am allowed to drive without.

I have been fine, in spite of having a number of other known vision defects in my eyes.

one at a
time in case of a problem
next is soon
even so iwas able to read 2 days later

If I accept the private surgery I have been offered, both eyes would be done at the same time one after the other. It's the norm now, apparently.

Had both eyes done, separately of course! over 3 years ago. It is the most amazing operation. Painless and to see so well straight away.
Speak to your optician as you will be out of focus until they do second eye. I only had short time between the two.
Wear the eye patch and use the drops they give you.

I am due surgery soon too. I have just heard that the 2 yr waiting list is to be shortened so I could be seen quite soon at a private clinic courtesy of the NHS
I'm pleased about that as my blurry sight is impacting now.

Thanks for the thread and update. Most reassuring.

Thank you for this thread - I am due a cataract op in the next few months, with the other one due afterwards. I just wondered how people manage existing reading/driving glasses following the procedure? Bearing in mind a revised prescription is needed ...... maybe a clear or replacement lens? Thank you for any info!

Im terrified of cateract op and have got into right state over thinking. Your experiences have helped and will keep reading them my op is on 15th so fingerx.

That’s great news. Well done! Enjoy your new vision!

Thanks for updating us on how it went and glad that you feel up to typing an answer so soon after having it done. Hope the recovery continues to go well.

Mine was not so straightforward. Twice, it could not be done because my blood pressure was too high. Must have been pre-op nerves. Was done in the end, but I am not in a hurry to get the second one done. I can see well enough for my needs.

That's wonderful Sapphire24. It must be so exciting too as well as the relief of it being over. Please let us know how you get on over the next week or so.
I really must be brave and get on with it.

when I had mine done

Really pleased it went well. I was pleased whdn I had mine for.

Hi Grans
Thought I'd update with news of my cataract surgery. Had it done approx 10am this morning.
It went extremely well and just very slight discomfort; I'm amazed how well I can see already.

I feel very privileged, as I found out that it can take up to 2 years from referral to get the surgery. It took exactly 3 months for me, but then my optician did say he was putting me through as an urgent referral.
Thanks to all who replied to my original post. X

This thread is really helping me to steel myself to get on with it. The Slaves chorus from Nabucco just about clinched it for me. It's a favourite!

grumppa

No pain, no side-effects.

The slaves' chorus from Nabucco was played for the first eye, and was put on again for the second. I remarked on this, and the surgeon asked me if I would like something else. "Certainly not," I replied. "You wield the scalpel, you choose the music."

grumppa I had to ask them to stop the music before they even started as it was December and were playing Christmas music . I begged for anything classical instead.