Cataract surgery

Following with interest, I am awaiting an appointment to discuss surgery after seeing my optometrist last week.

Dh has had both eyes operated on in the past 4 months. Surgery itself only took around 30 mins on an outpatient basis and the only significant issue afterwards has been the glare/brightness. He says it's like seeing the world in HD, but has bought blue tinted specs normally used to filter out computer screen glare to lessen this.

Do you know if the glare/brightness is a temporary thing?

Had mine done just before lockdown it was like having a film taken away everything looks a lot lighter,only downside I can now see dust and bits on carpet ?

Apparently it is only temporary as your brain adjusts to different levels of input. Dh is noticing a difference now but says it's because his brain isn't working as fast as it used to! Also forgot to say that we opted to go privately as NHS waiting list was almost 2 years - he was getting to the point that he wouldn't have been legal to drive.

I've got a hospital appointment next week for an assessment.
I'm a bit nervous....

Snap blossoming. I am at last on a waiting list. I am still legal to drive but my sight has deteriorated and night driving is scary so I don't.
Everyone says it's straight forward surgery and so low risk that both eyes can be done at the same time.

I had to wait 5 weeks before second one done which was normal at clinic where I went ,I was lucky I went for test where it was decided I needed both when I went to book in they said they had a cancellation so got it done next day this was nhs.

Henetha - Dh says there's nothing to be nervous about at the assessment, it's little different to an optician's appointment. They'll put drops in to dilate your pupils, do a scan and talk you through the process. You'll most likely need someone with you as the drops make your vision blurred and bright.

Oh thank you Katek . Nice of you to reassure me.
Yes, my son is coming with me as it says on the letter about not driving for a couple of hours.

All sounds encouraging. Thank you.

I am going private because the NHS waiting list is so ridiculously long. I have done this for hip, microdiscectomy and various scans. I know I am part of the death knell of the NHS, but I do not have a lot of life left and need to be as well as I can. It is iniquitous. I was going to book a holiday abroad for next year but will spend the money on eyesight instead.

You were indeed lucky Hulahoop - waiting lists for this surgery are horrendous in our health board area b

My FIL had both eyes done about 20 years ago. He is 95 now and had his eyes checked last week. The optician was amazed and said he has the vision of an 18-year-old and the surgeon who carried out the op did a fantastic job.

DH had one done recently and is now waiting for the second. Both NHS. Although he wanted it done he was a little nervous having read a bit about the procedure. After he said it was absolutely fine and not painful at all. He hasn’t had the brightness others mention but has regained his distance vision in the operated eye.

That sounds encouraging. Mind you, at 18 I was very short-sighted!

I have no wish to lose my glasses - no-one would recognise me - I have worn them from age 5. I just want to see a bit better.

Had mine done some years ago, and had my myopia corrected at the same time. No pain, no problems.

Go for it . The difference is amazing .

Our thoughts entirely Luckygirl - it shouldn't be like this but what price your health?

Thank you for all the responses, and thank you LuckyGirl3 for starting this thread. I’m waiting for the assessment appointment, I was only referred last week. The waiting time for surgery here is only 2 weeks.

I have had both eyes done and I no longer need glasses I still have problems driving at night though so I avoid it.
It sounds like a scary procedure to have but it really isn't.It is painless and doesn't last long and the results are definitely worth it.

I had mine done a few years ago. Privately as I had health insurance through my company at the time
As everyone has already said, the procedures were quick, painless and the difference in my sight was instant.

OH had both done earlier this year, 6 weeks apart. Only a few weeks wait from Boots opticians refferal and done on NHS at Spa Medica clinic. (We're in the south east). Have to wait 6 weeks after surgery before getting new spectacles. Can drive before that if you meet the requirements for reading a number plate at specified distance. He always wears sunglasses now even if mildly sunny. Good luck.

My oh had his cataract op 5 weeks ago .
He was in and out of the hospital in just over an hour and is still absolutely thrilled in the difference it has made the whole procedure was painless just a bit of discomfort for a couple of days but we'll worth it

2 weeks*Blossoming*!!
That's fast
I was told 60 weeks unless there's a cancellation.
I first have to see an opthalmologist.