Cataract surgery

Had both done within a few weeks clinic for NHS patients 5* service great result

Simple procedure. Takes about 20 minutes at most!
Nothing to worry about. If both eyes need doing take the opportunity to have flexi lenses fitted means you never have to wear glasses again. You will have to pay something towards it, a not exorbitant amount, but probably worth it. I regret that due to my 2 cataracts being done 3 years apart that I was not able to take advantage of this.

I had my right eye done two years ago and am getting my left one done next month. I am a complex case because I have advanced keratoconus and only really see out of my left eye.

I will always need glasses and have been warned the results for me are unpredictable, I may need a second lens inserted 3 months later. They’ve left it until my cataract is really bad because I am totally dependent on my left eye, that means I haven’t been able to drive for about 6 months now and everything else is being affected.
I am desperate to get it done and can only hope the results are worth it.

Have just had retinal surgery AB’s a cataract done. If you have those retinal complications OP, they will be thorough in their assessment of your need and if advised, take the surgery. Cataract surgery has a very low complications risk. The cataract was easy, the retina surgery less so. I am waiting for my second cataract to be done, not due to waiting list but because the retina of the other needs to settle and I can’t risk both eyes being wonky!

I had cataract surgery a year ago. One eye at a time. I was so short sighted and the cataracts were making it illegal for me to drive.
Do I took the plunge and had it done privately. Marvellous results. Left eye he made 20/20 vision And right eye he made so I can read . I’ve got used to my new eyes now but I do need a good light to read by. But that’s old age for you ! I’m 72

I had a cataract removal a couple of years ago. I had an infection post injection for macular degeneration. The Consultant advised it should be done to remove infection and cataract at the same time. The worst thing for me was keeping my head very still during the procedure and lying flat. I think as I always say, if I can do it anyone can as I never thought having injections in my eye would be tolerated. The Hospital I attend is amazing and NHS.

I’ve had one eye done and need the other done sometime. Immediately you have a dressing on but can take it off later. You’re given an eye shield to wear in bed for a few days, just to stop you rubbing your eye in your sleep. Drops have to be put in four times a day, can’t remember for how long. You can drive after a couple if days if I remember correctly but you’ll be told all this and given a booklet. The procedure itself is nothing to worry about. The surgeon will tell you what is happening. You are aware of bright light but there us a moment when everything goes black. This is when your old lens is collapsed. Then the new lens is inserted and all is bright again. The main thing I noticed was that with one eye closed the new lens made everything brighter, like the difference between a white lightbulb and a warm white one. My untreated eye is still warm white. With both eyes open this isn’t noticeable. Mine was done about eighteen months ago and has become a little cloudy so needs laser treatment to polish it up. This only happens in a few cases apparently.
All in all it’s quite a pleasant experience and you’ll appreciate the better eyesight.
BTW I also have macular degeneration and have injections every few weeks for that so I don’t expect perfect results from the surgery.

Can anyone give me the reassurance I need?
For some reason I have a real phobia about having any treatment / close up scrutiny of my eyes! I put off having my eyes tested for as long as possible, particularly hating the puff of air that they do - it’s all really silly I know . . .
I simply hate the idea of having my head put in a clamp and having a bright light close to my eyes - even thinking about it makes me feel faint!
I’m not yet aware whether or even if I will ever need cataract treatment - but I do know from all your posts that it’s obviously painless and totally worth doing - but when the time comes I don’t know how I would cope!

My friend has had both eyes done now and said it was absolutely fine and painless. The most difficult bit was the anticipation of someone coming so close to her eye and fear of it going wrong. After a couple of weeks her eyes were fine and she was delighted both times as she got her good sight back.
These are routine small procedures that they do all the time. I've never heard of any that didn't go well.

I have had both my eyes done and laser on them both afterwards too. No problem with any of it at all. Still use varifocus but now I can see clearly.

I had both mine done in June. I have been incredibly short-sighted all my life (couldn't see the big letter at the top without my glasses) I have also had detached retinas in both eyes repaired in the past. They did warn me the retinas might be a problem, but luckily they were OK. I got them to do both eyes at the same time, as one eye with and one without a prescription would have been complicated; and I also persuaded them to do them under GA.
They asked if I would prefer to be able to see long-distance or close to without glasses, as the lenses can be done one way or the other. (If you go private, you can get prescription lenses to do both) I went for clear long-distance vision, and when I woke up I could see clearly without glasses for the first time in 60 years!
I bought some cheap reading glasses for close work, until I could get a new prescription. My eyes also were (and are still a little) sensitive to glare.
I wouldn't have had the op. just to improve my vision, but since the cataracts had to be done anyway, the vision is a nice bonus.
My optician referred me 2 years ago, as she knew there would be a waiting list, then I had my pre-op assessment in April; and the operation in June.

Hi Luckygirl, I had cataract surgery on both eyes last year, one after the other. The cataract grew quickly and was covering my eyes. Of course, I was very nervous about the operation but I have to say, I was very much looked after by the consultant ophthalmologist and his team. Both during and after. I was worried about the pain and how long it would take for recovery and whether I would be able to see again!! Before the surgery is done a pellet is put in your eye to numb whatever discomfort you might feel. The actual operation takes about half an hour. You are given time to recover in the waiting room with your eye bandaged up and they suggest a family member or friend come to collect you. You are given medication, eye washes, etc to help with the recovery at home. This takes about 4 weeks. However, by the end of the first week, I could see clearly and I was amazed at how bright and shiny everything appeared. It was like looking through sun-filled windows that had just been properly washed. Everything appeared bright, the colours of the foliage and flowers in my garden, the sunshine, everything! I was delighted after years of seeing things through cloudy, hazy lens. When friends visited my house before I had the surgery, they would often remark on the dust on my tables, books etc. The thing is I could never see the dust and thought I had dusted properly. So, don't be put off having cataract surgery it is absolutely worth it.

I,v had both done in the last couple of years and told them I was needle phobic, they just put drops in , I felt nothing . I mentioned this right at the beginning.

By the way, I should say my cataract surgery was done on the NHS and the whole team was professional and supportive. Excellent service. I still have to wear glasses for reading but otherwise, all is well. I don't drive anymore.

HannahLoisLuke
The eye drops are 4 times a day for one week, then 3 times for 1 week, then twice a day for 1 week then once a day for 1 week.

Had mine done in May this year, 4 weeks apart. They don't do both at the same time, which appears to be a common myth. Loads of drops of different types put in the eye beforehand. The procedure didn't hurt and all you can see is a bright light. They cover your face apart from the eye being done, with an adhesive plastic sheet and pulling that off at the end was the worst bit. 2 lots of eye drops to put in afterwards for 4 weeks, on of the quite stingy. Sent home with a plastic shield over the eye which I had to wear at night for a few nights. Results amazing, I'd always been extremely short sighted and now I'm not. I had one eye done for distance and other for reading and now I don't need glasses at all, for the first time ever, it's marvellous.

I had cataract surgery in both eyes several years ago using the femtosecond laser assisted procedure as opposed to the traditional surgical procedure. I had monofocal implants with one eye for distance and the other for medium and close-up vision. I did need the YAG laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification some 18 months later - this is very common. I am now 75 years old and have better than 2020 vision and no need for reading glasses. It is the first time in my life that I have not needed glasses or contact lenses! It was done at a private clinic but funded by the NHS. I would suggest anyone contemplating such surgery thoroughly researches it to facilitate informed discussion as to the options available.

Yes...had both eyes done last summer. This is how I would describe the difference it made. Imagine seeing the world as if it was a dirty yellow old master and then seeing it after it had been expertly cleaned. This is how it was. Now I see the world in all its beauty...every colour as clear and sharp as it could be... It is a beautiful world ?

My husband went to Specsavers about 6 weeks ago and the optician there made an immediate appointment for him to go to a private hospital on the NHS to have a cataract removed. He goes on Friday of next week. He's been told for 3 or 4 years that he would need this, but the speed at which he was offered the surgery has amazed me. Apparently in order to speed things up following Covid, the NHS bought slots privately.

Had a vitrectomy and cataract removed at same time. Absolutely no problem. Annual check up at optician has identified a cataract appearing on other eye but not severe enough yet for removal. Will have ut done when necessary without hesitation. Sister in her 80s had cataracts removed on both eyes. I accompanies her. Again no problems, all done in minutes.

Luckygirl3

Anyone had this? Optician yesterday said I needed a new prescription in my glasses, but that it would be like polishing a scratched window!

I would be interested in the experience of others.

My situation is slightly more complicated as I have cystic spaces in my retinas and a previous torn retina.

I have no wish to get rid of my glasses; I just want to drive more confidently at night and be able to read music more easily.

Oh it's like a miracle. The glare is temporary. Honestly, I would not think twice.
The only thing is, you may have to get lazer treatment in the future. That is an even more simple procedure.

I have had both mine done. One private and one NHS. I am delighted with the result and it was less unpleasant than going to the dentist.

Thank you ellecs, for mentioning that you had the procedure done under GA, that’s given me hope of a much less scarey way out!

Had my right eye done end of January, a few weeks unable to drive or bend head down, then after follow up went for new glasses. Op straight forward about 30 mins but did experience vivid (neon) pink stripes in toothpaste for a while! Now waiting for left eye to be done. All on NHS. No regrets.

Southdowns please try not to worry. I wore contact lenses for thirty years, but could never let the optician put them in - I can't bear anyone near my eyes. However, I have had both lenses replaced, and can assure you that you don't see or feel a thing, it really is amazing. A cloth is placed over your face, oxygen is puffed under the cloth to keep you refreshed, you are asked to look at a light above the cloth and your only awareness will be of shadows moving about. I had no sensation of being touched, and the procedure is carried out after a few drops in the eye - no injections or anaesthetic. I am thrilled with the results, and have better eyesight than I was born with!