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Cataract surgery

(114 Posts)
Blondiescot Mon 17-Oct-22 10:32:02

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.

Katek Mon 17-Oct-22 10:29:52

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

Luckygirl3 Mon 17-Oct-22 10:29:00

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.

henetha Mon 17-Oct-22 10:28:13

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

Katek Mon 17-Oct-22 10:25:52

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.

hulahoop Mon 17-Oct-22 10:24:20

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.

Grammaretto Mon 17-Oct-22 10:17:10

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.

henetha Mon 17-Oct-22 10:15:30

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

Katek Mon 17-Oct-22 10:15:21

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.

hulahoop Mon 17-Oct-22 10:14:27

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 ?

Luckygirl3 Mon 17-Oct-22 09:47:26

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

Katek Mon 17-Oct-22 09:46:06

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.

Blossoming Mon 17-Oct-22 09:41:50

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

Luckygirl3 Mon 17-Oct-22 09:37:21

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.