Cataracts disappointment

Sorry to disappoint but I was told on three occasions they were baby cataracts but they quickly became necessary for the operation I was also told that the opticians like to tell you they aren’t ready because of course they are making money from your contacts or your glasses lenses
Anyway it’s a wonderful operation and although one of mine was complex it’s fantastic to have the lense replacement and decent eyesight again and absolutely nothing to feel sick about

I’m sorry, but I think you are over reacting a bit. To get ‘nauseous’ over a cataract operation is, in my opinion, a bit over the top. There are worse things in life. But I guess you are a very anxious person and I understand.
My optometrist said the same thing to me about 2 years ago. I am a bit older than you. My friend who is roughly your age, had her cataracts done, without any problem . As a matter I know a few who had them done. No problem.
So, don’t overthink. You have a lot of time. If not, by the time you have your op, you will be a nervous wreck. Take things easy is my advice.

Due to the medication I am on, I have annual eye tests and have been told the same over the last three years that I have cataracts. However, they are not advanced enough for surgery.
Apparently mine are caused by long term hjgh BP, I have a healthy diet and I have never smoked.

I can't wait to have the surgery and hopefully improve my sight.
It's a minor issue, compared to my other health issues.

crazyH No, I’m not a particularly anxious person. I’m fine with any other part of my body being examined, go for all my regular medical appointments, tests, carry a donor card, etc. but when it comes to my eyes, it’s a whole different story, and I’ve always been like this.

I don't like anything to do with eyes either, but in my view the op outweighs the down side.

The thing is, you can't shut your eyrs until its over, can you? 🤣

Eyes!

just because you do everything 'right' isn't a lucky charm that promises a free ride with no problems. Doing all the things you say REDUCES your chance of having cataracts, but doesn't eliminate them. It seems that perhaps there is a family inheritance that means you get cataracts easily - and, as you say, you are 9 years older than your brothers before you have developed them, your eye carehas proved successful.

Cataract surgery is close to being the most trivial operation you can have. My father was nearly 90 when he had his catatact op. The operation was at 11.00am, he left the hospital at 12.00, at 12.30 we were in his favourite restaurant eating lunch and an hour later we went for a nice country walk.

I was told the same in my late 60s grannydarkhair. I too have never smoked and eat a healthy diet etc. My husband has had both of his done and he was fine.

I think cataracts are quite common in older people. I had one done earlier this year and it was quite easy. I don't know what causes them though.
Hopefully yours won't need an op, but if they do then I hope it's successful.
Mostly it's straightforward and nothing to get upset about.

I was born with very poor eyesight could be registered blind in my left eye. My right eye was 13.5 so that wasn’t good either but better than the left.
A few months ago, I was told I had the cataract coming on my right eye and that I could have a cataract operation which I did. I went to Exeter had the operation on June 14 and it’s been absolutely fine. Don’t have to bother with contact lenses anymore it was an easy procedure
If you are really nervous, they can give you a sedative and you also get anaesthetic drops in your eyes, but you are not put out you are awake and as I say no problem at all for me..
There was nothing they could do for the left eye because apart from it being very limited vision (well, none actually) a few years ago, I had an ulcer which scarred it, yes an ulcer in my eye, apparently it’s quite rare, but thank God it went in the left eye if it had gone to my my right eye I would now be blind. 😳

Shinamae

I was born with very poor eyesight could be registered blind in my left eye. My right eye was 13.5 so that wasn’t good either but better than the left.
A few months ago, I was told I had the cataract coming on my right eye and that I could have a cataract operation which I did. I went to Exeter had the operation on June 14 and it’s been absolutely fine. Don’t have to bother with contact lenses anymore it was an easy procedure
If you are really nervous, they can give you a sedative and you also get anaesthetic drops in your eyes, but you are not put out you are awake and as I say no problem at all for me..
There was nothing they could do for the left eye because apart from it being very limited vision (well, none actually) a few years ago, I had an ulcer which scarred it, yes an ulcer in my eye, apparently it’s quite rare, but thank God it went in the left eye if it had gone to my my right eye I would now be blind. 😳

By the way, I am 70, and I’m a recovering alcoholic and an ex smoker..

Marydoll

I can't wait to have the surgery and hopefully improve my sight.
It's a minor issue, compared to my other health issues.

Same here.
I have noticed my eyesight gets worse every year.
I take hydroxychloroquine and it can cause eye problems so I see the opthalmologist yearly. He told me I had early cataracts, the optician has also mentioned it. I don't relish eye surgery but if my other conditions were so easily treated I would be thrilled.

I had an eye test a fortnight ago grannydarkhair and was told exactly the same as you! We're also about the same age. The opthamologist told me that I would know when they got worse because it would be like "looking through a dirty window". Until that time, I'm not going to worry too much!

Post cataract surgery my eyesight is the best it has ever been. The lazy eye, which had never done much work, received a long distance lens and the better eye a lens for reading. I only need glasses to read if I am settling in for a long session or the print is minute and have perfect sight for driving. What could be better? For me the cataract ops were absolutely miraculous.

I had always thought that my eyes were very sensitive: putting drops in was always a drama, and the mere thought of contact lenses was an abomination. Then, few years ago I was told I had a nevus (a growth similar to a mole) on the sclera (white surface) of one my eyes, and that I should have it removed - under local anaesthetic! I was - to say the least - nervous at the prospect, but in the event I sailed through the quick and completely painless procedure without a care in the world.
I'm sure it'll be the same for you, grannydarkhair, so don't lose any sleep over it.

I understand how you feel as I too have a fear of this particular procedure. It’s just eyes I am squeamish about and it’s no use people saying don’t be silly.
I will definitely need sedation even if I have to take my own diazepam along. Luckily mine is the tiniest hardly noticeable cataract which will take years to‘ripen’. I hope!

Should mention that dh and mother both had this done and neither was straight forward so I don’t entirely believe the ‘it’s simple’ story I often hear about. It wasn’t simple fir them though dh is now fine.

According to my surgeon who operated on my cataracts this year, there is no such thing as a “ripe” cataract. They can be removed even when just developing. My op was absolutely fine each time, I just had numbing eye drops. Over in 15 minutes. I now only have cheap reading glasses and have 20/20 distance vision.

Silverlining one of mine was not as straightforward as it should have been and I won’t go into any details to put people off but it certainly didn’t stop me having the other one done and as a 12.5 minus in both eyes I am now a 1.5 minus just use cheapo reading glasses
But the opticians all say ahh they are just babies !!! I was told that at every appointment but when the hospital saw me it was a different story
It’s now a routine op,quick for the most part, easy and very, very successful
It’s better than the dentist that’s for sure

I too was told at the hospital that the ripe business is a load of fluff joanna

It was only the encouragement of a good friend, who had had her lenses replaced, that persuaded me to go ahead - I could never let anyone get near my eyes. I had the lenses in both eyes replaced and can say with complete honesty that I didn't feel a thing, was not aware of any contact, and when the cloth was taken off my face after about ten minutes (for each eye) I couldn't believe it had been done. I now have better sight than I was born with - so don't be afraid, if I can have it done, anyone can!

I was anxious about having cataract ops, but it honestly was not a big deal. The op takes about 15 mins, and is not painful, just rather uncomfortable. You can opt to have a mild sedative beforehand. The results are worth it!

Was told the same last time- I am 72. Must say I am not afraid of many things, apart from my eyes being poked! But everyone who has had cataracts removed say it was a doddle and not to worry.

My optician said the best way to delay, is to wear my excellent sunglasses always in any bright light, not just sunshine, and I do.