Cataract Operation Looming.

I did not have to lie down - mine were done semi-sitting up, as in a dentist's chair.

I was given no eye shields. Had both eyes done then just got a lift home.

Let's just say I'd rather have a cataract proceedure than going to the dentist. No problem at all.
Soft music was playing, I think a tape as Doc had requested Abba!!
Lots of chatter going on quite distracted from the ongoing work on my eyes.
Best job I ever had done.

Hellis - Laughter by your doctor on your instruction to use sedation is not acceptable conduct by them.

Maybe it's an idea to put your instruction ("instruction" - not "request") in writing - and then you have proof they do know you intend to have it. Their visions of an official complaint afterwards if they disobey your instruction should ensure they will follow it okay.

Daughterofbonniebelle. Is sedation generally available? I am on the waiting list for cataract surgery and also feel very anxious, as someone who needed extra sedation for endoscopy. I panicked and couldnt keep still. The doctor I saw just laughed when I asked about it, maybe I should try again

I’ve had both of mine done - some time ago too, You are NOT told to avoid bending forward, that’s an Old Wive’s tale I think.

Ask for sedation.

Forgot to mention - I was given pillows to place under my knees as I find lying flat on my back uncomfortable.

I would agree with everything that’s been said - cataract surgery is a doddle. I was worried before my first op last November, after my optician recommended I had it done, even though I had no symptoms. He happened to mention that I would have much better vision after wearing glasses since the age of 10! I was gob-smacked! I had the left eye done at Spa Medica - it’s a fantastic place! More like a private clinic than NHS. I had a pre-op then returned the following week for the op. I had to wait in various rooms before it was actually done, so I’d recommend taking a good book! There were lockers to use for valuables if needed. I had anaesthetic drops in my eye in an ante room, answered some questions, then the actual op only took 10 mins at the most! All I could see was bright coloured lights and then the actual lens being put in place! I couldn’t believe the improvement in my distance vision. The only drawback is that now I can’t read without glasses, whereas before I could, so I still find that varifocals are the easiest option. Over Christmas I had to wear glasses with the left lens removed, because my right eye was due to be operated on in January. Quite funny, because my lenses are photochromic, so only one side went darker! The second op also went well. I can legally drive without glasses, although my distance vision isn’t absolutely perfect, but I find that I’m constantly needing to read something, so varifocals work best for me. Can’t be doing with reading glasses, on and off every few minutes!
The best benefit for me is being able to go swimming without everything being blurred. 😎

Nanato3, I had both eyes done recently at SpaMedica and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Like you, I was very scared, but the procedure is completely painless and takes about ten to fifteen minutes per eye. All you see are swirly pink colours and then afterwards they cover the eye with a clear plastic shield and you’re good to go home. You keep the shield on overnight and then remove it the next morning and start using the eyedrops they give you. I can see perfectly now, drive again and do close up work as well. I could see clearly the very next day after the first procedure, and after a couple of days for the second eye.

I had both eyes done at the beginning of the year. I had sedation. It doesn't knock you out but you feel very relaxed and the procedure only seems to take a few minutes.

Had a lot more eye surgery than cataract removal done though cataract was the last op. Absolutely no problems. Completely painless so don't worry. Recommended to cover the first night was given an eye patch. Next morning it was like having the windows cleaned. Tested myself on car numver plates in street and drove the 49 mile trip home. I selected a hospital in city, stayed in Premier in almost next door to hosptal for the night following surgery. Don't bother with those yellow tinted glasses, they are not needed or of any use. I did not want to wait the 64 weeks for NHS treatment, I went private. Optician gave me info on 3 eye surgery hospitals and I chose best location for me.

It's like seeing in HD. Before, the tv/ print was fuzzy. I had both eyes done with a space of 6 weeks. I can watch television with no glasses,it's one of the best things I've ever had done.

Take a good book or your knitting/crossword if you are getting it done in hospital. Hubby has had both done and each time, they make early morning appointments for everyone, so you could be straight in, or wait up to 4 hours! In many areas you can opt for local clinics.

He delayed his several times until I insisted because he kept walking into door handles and getting some nasty bruises. Your eyesight goes down gradually so you do not notice.

He said first one was OK, but 2nd was itchy for a while, but nothing Paracetamol could not fix. Do not have them both done at the same time.

I had both eyes done a few weeks ago under the NHS here in London. I have other problems so lying flat is uncomfortable. The anaesthetist and team got pillows to put under my legs to assure my comfort and ability to remain still. It was amazing a bit scary. Please make sure you discuss honestly your fears pre op. They can give you something for the anxiety. Post op it is six weeks of drops quite complicated at the beginni g. I live alone and stuck to the regime. It is now a miracle. It is the most prominent surgery worldwide annd we are lucky enough to get it free. Go for it.

It truly is a doddle. I've had both eyes done. I was very scared before the first one - but found out that when friends had said that it was painless they were absolutely right!
I think it takes about 20 - 30 minutes. The first one I had I was just laying on a trolley looking up at a light.
The second one ( at same NHS eye clinic) - about a year later - was done in style; A large electricity driven chair on wheels arrived at the waiting room and I climbed up onto the chair, which then proceeded to the theatre , where my head was tipped back slightly.
I had no after effects with either , and have continued to drive. Since then I've had some kind of laser treatment ( on the NHS) and can now read TV subtitles without my glasses on! As an octogenarian that's pretty amazing, in my opinion!!
DOn;t worry you'll be fine.

It's brilliant - no pun intended - painless even without any form of anaesthesia and over very quickly and with immediate benefits. I had my first 4 weeks ago and awaiting the call for my other one to be done in about a month.

I have had cataract surgery on both eyes and the worst part for me was waiting for the anaesthetic drops to work. I felt nothing during the procedure or afterwards.

Don't be scared. Mine was done by laser whilst I reclined in the same kind of chair as dentists use, and the following day I could see better than I had done since I was seven.

Phone the hospital you are considering, explain about the condition that causes you pain, and your consequent worries.

In all the treatment took under an hour.

I am going for my second cataract operation on tuesday morning. The first one went ok and I stuck to all the rules, especially as I live alone, good excuse why you cant do things like cleaning, bending over etc. But I am claustrophobic and found it difficult to cope with a covering over my face. I told them what I was like and they were fine just allowing me to calm down and stop panic breathing. Great staff, everyone treated me very well and no tut tutting about me heavy breathing for a bit. So do go ahead and as everyone says, you only realize how poor your eyesight has got as it gets worse very slowly, when you get it done. For me it is the freedom to be able to drive and get about. With my back problems, cant manage to walk to the bus stop so grateful to get it done. Good luck

I can reiterate all the positive comments. I have had both of mine done with absolutely no pain or problems. Mind you I did fall over in their car park when I went back for my check up and broke my neck of femur. But that's another story!!

PS
I’m glad I had both mine done. Well worth it I can assure you.
My husband is going to have his done in the near future. Sooner the better.
X

Hi.
Please don’t stress. Nothing to worry about. You can ask for help re your back issues. I did. No problem. The surgery does not take long. Not painful and you put drops in when at home. Maybe wear sunglasses if outside my neighbour did that. Go for it. Makes a huge difference to life she tells me. You will see things in a different way. Colours especially. Enjoy.

I forgot the water spray! Not sure why that is part of the procedure, but a nurse leapt at me with a towel when I stood up, and said crossly 'You have absolutely soaked her hair!' to the surgeon. I didn't mind or care - it was such a wonderful procedure; no specs or contact lenses needed.

It's a doddle. You have local anaesthetic so you can't feel anything and a bright light shining in your eyes so you can't see anything. Re lying down you won't be the first person to be like that, they will have a way round it. The print on my newspaper the following day was miraculously clear! The biggest nuisance is the drops that last for weeks.

butterandjam Next thing I'm back in the waiting room and now it's me saying "I can SEE I can SEE it's a miracle". It really is. When DH came through the main entrance my new eye recognised him.
Thanks for making me laugh . I hope I come out saying the same.