Cataract surgery

Don't be scared!
My dear Dad had cataract surgery on both eyes at the age of 90,
he was absolutely fine. As far as I remember you have to wear an eye guard and put drops in for about a week after. My old Dad couldn't manage the drops so I was going backwards and forwards doing it for him, until the recently retired neighbour in the next bungalow, asked if he was ok, I told them it was just the drops and he offered to do it for him, if Dad was ok with it.
Also I've had Laser eye Surgery and I believe it's a similar procedure.
The actual procedure takes only a few minutes.
Don't forget how many thousands of these procedures they are carrying out every year and the advances in eye surgery.
When you've had it done, you'll wonder why you worried so much.
I'll send you a hand hold on Wednesday! ?

The first thing they do is put drops in your eye to anaesthetise it. After that your eye is totally numb and you feel nothing. No need to be scared at all, although I'm sure we would all be a little apprehensive. (I found it much less scary than the dentist!).

It isn't painful afterwards but just a bit uncomfortable - a little watery for a while, but that soon wears off. You'll get drops to put in for a couple of weeks until your check-up.

Hope it all goes well for you and gives you the results you are needing.

I was referred by my optician back in November, still waiting for the initial consultation appointment!

And then it will be another 5 months before surgery...............

I haven't had it done yet but will do soon. My elderly Mum paid privately for one eye to be done as she was so scared and wanted to be pampered I guess. According to her it was "nothing" so she went NHS for the other eye. She said there is nothing at all to be worried about and she was amazed to find how bright everything was afterwards.

I had both mine done a couple of years ago. Fortunately my husband sorted out my drops for me.

My eyesight was very good afterwards although I do need reading glasses. In the last few weeks my eyesight has deteriorated and I have been told that I need some laser treatment which will take about 10 minutes.

Thank you so much, this is what I need to hear! And that’s is so kind of you buffybee to offer hand holding on Wednesday! Much needed! ??

Thank you for all your replies xx

Phoenix...the waiting times are so long...I am in danger of losing my sight permanently..... quite worrying.. hope your wait is not much longer

Honestly, the very worst part of the whole procedure is the imagination playing havoc in the lead-up!
I had various scary thoughts and so will you but it is not like anything you'll visualise.

Numbed and totally painless and with the very bright lights, you will see nothing at all.
It's quick and not particularly uncomfortable or awkward afterwards.
Like wildswan I found it so much easier than a filling at the dentist!!

When it comes to the second one you'll sail through it, wondering why you were concerned at all!
It's just the fear of the unknown and once you know there is no fear.
Come back and tell us how easy it was!

Very comforting words mcem....I will post once all over....in the hope of helping others in the same boat

I had mine replaced in February and I was very scared BUT there was absolutely NO need to be so. I was afraid of the unknown.

You feel nothing but you can ask (or you can in NZ) for something to calm you prior to the surgery.

In my case they inserted a cannula in my arm as a precaution against anything going wrong. Nothing did.

All the best for the 17th - you'll come out of it wondering why you were apprehensive.

thanks BradfordLass72, I have been given the option of sedation, which I am taking!

I made the mistake of looking at some other forums, people probably only post when there are issues, eeek, I would also be interested in others vision afterwards/ what lenses they chose etc (thanks)

I am going for my pre-op on the 30th of this month after being referred to the clinic last week,I shall have the operation when I come back off holiday after 21st May,we are fortunate to have shorter waiting lists and the choice of 4 hospitals all not too far away from each other.
I am so relieved to read how simple the procedure is as I just could not understand how they kept the eye still whilst they did the op,and pardon the pun but things are now much clearer.

Having the 'clear lens exchange' procedure meant I could choose between good distance vision or good close vision. They don't promise perfect!

After 50 years of short sight, I opted for excellent distance plus reading specs only.
Not only do I enjoy the lack of specs while out n about, but have around 20 pairs of reading specs - inexpensive, over the counter, co-ordinating with different outfits.
Happy to wear them on my head but not on a chain around my neck!
It's easy to get sunspecs with reading lenses too.

A while after my op I did experience some clouding but was immediately referred back to ophthalmology dept where it was very easily sorted out in about 10 now - no pain or discomfort at all and a relatively common aftereffect!

The first time, I was offered and accepted a valium.
Second time I had no need at all as I knew how straightforward it was!
(Whisper this bit! There is absolutely nothing resembling a white-coated figure approaching with a scalpel in hand so put that right out of your mind!!!)

Sorry 10 mins not 10 now!

Haha Mcem , I’m very glad about the lack of white coated figure with a scalpel eeek!

I have opted for similar lenses, not heard great feedback about multi focal etc...although I am sure these are great for some.

I have read that the capsule surrounding the lenses can cloud over, which is sorted by the laser treatment you had.....

I can’t wait until this is behind me tbh, but not long now! Trying to stay positive....thank you all again xx

I can cope with many things and have a condition that is painful that I bear well. But when cataracts were mentioned was really scared. Had both done (at separate times ) and it was a breeze. So don’t worry it goes/is better and easier than you think. Best wishes.

Sorry not posted sooner, operation went well, I must admit that I was petrified and was rather tearful beforehand, but although not hugely pleasant, I have had worse dental treatments and it's not painful at all. Been a success and my pressures are significantly down, 2nd one on 6th May. I do have a light crescent shadow on edge of vision, saw the doc today and he explained what is was although didn't quite grasp it! It is quite common and should go away once I have healed, refractive thingy, although not the edge of the lens, which is what I had thought. Still vision is crisp and I'm happy and relieved first one is over! Thank you for all your support xxxx

Well done! You'll be more comfortable when both eyes 'match'.
Look after yourself and don't overdo it!

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