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Anyone care to share your experience of a cataract op. please ?

(26 Posts)
Floradora9 Wed 28-Apr-21 17:15:01

I am very short sighted and am torn between having a partial correction of the eye being done soon and a full correction. My optician says to ask how long it will be until the second eye is done as I might have double vision if I go for a full correcting on only one eye. After the operation how long did it take to recover ? I see I have to use the drips for a month so a bit worried about taking a holiday then unless we can have a fridge in our room. It will be in the UK anyway .

B9exchange Wed 28-Apr-21 17:18:00

I can't help much on the actual operation, DH has only needed one eye done so far. But even if you are staying in a hotel, I am quite sure they would keep the drops in the fridge for you, we have done this in the past.

Joelise Wed 28-Apr-21 17:27:57

I had cataract surgery on my right eye at the end of January. It took about four weeks for me , for recovery, it can take six weeks for your eye to get back to normal. I’m very pleased that I had it done, and should, hopefully have the left eye done in the next five/six weeks. My hospital had to stop doing the ops at the end of January, as the staff were sent over to the other hospital in the trust , to help with the covid pandemic, otherwise I would probably have had it by now . Hope that this helps.

catnip Wed 28-Apr-21 17:32:51

I have had cataract removal op on both eyes, with a gap in between of more than a year(due to another eye condition).
The first one did not give me double vision, and went well in every way, the second one took longer to settle down. You get used to taking the drops quite quickly, and feel back to normal just as soon. After 3/4 weeks I was told I could drive again. As things are in the NHS at present, they may not be able to tell you exactly when the second eye can be 'done', so my advice would be to have the first cataract removal as soon as they offer it. Hope this helps a little.

Joelise Wed 28-Apr-21 17:33:36

The drops that have to be kept in the fridge, are the antibiotics, you have those for two weeks, the other drops don’t have to be kept in the fridge, they are used four times a day for six weeks. You will be given drops from the hospital, initially, the drops that you use for six weeks, will not be sufficient for six weeks, you’ll need to get more from your doctor .

sukie Thu 29-Apr-21 04:56:33

I had cataract surgery on both eyes, 3 days apart, 6 weeks ago. My vision was a bit off initially but by 2 weeks out, it was improving and now is much better than prior to the surgery. I didn't have to refrigerate the drops.

keepingquiet Thu 29-Apr-21 07:29:05

I had both mine done but at separate hospitals- it's along story but I had to wait longer for the second one at the first one if you get my drift! The second hospital was a specialist centre and had no waiting list.
I remember driving with one eye and I had to wear a dressing at one hospital but not the other.
Caveat- I could see without glasses for a few years but now I have to wear them again.
I'm not quite sure what you are referring to is cataract removal.

Iam64 Thu 29-Apr-21 07:42:32

I had both mine done, about a couple of months apart. I’ve a history of inflammatory eye disease so complex surgery meant One was under GA.
No problems at all.

Party4 Thu 29-Apr-21 09:01:34

In my late 50s developed start of cataracts in both eyes.I eventually had successful cataract surgery in one eye but investigated further as other problems developed.Numerous tests and consultations confirmed complex eye condition not cataract related this was controlled with long term meds and once stable the 2nd eye had cataract surgery.The surgery went well and I can honestly say was no more uncomfortable than visit to Dentist.The combination of meds and surgery has given me my life back for which I will be eternally grateful to my fantastic Consultant and our NHS.For me wouldnt hesitate in advising cataract surgery.

timetogo2016 Thu 29-Apr-21 10:34:42

My dh had his done a few years ago, we weren`t together at that time so i have just asked him how it went and he said "with no problem at all,went on holiday a week later".
Wishing you well.

Barmeyoldbat Thu 29-Apr-21 11:37:52

I had both mine done several years ago with a year between. You wouldn't believe how scared I was as it was done under a local but to be honest it was less painful and traumatic than going to the dentist. My vision was much improved after just the first op and when I took the patch off the next day it just wonderful to see so well. The drops were kept in the fridge and I see no reason why you can't have a holiday, your hotel will help you with the fridge.

Floradora9 Thu 29-Apr-21 22:04:57

Thanks ladies I have no expectation of having my second one done for some months that is why I asked about what strength of correction to have . Will let you know how it goes .

anna7 Thu 29-Apr-21 22:43:21

I am due to have a cataract operation in the next few days. One eye initially and the second eye some time later. I am told it is more complicated because I have had laser eye surgery several years ago. To the ladies who have had this done - how soon after the operation would you say your eye actually looked normal again and how long does it take to recover. I note timetogo's dh went on holiday a week later which is encouraging. I appreciate it can take sometime for the sight to settle down . I am getting a bit nervous now but I need it sorting out, my sight is not good at the moment.

Nancy0 Fri 30-Apr-21 00:20:57

Best of luck with the op!

nanna8 Fri 30-Apr-21 00:38:29

I’ve had one eye done as a result of another operation. It didn’t take long to recover, a matter of days rather than weeks . I could see again! Everything was bright and beautiful and clear cut. The actual op was fine though at one stage everything went black on that side which was a bit scary. In between I had the experience of a kaleidoscope of colour but my eye had previously had a large macular hole so that might have been connected. They kept me in the hospital a few hours and then I went home with a patch on.

Floradora9 Sun 09-May-21 18:52:50

Well I had my eye done on Wednesday . I went in for 1 pm and was eventually done at 4.30 pm as emergencies were done first. I got no sedation at all which was fine by me . I too saw lots of different colours while it was being done . I was advised not to have a full correction as it could be a year until th second eye is done . I have gone fron 6 point something to 3 point something so distance is much improved. I was allowed to go home 15 mintuts after the operation and by the next day I was seeing pretty well so I am quite pleased about that . I am wearing old glasses so I can see better with the improved eye. I had bought quite a few audiobooks to listen to but I can read fine which is a big relief so they can wait .

anna7 Sun 09-May-21 19:32:29

That's good to know FloraDora. I'm still waiting to have mine done. I've been told there is a delay. I'm trying to put it to the back of my mind . I'm glad it all went well for you.

Forsythia Sun 09-May-21 19:46:15

My DH has recently had his done. No problems at all. Bit of mild discomfort but nothing untoward. For those waiting a long time, it is worth asking if a local private hospital will do it on the NHS. Your GP will know that. My friend had hers done that way and so did my husband.

sarahcmeadows Tue 29-Jun-21 05:42:52

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williamjvaccaro Tue 29-Jun-21 11:29:11

I will always recommend Laser treatment as I had Laser eye surgery a few years ago to get a permanent solution for shortsightedness. I was experiencing vision problems while reading books and using the computer. Gradually it made more difficulties in my daily works which forced me to consult a better opthalmologist. Then he encouraged me to do laser surgery. The treatment was fruitful with fast healing and resulted in a good vision. Now, it's been years and I was very happy that I took Laser eye treatment.

Franbern Tue 29-Jun-21 12:12:06

Had my first cataract op few years back in October, morning. Home by lunchtime. Eye kept covered until following morning. Drops from fridge, just for two weeks. I live by myself, and soon found best way of applying these. Other drops for six weeks. Eye looked normal immediately, needed sunglasses when outside for about a week. No double vision.
Second op carried out the following January, less stress on my part as I knew what to exect. Similar experience. My next eye test, six months later showed my longrange vision was good enough to drive without specs.
Only downside was that after these ops. for the first time in my life I required specs for reading anything. Took me a couple of years to get used to have glasses dotted around for this.
Have one pair of varifocals, so that I can watch TV and follow knitting pattern (or look at a magazine) at the same time.
But the actual ops are one of the most pain-free medical procedures I have ever had.

aonk Tue 29-Jun-21 12:31:41

I’ve had both my eyes done but not recently. I neede stitches and so was advised to have sedation. It all went very smoothly. Both eyes looked normal after a week or so. I did suffer with headaches for a few days after each procedure. After the second one I did have double vision especially when tired or unwell. This hasn’t gone away but is corrected by glasses. I should add that I’ve had a number of eye problems in the past and my case wasn’t straightforward.

ailacho Fri 01-Mar-24 05:44:33

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Jane43 Fri 01-Mar-24 06:07:31

anna7

I am due to have a cataract operation in the next few days. One eye initially and the second eye some time later. I am told it is more complicated because I have had laser eye surgery several years ago. To the ladies who have had this done - how soon after the operation would you say your eye actually looked normal again and how long does it take to recover. I note timetogo's dh went on holiday a week later which is encouraging. I appreciate it can take sometime for the sight to settle down . I am getting a bit nervous now but I need it sorting out, my sight is not good at the moment.

I had laser eye surgery years ago and recently had cataract procedure on both eyes about six weeks apart. I was referred by the optician who said it may not be possible to have the cataracts done because of the laser surgery. This turned out to be false, when I had the pre assessment they said the previous laser surgery would have no effect at all. The first eye was done on a Sunday afternoon at a private clinic and was very straightforward, just a bit of discomfort for about 24 hours. I was given enough drops which don’t have to be refrigerated, two lots of drops to be administered several times a day one for three weeks after and the other for four weeks after. After the initial discomfort I was amazed at the difference in vision between the two eyes, colours were much brighter and I could see quite small print. The second procedure was a little more uncomfortable, but only for about four days afterwards. When you stop the drops you have to have a check up at the optician and I now have vision good enough to drive without glasses and to read without glasses. With a small correction with glasses I have 20/20 vision. I do avoid driving at night but I think this is an age thing rather than anything to do with the cataract procedure. I was so impressed at the difference in my vision DH was hoping he would be referred when he had his last eye test but it isn’t necessary yet.

karmalady Fri 01-Mar-24 07:38:03

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