Cataract surgery (again) maybe one for Sqad?

[slinkycat]

Got some very helpful replies on here in march re my Dad's "impending" cataract op. He is still waiting, and they have now discovered that he has scarring on the really bad eye from an injury he sustained more than 40 years ago.
He is due to see the consultant in a couple of weeks to discuss if, in view of this previous scarring, it is feasible to still do the cataract op.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and still had the surgery?
Also are there any relevant points he should raise at the consultation?
I'm just so worried that his age (he is 70) and maybe increased cost of a more involved op may lead to a decision not to operate.
TIA

[Sqad]

slinky......calm down, cost will have nothing to do with the decision to operate.

ABer York 311 is the best opinion on eyes, but i will give my "6 pennoth" for what it is worth.

The success of a cataract operation will depend upon normal ocular anatomy other than the the cataract itself. Providing the rest of the eye is normal and the nerves transmitting sight to the back of the brain, then the success of cataract surgery is almost completely guaranteed.

However, if in the case of your father, there is scarring on the cornea, sclera or less likely the retina, then putting in a lens MAY be ineffective.

This will require re-assessment by an Ophthalmic Specialist.

[slinkycat]

Not sure where the scarring is Sqad, to be honest I think he was a bit shocked when he found out it was there after all these years of being unaware of it.
Thanks for your reply, guess its fingers crossed that the specialist will have good news.

[Sqad]

Will be interested in the outcome slinky.

[york310]

Slinkycat, as sqad says depending on the level and type of scarring that this poor eye has then the benefits of surgery may be limited. For example if the scar is at the macula which is the central part of the retina which provides detail then the central vision is still going to be poor even though the hazy lens is replaced with a clear one. However, the peripheral vision would be improved in this circumstance and may still be a significant benefit to some.

The key thing you need to look at is what level of vision did your father have in his thirties ie. After his trauma did he have good vision and worsened recently with age related cataract or has it been poor since and coincidentally now has typical age related cataract picked up at a routine eye examination and presumed to be a possible cause of reduced vision.

It is common knowledge that the number of cataract surgeries in some PCTs are being reduced. However, there would be no extra cost in performing the surgery that your father requires and this would not be a factor in deciding not to operate. There are risks with surgery and if the scarring is likely to increase the risk of complications then this may be a factor.

Good luck. Hope all goes well.

[slinkycat]

Hi York thanks so much for your answer, between you and Sqad its given me a better understanding of the problems the previous scarring may cause.
As I said, I'm not sure what part of his eye the scarring is on.
However he did have good vision after the injury, and yes it would seem to be age related cataracts. He has worn glasses for some years, so has made regular visits to the optician, but it is only in the last year that the cataracts have been diagnosed.
They have worsened at such a rate since last December that his optician referred him as a priority case back in March.
Unfortunately there was some sort of administrative mix up, and that coupled with the possible complications has delayed things.
Will let you know the outcome, and thanks again.

[Rahul231]

I'm sorry to hear about your father's situation. While I personally haven't had a similar experience, I can offer some general advice based on common considerations in such cases.

It's important to remember that each individual's situation is unique, and the final decision will depend on various factors specific to your father's condition and the medical advice he receives. That being said, scarring from a previous injury does not necessarily mean that cataract surgery is impossible.

During the consultation with the consultant, it would be beneficial for your father to discuss the following points:

Understand the impact of the scarring: Ask the consultant about the specific effects of the scarring on the cataract surgery. Determine if it poses any additional risks or complications compared to a standard cataract operation.

Discuss potential treatment options: Inquire about alternative approaches or techniques that could be considered given the presence of scarring. The consultant may suggest different surgical methods or technologies that can help overcome the challenges posed by the scarring.

Assess visual outcomes: Ask the consultant about the expected visual outcomes of the cataract surgery in light of the scarring. Understand if the scarring will affect the potential improvement in your father's vision and what the realistic expectations should be.

Consider potential risks and complications: Understand the risks associated with the surgery, especially considering the presence of scarring. Discuss any potential complications that might arise during or after the operation, and how they would be managed.

Address concerns about age and cost: Express your concerns about your father's age and the potential increased cost of a more complex surgery. Ask the consultant about the impact of these factors on the decision-making process and whether they would affect the feasibility of the operation.

Remember to encourage your father to be open and honest about any questions or concerns he may have during the consultation. It's important to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the consultant will provide guidance based on your father's specific situation, considering both the risks and potential benefits of the surgery.
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