Cateract...

[smudge]

Has anyone on here had a cateract op?

If so, (apart from it being uncomfortable initially), did you experience any problems afterwards & would you say it was worth having it done?

Thanks in advance.

[sleepyj]

my mum had both eyes done she had no problems .she was pleased she had it done ...

[york310]

I know lots of people who have had it done with no problems. There is always a risk with any surgery but this is one of the most commen ops done these days.

Is it worth it? depends on the problems you are having versus the low risks of the operation. If you cannot see anyhting then it is well worth it. If you are not concerned about your eyesight then why risk an operation on your eyes??

[Clanad]

I've had the operation and Mrs. C has had both eyes. It's not something one wants to put off, according to our Opthamologist. In fact, in my case, it was noted in an earlier examination but the Dr. wouldn't do the removal/replacement until it reached a certain stage, which it did fairly quickly. Seems there are two types of cataracts; one is common in older people. In fact statistics show that anyone living over the age of 80 will have one or both eyes affected.
The other, as in my case, was due to an eye injury. I couldn't recall much in the way of an injury but the Dr. said it doesn't take much damage to start one in a lot of cases.
The operation is accomplished through a small (1/16th inch) incision at the top of the eye, through which the damaged lens is removed and the new, replacement lens is inserted. No stitches... The previous (as in "old days") the incision was about 1 inch long and required stitches and left a lot of scar tissue. In and out of the day surgery in about 3 hours start to finish. Came in the next day for inspection and went on my way amazed at how clear and sharp things had become. Used a recommended ointment for about two weeks to control Blepharitis and follow up inspectionsin 6 months and one year... Go forth!

[daffy654]

My fiance's mum had both eyes done,the first operation was fine but the second one caused her no end of problems including a really nasty infection and she had to have another op to repair the damage.

[smurfchops]

I had a cataract as a result of an operation for a macular hole ... after the macular hole procedure, the cataract operation was a walk in the park ! You don't have to have a general anaesthetic, have a local with sedation, you will still be 'out' but will feel much better when you wake up, no grogginess, etc. The op took half an hour, and I was home the same day, took the patch off next day and could see immediately. I went to Moorfields in London which is an Eye Hospital, so make sure you go to a good hospital to have it done, an eye hospital if possible. Good luck, you will be fine.

[elaine33]

my mum (age 73) had her cataract done last November, she was just fine and now does not need here spectacles at all. When we go out shopping or for a meal I am struggling to read price tags and menus as I always forget my glasses and she is reading away like a good'n.

She had no discomfort and says it is the best thing ever.

[smudge]

Hi all - thank you so much for your informative answers.

I'd had my usual two year eye test in January this year, only to be told that my prescription for reading, telly, computer work & driving, hadn't changed & that I could carry on wearing my current varifocals, when needed.

However, in the last few months, I'd noticed a blurriness in my left eye, (like looking thro' cling film), but only when covering up the right eye. So - I saw my optician again two weeks ago, who told me I had a small cateract. I was also told to go back for an eye test in one year, not the usual two, but if it gave me gyp inbetween, to go back & they would arrange for me to see an eye surgeon.

I was wondering whether to leave well alone, but as it seems to be getting worse & after reading your positive comments, I think I'll ask to see a specialist & take it from there.....

P.S. smurfchops - thank you for the recommendation, I will indeed ask if I can go to Moorfields in London.

-xx-

[blackcat77]

I've had a cataract removed in my left eye and will, at some time in the near future, have to have the other eye done. The operation itself only takes about three quarters of an hour and is done under sedation. It is a strange feeling but not painful. I had to keep the eye patch on for twenty four hours and then sleep with the eye guard for about four or five days. You usually have to put drops in for about a week and then are usually checked after a week as well. The difference to my eyesight was incredible! I could see colours much more clearly so from my point of view it was well worth having the op. My mother had both eyes done and it helped her eyesight last until she was in her mid 80's. I've been told that I can leave having my other eye done for up to a year, but the cataracts apparently form more quickly and at a younger age if you have diabetes, which I have. I would say have it done, it really does make a difference. Good luck!