Cataracts

[Val]

I have recently been diagnosed with cataracts on both eyes... I am soon to have the first operation on my right eye.. I am worried about all kinds of things and would like to know how others have coped.. Did it hurt? was it successful? how long before you get back to normal... I would be interested to hear the experiences of others.

[Amy]

Hi Val,
I'm sorry I have no personal experience of cataracts but my grandmother did and I believe her operation was relatively painless. I am not sure how successful it was as her eyesight was deteriorating badly (she was in her 90s). I wanted to wish you all the best for your op and a speedy recovery. x

[David]

Hello Val. The RNIB in the england has provided some information about cataracts and the link is here About Cataracts . I'll also ask in this weeks newsletter if any of the other members has any personal experiences they can share.

I know one of my work colleagues was very concerned about his cataract operation and he felt very afraid. What he found was that after the operation his vision was restored to near perfect. He said that once upon a time it would have been called a miracle and now it's called health care.

Best of wishes and keep us all updated.

[pmcleod]

Hi Val, I have had the diabetic complications going, I had cataracts done a few years ago, the first one was very scary at what they say they will be doing to your eyes, I have to say it is not a pleasant experience but it works, my eye hospital at the time was Oxford in Englend, I don't know where you are and if the procedure is similar. both of mine were done as asingle day patient, in early in the morning, op late morning out by lunch. they have the oportunity to correct any short sightedness at the same time, however they told me that short sighted people don't like being normal sighted so they left me slightly short sighted, the second eye they accidentally left my sight as it was previously, this stopped me wearing varifocals as I got double vision with them, but the end result is great, I now wear monovision glasses one eye for distance one for close up and I like the end result very much.
As for the operation itself, which is I imagine what is causing you the most worry, they told me that the operation was somewhat more difficult than with non diabetics but it involves lieing still for about I think 45 minutes, unfortunatle I don't remember all teh details, I just seem to go from one medical problem to the next, it was uncomfortable but not painful, on my first eye things went very well, vision was blurred after mainly due to needing new glasses, but other than that was fine straight away. The second eye did not go so well, they had problems opening the pupil enough and were fearful of damaging it, the op took about twice as long and afterwards I could not see at all in that eye till the next day, if this happens don't panic as I did it was much better by the next day and within a few days all seemed fine.
In all remember it is more uncomfortable than painful and the improvement of what you can see after getting new glasses is great. Hope this helps and good luck

[Val]

Hiya everyone many thanks for your replies... I'm pleased to report I have now had the first cataract removal op... It was a doddle... painless but traumatic... My sight was restored to near perfect within an hour of the op and I doubt if I will need my glasses once the other eye has been done..By the next day you couldn't tell I had had anything done.. no marks, no swelling, nothing... Anyone considering having it done... don't put it off as I did.. It's amazing ..the results are instant ... just like someone turned a light on.

[Roy McKay]

Good one Val i am so pleased for you that everything is going smoothly. I reckon that i could be up for a operation before this year is out. Go for a eye test in August.

[Val]

Hiya Roy... Good luck with the eye test... If you need an op go for it... the difference it makes to your life after is worth it.. As pmcleod (above) said..."It's not a pleasant experience but it works".. It's now 10 days since my op and the only problem I have is with my glasses... They're the wrong prescription but everything should be sorted in a few weeks... Don't know how things work in Australia Roy but I didn't wait for an eye test I just went to an optician, explained my problem and he referred me to the hospital that was on 10th Feb and I had the op 5 weeks later on 20th March..Val xx

[Sarah]

I have an appoint to see my eye doctor in a few weeks to evaulate how my cataracts are doing. He spotted them a year ago but said they were just starting. I think they have gotten worse over this last year.

My sister has had the surgery on both eyes and had good results.

Sarah L.

[Val]

Hiya All,

Just an update... I have now had two successful cataract removal ops... I had the right eye done on 20th March 2009 and the left eye on 1st June 2009.. The benefits of the first op were immediate but the second one took 2/3 days to recover.. I now have very good sight and I no longer need to wear glasses for distance.. I find this truely amazing as I have worn glasses for 57 years.. all I need is a pair of reading glasses now.

I first started this thread because I was terrified of what lay ahead after I was told I needed operations on both eyes.. looking back I see (get it lol) I needn't have worried.

I would like to thank everyone who offered me support and took the trouble to reply. Anyone needing this op... GO FOR IT... you won't regret it. and if I can help anyone waiting to have the op I will.

Thanks everyone.. Val xx

[Administrator]

Well done Val and thank you for sharing your story and offering your support.