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Elderly parents
Original poster

Cataract operation

37 replies

tobee · 12/08/2022 19:12

My dm, 86, is due in for a cataract op on one eye next week. I'm going to take her and pick her up.

Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect as her helper that day? Anything I might need to anticipate?

Thank you

OP posts:
Wombat27A · 12/08/2022 19:43

Yep, it's very easy. My DM can be a little bit difficult but they are so used to this in the eye department, they looked after her brilliantly. I was a bit spooked it's a clear eye mask but it's all good.

Spidey66 · 12/08/2022 19:39

I'm not elderly (56) but my cataracts deteriorated rapidly and I had both done within the past year.

You're not sedated, they give you drops and I think an injection as a local, then your face is covered so you can't see what the doctors are doing. It's totally painless and takes about 15 minutes.

You have a patch over the eye for 24 hours and although it's a little gritty, it's not too bad. No hair washing for at least 24 hours and you still have to be careful for about a month not to get water in so no swimming. Also no eye makeup for a couple of weeks.

You have to take antibiotic and anti inflammatory eye drops up to 4 times a day for a few weeks.

Its a very, very simple procedure and I for one was delighted with the results.

Because of the kind of replacement lens you are offered on the NHS you will be either short sighted or long sighted, and you get the option to choose. I chose long sighted so still wear reading glasses but other than that I'm delighted with the results. Aside from the reading my sight is now better than since I was a child. If it's done privately, they have lenses that mean you don't need glasses at all but wearing reading glasses is fine by me.

Original poster
tobee · 12/08/2022 19:29

Thank you so much for these replies everyone. I really appreciate them!

OP posts:
SammyScrounge · 12/08/2022 19:29

It is so easy - no pain, nice nurse beside your trolley. Then you sit up and are amazed at how bright every colour a Nd how clear the edges of things are. It is truly wonderful.

Jalisco · 12/08/2022 19:28

tobee · 12/08/2022 19:21

She has mobility issues and am intending to use a hospital wheelchair to and from the car btw

Me too. No sedation. I walked. But if she needs a wheelchair it's no big deal. She'll be awake and no reason to assume she can't manage beyond a bit of discomfort, if that.

OhMerde · 12/08/2022 19:26

tobee · 12/08/2022 19:21

She has mobility issues and am intending to use a hospital wheelchair to and from the car btw

One lady was in a wheelchair. The nurse collected her and wheeled her back.

grannycab · 12/08/2022 19:24

And the difference to her sight will be amazing.

OhMerde · 12/08/2022 19:23

I have just seen a series of women aged 65+ go in for cataract surgery. They all came and went within an hour, all walked out and walked back in, had a patch on, were chatting, perked up at the tea and biscuits they were given and left shortly afterwards.

InsertPunHere · 12/08/2022 19:22

20 minutes and done. FIL has had both eyes, Dad has had one eye done. Over in a flash, not even uncomfortable, just “a slightly odd sensation.”

Original poster
tobee · 12/08/2022 19:21

She has mobility issues and am intending to use a hospital wheelchair to and from the car btw

OP posts:
Original poster
tobee · 12/08/2022 19:20

Thanks for your reply.

I just got off the phone from my dm and she couldn't hear hugely well and I was wondering about sedation etc?

OP posts:
Jalisco · 12/08/2022 19:15

These are simple ops now. I had two last year. They will give you drops and full instructions / risks. Draw the curtains before she goes - she might be a bit light sensitive for a day or so. Sunglasses - if she doesn't have any, get some cheap ones.