How much support does an elderly parent need after cataract surgery?

32 replies

pol123417 · 14/09/2026 10:22

My mum (78) lives alone in apartment needs to have her cateracts removed.
I am planning on staying with her after the procedure overnight , will one night be enough, I thought she would be better in her own environment rather than staying with us (we have stairs and 2 messy teenagers!) Does anyone have experience of supporting a parent through this? I have read up about it but would love to hear real life experience , thank you

OP posts:

Mischance · 18/09/2026 22:35

They don’t ever do both at the same time. - they did both mine at the same time and we are talking a few years ago.

They rescrubbed and used new sterile instruments between each eye.

I had no problem - the op is a miracle!

Mischance · 18/09/2026 22:36

I had no dressings or plastic shells afterwards - just walked out looking the same as I came in.

Offherrockingchair · 03/10/2026 22:20

I know someone who took herself to the hospital by bus and back to have cataracts done. Lived to be well over 100 as well. They were made of different stuff back then! Never knew anyone so stoical.

Stanislas · 15/10/2026 10:26

Where i live we are blessed with Sunderland Eye Hospital. I had a cataract done there last week. I must admit i was terrified in anticipation that things go wrong even with the best of intentions. I took a diazapam which helped. Walked out of hospital -the reception called a taxi for me. I am very short sighted so feeling very unbalanced still. The second cataract next week. The drops do sting but they give you extra until you get the hang of getting it right first time.

Stanislas · 15/10/2026 10:28

Meant to say that i am 81 and have filled the freezer with ready meals. I read the elderly parents on mumsnet as helpful warnings.

Sizzlingsnowdrop · 18/10/2026 20:12

Took my mother once to nhs hospital and next
time to private clinic on nhs. Was fine afterwards both times. The only issue was that I needed to remove the lens of her glasses after the first operation. No one mentioned this ahead of the procedure and, as I needed to pick my child up from after school and go to work the next day, I had to DIY it as I couldn’t get to an optician.

HoppityBun · 18/10/2026 20:14

Offherrockingchair · 03/10/2026 22:20

I know someone who took herself to the hospital by bus and back to have cataracts done. Lived to be well over 100 as well. They were made of different stuff back then! Never knew anyone so stoical.

I got myself to hospital and back for this both times. No big deal. But I’ve no idea for how long I’ll remain alive.

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