Early (ish) cataracts - help please!

[TammytheFaceGhost]

I've recently been informed I have the beginnings of cataracts, I'm in my late 30s. I should have asked questions at the time but I had my ND children with me and I was just wanting to get them out of there, so I thought I'd crowd source some info here.

Firstly, a quick Google shows that most people develop them in 40s to 50s, if they come younger it's because of diabetes, smoking and some other risk factors, none of which apply to me. Is it really just random or is it a sign they will develop quickly and I will need the surgery sooner?

I sometimes have a feeling like I have an eyelash or something on my eyes, but there's nothing there, is that because of the cataracts? Is there anything I can do for it?

For people who have had the surgery, what is it like? I'm very scared!

If you have any other useful information I'd be really grateful.

Bump

If you're worried ask to be referred to an eye specialist but my optician told me everyone starts to develop them from early adulthood. Mine are ticking along.

FWIW DH had both his replaced last year and he felt very nervous beforehand. However he was pleasantly surprised at how quick and slick it was with only a little post op discomfort which the drops soon dealt with.
And he now isn't short sighted as they deal with that in your new lens!

That's very reassuring, thank you @Lifeinlists ! I'm glad your DH had a good experience.

I know most people will end up with cataracts if they live long enough, it was just a shock to me that she mentioned they were there and how it might affect me etc. Wish I'd been able to take more in!

Why not ring them and ask for a bit more information. Say you were a bit taken aback and therefore a bit anxious. I'm sure they wouldn't mind explaining further.
They do spring these things on you without really thinking how you might take it!

I went with an increase of floaters and was told they were ok but I had a pigment on my retina and it needed further, fairly speedy,examination. Cue too much googling and self diagnosing and I'd almost written my funeral wishes
Turned out it's always been there and wasn't a problem. So I understand your concern!

Sometimes they'll say you have the early starts of cataracts and 10 years later they won't have developed much. Majority of people getting cataract surgery are over 60.

Personally I wouldn't worry. You may even find that it's not mentioned at your next eye test in 2 years because it's so minimal. Occasionally you do get younger (under 50) needing cataract surgery but one good thing is once you have it done successfully, it won't need to be done again.

In regards to feeling as if there's an eyelash in your eye, it's in unlikely to be the cataract as you can't physically feel it.

If you ever do notice any change in your vision, head back and see an optician anyway.

Best of luck

Was this at an eye test? I think they say it to everyone to sell sunglasses! Don't worry if you do have cataracts- the operation is a doddle, pain free and you ended up with much better eyesight and may not have to wear glasses at all x

Age to develop cataracts is also linked to UV exposure. Part of why cataracts form is in response to how UV damages your eyes.

Best to have UV blocking contacts and wear sunglasses.

Cataracts at least mean that you get corrective replacement lens eye surgery free on the NHS.

I don’t have any sign of cataracts, so will have to pay private for corrective eye surgery soon. I can’t wear glasses without getting double vision. My eyes are too bad for daily contact lenses, and I can’t wear extended wear contact lenses for various other medical reasons. For now, I am under-corrected in daily wear contacts and can see ok but not well enough to drive legally.

I am saving the £10k to get eye surgery (£5k per eye).

Yes it was @AuntieDolly , but they didn't mention sunglasses at all! They said contact lenses were an option but I said I don't like the idea of them and they were fine with that.

Thank you all, you've been very reassuring!