To ask how you felt the first couple of days after a cataract operation - especially a complex cataract. Surprises and things you wish you had known ahead of time.

[loveyouradvice]

Just that really ... I'm so aware that people who've had an operation know more about what its like than the professionals!

What do you wish you'd known beforehand - and what surprised you??

Thanks

Bump, as would love to also know

CurlyMango... op now had so here goes....

Surprisingly no pain or irritation, just a few days of dry eye and used moisturising drops they provided

Felt tired for only a couple of days, and enjoyed curling up on sofa with TV and books. Then felt quite energetic and annoyed I couldn't do any light exercise for 5 days....

Eyesight in eye improved a bit immediately and far more once the pupil dilation had gone down and it was the same size as the other one - about 48 hours later

And felt a bit "swimmy" when walking sometimes - two eyes not quite coordinating... not bad but meant I held on sometimes

Also still have - 2 weeks after - rippling effect around the periphery of eye early morning and after dark in artificial light - not bad, just there and gather this dies down in time

So all in all far less than I expected - I also know Ive been lucky as sight I have is far better than my surgeon expected or hoped given complexity of my cataract and eye

Can the operation be done under GA? I know it's usually done under local, but my DH has the start of a cataract in his only good eye, and is terrified at the thought of the op. His other eye only perceives light and shade, so if he doesn't have it done he would be nearly blind.

You can have a sedative tablet beforehand. It brings your blood pressure down too!

I’ve got the flickery effect too, but no pain or discomfort.

It was explained to me in great detail beforehand. I knew what to expect during and after. I had plastic patches and wore goggles overnight to stop myself from touching my eyes. I had been told that everything looks very bright afterwards and it really does.

I had both done, although one will never be great because of the astigmatism.

Everything looked brighter but a more bluey white than the browny yellowy white pre-op. It was incredibly annoying having to have specs just for reading until I could get my prescription adjusted about 6 weeks after the op - I made do with supermarket reading glasses until I got my new prescription varifocals.

Same as Foxy, I have one eye with astigmatism but my sight levels went from 11.75 to 1.75 in that eye and 13.25 to 0.25 in the other eye - practically a miracle!

Patch over eye for 24 hours after operation, then strict instructions not to rub the eye for several weeks. I haven't properly rubbed my eyes for over 6 months!

Eyes were a bit light sensitive for a few days but I had absolutely no pain or discomfort.

It's an odd sensation actually having the op - I found being aware of having my eye 'pinned' open a bit weird, but you can't feel a thing. It is over so quickly. They use a surprisingly large number of eye drops in preparation to numb the eye.

Sueelle I was given the choice of under sedation or not... so was given a sedative and half-conscious throughout.

I'm super squeamish about my eyes and was surprised I felt totally fine about it. You can't move - which I found reassuring as I was worried I might and ruin the op! - and just feel a bit dazed and relaxed.

It only takes 15 minutes so that makes it easier too

My dm had her first eye done last week, she said it was so easy. No pain, no discomfort. The operation was a breeze. She would recommend it to anyone and reassure them that it is easy.