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Original poster

Cataract operations

178 replies

Paulina18 · 07/12/2021 23:53

I’m having 2 cataract operations in January .
Feeling very scared .
Anyone had or having Sam soon or suffering with cataracts ?

OP posts:
ZenNudist · 07/12/2021 23:55

Everyone on my side of the family has had them. The operation is really quick and easy. They do them day in day out. Don't be scared. I'm very squeamish but am planning on getting mine done if when I live that long and get them.

Friend at church also had it. Said it was a doddle.

Better than losing sight.

User2638483 · 07/12/2021 23:56

I’ve had them, one at 17 and one at 38. Mine were done under general anaesthetic, partly because I can’t tolerate anyone touching my eyes and I think partly because when you’re born with them as I was they’re sort of deeper into the lens.
I needed stitches the first time which was not very pleasant but I think that’s unusual.

It was quick and painless and amazing how you can see the difference almost immediately.

YewandOak · 07/12/2021 23:57

Had one done recently. A doddle. No pain,a little uncomfortable maybe. The difference after is amazing. Waiting for the other eye to be done now.

DustyMaiden · 08/12/2021 00:03

DF having second one tomorrow. First was no problem.

YoshysMum · 10/12/2021 20:09

I had one done three weeks ago and it was fine. I had sedation because I was scared to have it done, but it was absolutely fine. You can't see any equipment coming towards your eyes and there was no pain at all.

UpsilonPi · 10/12/2021 20:13

I had them done a couple of years ago.
I was really scared. The return of sight was life-changingly brilliant!
It's hard not to worry, but it's a very quick and successful operation, and if there is a complication, it can usually be sorted out swiftly too.

JaneJeffer · 10/12/2021 20:15

I've had both eyes done under GA because I would freak out otherwise. My BP dropped for a while after both which is not a nice feeling but apart from that it was fine and I can see - hurrah!

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 10/12/2021 20:16

I had a lens replacement at the same time as having a detached retina repaired and the surgery was absolutely fine with no pain afterwards.

underneaththeash · 10/12/2021 21:12

I do pre-post op consults for cataract surgery,
They are usually very successful / particularly as most people end up getting cataracts at some point in their lives.
Is there anything you’re specifically worried about?
Nb it’s incredibly rare to have a general for cataracts.

meadowbleu · 10/12/2021 21:24

I had both eyes done at the same time. Anaesthetic drops in both eyes. I did have to say it was wearing off for the second eye and had some more drops put in, but I've got to emphasise it wasn't painful at all and nothing to be worried about. I say that as someone who was really scared beforehand. On a scale of comparisons it was more like a big session at the hair salon than a check up at the dentist.

The difference walking out of the hospital was beyond belief. I did have to wear sunglasses because everything was astonishingly bright for a couple of weeks afterwards.

Feel free to dm any questions if you think it would help to talk anything through.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 10/12/2021 21:30

If they offer a sedative they're brilliant!

My op wasn't a cataract surgery, they had to do a vitrectomy, then keyhole surgery to repair the detachment and a lens replacement so it was a couple of hours long and they said it was standard to give a sedative to ensure people remain calm throughout.

I have never in my life felt so completely blissfully calm and relaxed. I was completely aware of what was happening, able to answer questions and have a discussion but just so very very calm.

Original poster
Paulina18 · 10/12/2021 23:09

I’m terrified of something going wrong and very nervous of procedure
I’m hoping for good vision like it was 7 years ago prior to glasses , apart from tiny print 🤞

Thank you everyone so much for your reply’s

OP posts:
Lucinda7 · 10/12/2021 23:19

I've had both my eyes done with no sedation. Was very scared as I am very squeamish. I was aware of all that was done but felt no pain or discomfort. When I took the patch off the next morning I was amazed how good my eyesight was. I had the other one done a few months later. All done on the NHS. That was five years ago. The cataracts sometimes grow back but it's a five minute laser job to remove them.

Original poster
Paulina18 · 10/12/2021 23:38

I hope all is good for you 🤞
Thankyou for your reply

OP posts:
Original poster
Paulina18 · 10/12/2021 23:41

Thank you everyone for your reply’s , support and sharing .
It’s helped a lot
🥰❤️💕🌹❤️💕🌹

OP posts:
JaneJeffer · 10/12/2021 23:43

Good luck. You'll be fine and will be delighted when you can see clearly again Thanks

Original poster
Paulina18 · 10/12/2021 23:50

💕🌹💕🥰Thankyou

OP posts:
Holothane · 10/12/2021 23:54

Asleep for both of mine ( in one eye 20 years apart only got one eye) but 2nd was difficult case, don’t worry not everyone has the problems I’ve had mum in law was terrified and she was fine. It’s lovely being able to see clearly when your fully healed though, lots of drops be prepared.

Holothane · 10/12/2021 23:57

@halfshrunktogo snap but I was asleep for mine, as I’ve arthritis as well can can’t lie still for two hours, where was yours done? Mine Moorfields, so happy even two years on I can read Christmas magazines again it’s wonderful.

Holothane · 10/12/2021 23:57

Nose on page but just so happy with it.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 11/12/2021 00:12

[quote Holothane]@halfshrunktogo snap but I was asleep for mine, as I’ve arthritis as well can can’t lie still for two hours, where was yours done? Mine Moorfields, so happy even two years on I can read Christmas magazines again it’s wonderful.[/quote]

Mine was Leicester Royal Infirmary. I have weird crappy eyes that make Opthamologists all excited and call their students in for a look 😂

Have an optic disc colaboma which was allowing fluid to build up behind the macula resulting in my retina finally being shifted too far and coming loose.

Recovery after the vitrectomy was ridiculous, completely pain free but had to stay face down for 3 days, so had a sunlounger with a face hole set up in the living room and just lived on that for 3 days and walked bent double whenever I needed to move from one place to another which made for a very fun journey to the hospital for my 24hr check up 😁

FiveShelties · 11/12/2021 00:44

I had both done last week with no sedation, just numbing drops and it was fine. I was scared but honestly had no need. I have to put drops in 4 times a day for 4 weeks and my sight is really good. Each eye took around 10/15 minutes. My appt was for 10.15 and my husband collected me at 12.30. My eyes are light sensitive outside but no pain at all - well apart from the Bill. I am in NZ and the op is not done in the public system unless you have lost most of your sight.

CPL593H · 11/12/2021 01:39

Bilateral ops 2 weeks apart at 53. OK, it probably wouldn't be a chosen fun activity for a Saturday night, but the numbing procedure really works and the main thing you have to do is to concentrate on lying still for 10 minutes or so. It doesn't hurt and the payoff is utterly amazing (I imagine your sight is quite bad now) You won't regret it and good luck Flowers

CPL593H · 11/12/2021 01:44

An earlier poster compared it to the dentists-too right, would go through it all again happily rather than have a filling!

Jaagk · 11/12/2021 02:19

My 7 week old DS is going for bilateral cataract surgery on Monday! Good luck OP!