Cataract surgery

[CreatingHavoc]

I have a cataract in my left eye that is causing me vision issues. After over 2 years of being passed from optician to consultant and back again, today I saw a different consultant who said simply "you have a cataract, you need cataract surgery". I have opted to have local anaesthetic and sedation rather than a general anaesthetic. Wasn't sure if I could cope with being completely awake for it though! Has anyone else gone down this route? I'm only 38 and have heard from a previous consultant that cataracts tend to eventually return so the thought of having multiple ops is somewhat concerning. Keen to hear others experiences.

I've never known anyone have a general anaesthetic, I don't know how long they last because to be honest I've never known anyone as young as you to have it done.
I understood they are pretty long lasting.

I had cataract operations and implants put in both eyes in two ops about 20 years ago when I was in my mid 50's. Both were done under local anaesthetic and despite my severe reservations beforehand it wasn't too uncomfortable. The results can only be described as spectacular with a vast improvement in clarity which has lasted to this day (just checked, I can still comfortably read a number plate at 45m).

Before the ops I was quite badly short sighted, the implants almost cured this and the lenses in my glasses are now much 'weaker'. I can almost (but not quite) reach the driving standard when not wearing specs.

Hope this helps.

@Twyler thanks for your reply, very reassuring. Hopefully mine will last a long time too. I had no idea they could correct vision whilst doing the op, when the consultant mentioned it I was quite taken aback. I am quite short sighted with astigmatism so have worn glasses since I was 3. They are not going to fully correct my vision in my left eye for reasons I'm not entirely certain, something to do with me already needing bifocals for reading.

My dh is having it done in about 2 weeks . I'm surprised you were offered a general , as other than the squeamish side to it , it's a relatively easy , quick op , takes 20 mins or so.
From his appointment at the hospital to op date was only about 6 weeks so I'm guessing thats fairly quick going.

@KittyCatsby wow, my consultant said there was a 6 month wait! I might speak to my optician and see if they can refer me elsewhere. The sooner it's done the better.

@CreatingHavoc His is being done at an actual eye hospital so perhaps that makes a difference ( still NHS )