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Original poster

Early onset cataracts and terrified of OP

38 replies

effingcataracts · 05/05/2023 22:55

As I very much feared would happen, I have just been diagnosed with cataracts, at exactly the same age as my mother - mid 40s
One of them is quite advanced - I didn't realize it was that bad as apparently the other eye was compensating.
I need to have both eyes operated on. The doctor said I can let her know when to make the referral to the hospital (I'm in a different country so it's a slightly different procedure to get referred). Basically she said that it's not urgent and that I can decide when I want to have it done, depending on how happy I am with my current visual acuity.
However, I would like to have it done sooner rather than later because the symptoms which alerted me to the possibility of cataracts are annoying - light sensitivity and poorer sight when it's too bright. Sight is good with prescription sunglasses and in less bright light without.

Problem is I'm needle phobic and I'm terrified of medical interventions in general. She said some surgeons only use drops to numb the eye and you get some kind of tablet to calm you down before hand. But I'm really scared I'd end up having a panic attack and moving my head or something.
Has anyone had a cataract operation and can advise? Can it be done under sedation and if so what is that like`? My worry about that is that I'd still feel panicky but have lost all control of the situation because I'm sedated.

It's a right nightmare to be honest!!

OP posts:
Original poster
effingcataracts · 07/05/2023 11:59

Thank you so much everyone. I'm glad I asked here.
I'll be very glad of cheaper glasses too - my last ones were €400

OP posts:
Original poster
effingcataracts · 09/09/2023 20:13

Just updating this in case anyone is still following - you were all so kind.
I had the cataracts done this week, both at the same time, under general anaesthetic.
Everyone was so lovely, especially the anaesthetic nurse who put the IV in. He got me through that despite my needle phobia.
I did really struggle with my needle/doctor and hospital phobias but I did get through it.
And now I can see really well without glasses!
Also the colours are so bright.
So thanks to all who were so supportive when I posted the initial thread.

OP posts:
Beaucielblues · 09/09/2023 23:07

Well done you!

Balloonsandroses · 09/09/2023 23:15

Well done! My daughter who’s 10 had cataract surgery earlier this summer - she has needle pbobia and the anaesthetist did a gas induction for her so there weren’t any needles. She has been absolutely thrilled with the results and almost the first thing she said - same as you - was that colours were much brighter and more vivid.

Original poster
effingcataracts · 10/09/2023 10:53

Balloonsandroses · 09/09/2023 23:15

Well done! My daughter who’s 10 had cataract surgery earlier this summer - she has needle pbobia and the anaesthetist did a gas induction for her so there weren’t any needles. She has been absolutely thrilled with the results and almost the first thing she said - same as you - was that colours were much brighter and more vivid.

Well done to your daughter too!
They were on stand-by to give me a gas induction if I hadn't been able to cope with the IV but it was fine - the nurse was amazing.
There was a 9 year old in the bay next to me being prepped - he had had a plaster on for 20 minutes to numb the area as he was terrified of needles too. I was so impressed with him. He was so brave. But the nurse couldn't get a suitable vein so they gave up on that idea and he had gas instead.

OP posts:
Spidey66 · 10/09/2023 11:02

Well done!

I’ve never heard of anyone having them done at the same time, how did you manage with the patches over the eyes on day 1?

I was diagnosed just before lockdown but told they wouldn’t be a problem for years but they deteriorated rapidly and I had them both done at 55 so relatively early but not as early as you. I had them done under local separately and while I was squeamish about it it was very quick and easy and like you I’m chuffed with the results. My eyesight hasn’t been this good since I was a kid (distance anyway, i still use reading glasses.)

Mischance · 10/09/2023 11:08

Had both mine done at same time and awake early this year. Greatest asset is being able to find the soap if I drop it in the shower! Oh ... and much much cheaper glasses.

Original poster
effingcataracts · 10/09/2023 13:31

Spidey66 · 10/09/2023 11:02

Well done!

I’ve never heard of anyone having them done at the same time, how did you manage with the patches over the eyes on day 1?

I was diagnosed just before lockdown but told they wouldn’t be a problem for years but they deteriorated rapidly and I had them both done at 55 so relatively early but not as early as you. I had them done under local separately and while I was squeamish about it it was very quick and easy and like you I’m chuffed with the results. My eyesight hasn’t been this good since I was a kid (distance anyway, i still use reading glasses.)

They did both at the same time to avoid two general anaesthetics.
When I woke up I had clear patches on both eyes. I don't know why I didn't have a pad on. There was another woman in the same ward as me who had both done under general and she came out with a pad on one eye and clear patches over both, so one eye free.

OP posts:
Firsttimecaller · 10/09/2023 15:37

Great news! Now keep that memory of your bravery and use it next time you need a big medical procedure (hopefully never) but if you do need something you know you are strong and brave! Keep on top of your drops regime and wear sunglasses in this weather. You'll find things are brighter and clearer as you get closer to your four week check.

Original poster
effingcataracts · 10/09/2023 16:41

Firsttimecaller · 10/09/2023 15:37

Great news! Now keep that memory of your bravery and use it next time you need a big medical procedure (hopefully never) but if you do need something you know you are strong and brave! Keep on top of your drops regime and wear sunglasses in this weather. You'll find things are brighter and clearer as you get closer to your four week check.

Thank you!
Yes, I am recalling every detail of what happened several times a day. My thoughts being that if I recall this positive experience of hospital it will replace the pictures and images I have constantly had of the negative experiences of seeing a relative in intensive care when I was a child.
Despite everything I was able to laugh with the doctors and nurses in the OP theatre, something I never would have thought was possible!

I'm being religious about my drops! I have a check up tomorrow to see how I am getting on.

OP posts:
Tribevibes · 30/09/2023 19:45

@Balloonsandroses

Hi there, my son had a cataract picked up at an eye test when he was 10, he’s 13 now and I think it’s still really small as at his yearly eye test they don’t really mention it. How’s your DD now? I find it worrying to be honest having a child who has one so young 😢.

Balloonsandroses · 30/09/2023 19:51

@Tribevibes my daughter is doing great now, really enjoying having better vision. Apparently they couldn’t get quite all of the cataract out so she might need it doing again but touch wood the remaining bit doesn’t seem to bother her at all at the moment. Tbh we knew she’d likely get a cataract there as she’s had a previous malignancy and radiotherapy there so it was almost a relief when it actually happened and we could get the treatment for it over and done with.

Tribevibes · 30/09/2023 19:55

@Balloonsandroses

Good news for your DD and thanks for responding so quickly.

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