Cataracts at 55!

[Mamalicious16]

Went for eye test 4 months ago. Slight cataract in one eye. No impact on vision so no issues. 4 months later cataract has grown so much I have been referred for an operation to remove it and put another lens in. Also other cateract is growing . I'm concerned it's grown so fast. Is this something to worry about. I know I should have asked this at the appointment but was a bit shellshocked by the op needed and I've asked for a callback but he's not in for the rest of the week
Anyone else had similar
I'm.voncerned about the rate it's growing.........

It will be fine. So long as there isn't a long waiting list where you are, the first one will be done and you'll have good vision in that eye by the time the other one grows to the point it needs doing. Your brain will just use the 'best' eye, until you've had both done.

Thanks for the reply. I'm going in a couple of weeks to have a consultation and drops put in ( I can't drive afterwards) and there is a waiting list of 14 weeks .......

The drops are fine. You do need a driver, but they'll wear off in 6 hours or so. Take sunglasses with you if it's a sunny day, they help a bit. The procedure itself will only take 15 minutes, and you'll have clearer vision pretty much straight away. A couple of paracetamol will sort any minor discomfort afterwards. I had mine done on the Thursday, was back at work on Monday.

I had this at 44
the doctor told me they were drug induced - most likely steroids I had for an ear problem 2 years before.

however asthmatics who use a steroid inhaler are at higher risk of this type of cataract.
As others have said…. either take public transport home or a driver to pick you up.
& definitely take very large sunglasses .

best of luck.

And the best news about getting the cataracts out and replaced with new lenses is your eyesight will be A1, and probably you won't need reading glasses like the rest of us 50+ folk.

I’m 56 and have also got a cataract. It does make me feel about 100 when I tell people. Am hoping not to have to wait too long to get it done.

Thanks all for your responses. Maybe I'll be able to drive within a few days after the op? Wonder how long till I can return to swimming? I'll try and remember to ask at my ( pre op?)

@Mamalicious16 I had mine done at 55 and drove the next day with clear vision. Not sure about the swimming 🤔

I think at least a fortnight off from swimming, but I've had several eye procedures so could be muddling them up

Have you very poor vision as in strong prescription? Have you spent a lot of time outside without sunglasses? My dh needed them done at 57 which apparently isn’t uncommon according to surgeon. The upside is he no longer wears distance glasses

I had my first cataract op at 55, second a month ago at 59. Mine were due to a side effect of steroid use as I have chronic lung disease. I was referred via NHS but OP was at a private clinic. As long as you have someone to drive you home after the op, it will be fine. V rapid recovery period and results are amazing

Swimming should be left to 4 weeks post op

Oh and you can go to any centre that does nhs, he waited 2 weeks that’s all

You can drive pretty much within 1 to 2 days post op. On operation day, take sunglasses as you will be v light sensitive for about 24 to 48 hours

I wouldn’t get your hopes up about this. Typically you need reading glasses after a lens replacement as they correct for your far vision but not your near (they can’t do both, I think there are some fancy lenses that can do a bit better, but not on the nhs anyway).

But apart from that, it’s pretty straightforward and life changing if you were already wearing glasses or contacts. I had one done at 45 and the other 18 months later and both times could see quite clearly the next day. I waited quite a long time to swim though, just because I’m very paranoid about eye infections. My surgeon said I only needed a few weeks I think.

I only need glasses to read. Have any of you heard about ( the police/ DVLA) scheme that's just started up. Apparently they stop random vehicles and test your eyesight

Also, the reason I'm waiting do long is because my optician said I could go to whichever one was listed so could have it earlier, but the reason this one I've chosen has a longer waiting list is because the lens they use is better ( well, he says that the people that go there tend to have the fewest aftercare issues compared to the others. So I took his advice

Random question - went to dentist today and my bones in my gums are reducing. Wonder if there's a link between fast growing cateracts and this. The only stuff I can find on Google eludes to steroid use diabetes and other things that don't apply to me. Couldy immune system.be too much and attacking my bones in my gums and also the reason for my fast growing cateracts?

ive been told gums recede due to gum disease and risk of this is increased by plaque. And therefor if you visit the dentist / hygienist twice a year you will avoid this.

I now go twice a year. But sadly didn’t for 20 years so have significant receded gums.

I’ve got a cataract growing in my right eye @Mamalicious16 , it was a shock to be told this at 51 but apparently they can start in middle age so we’re not unusual tbh. My right eye has always been very weak.

I’ve looked after my Dad post-surgery and I agree with others that you’ll be told not to swim for a while. It’s annoying but his eyesight is so good now that it’s been worth it.

I had one eye done at 52 and had the other one done this year at 61. The op was done at private one through NHS. It was much better than the first one done at the hospital. Things have improved including waiting time. Took 9 months against 4 weeks in 2025.

Have visited dentist and hygienist twice a week for the past 15 years though. 🙄

@Mamalicious16 My dentist told me that it’s also genetic so if one of your parents has gum recession, you’re more likely to. My Dad has it and no surprises, I do too, even though I have always had regular checkups and apparently, I’m a good flosser. 😂

At 87, Dad’s still got most of his teeth though so it doesn’t need to be devastating.

That should have said twice a YEAR not twice a week!! 🤣🤣

Can you tell me what year you had your private treatment and would you mind telling me it cost please?