Cataract Op!

My aunt, who is now 97, had the op done about 4 years ago and she never looked back. She did follow the instuctions postop meticulously and her sight is so much better now.

I did not think that it would be done because of her age but it was done under local anaesthetic and she was fine.

Off to have the second one done on Friday, and am so happy about that! The waiting time has been minimal and the operation isn't painful. Lying completely still for half an hour was a chore, though, and I immediately, but too late, thought I needed a wee. (As you do when there's no chance!)

If I close the good eye, the colours I see are dull compared to what I see from the other one.

So - go for it!

suey, many thanks for your post. I will need cataracts removed from both eyes at some (distant I hope) future date. You're the first person to spell out what happens. I'll relax now

I had a cataract (plus other eye problem) op last year. Marvellous result. Don't worry about the actual op. Mine was done under local anaesthetic and I didn't feel a thing as had endless drops in my eye. You don' see a thing as your other eye is covered so that only the eye to be operated on is visible..and you don't see a thing through that either.

Thanks for the op, and more thanks for the positive responses. I have cataracts on both eyes, one of them growing for England so to speak. It's so reassuring to read this thread

Just remembered that I told everyone that colours seemed on steroids at first.

I had both eyes done three days apart in early 2012. Nothing to it, ignore all and any horror stories just think how wonderful your sight will be. I would have a couple of pairs of dark glasses ready because the world will seem very bright for the first few days.
Two and a half years later am just having YAG done, that's the laser treatment. Had second one done this afternoon in fact.
Go for it and if you are offered a choice of lenses go for the ones that meet your needs best.

I've had both eyes done - not from choice and not both at the same time. Highly recommend it. The world is now a brighter place - I'm not joking. Colours were amazing when I took the dressing off. The op doesn't take long and there's no need to be scared - although I was initially. It's just the thought of it really.

Not sure how old you are FriendSusan (I am not asking) but I was only in my early/mid 60s when I had mine done. Early cataracts and being very short-sighted are linked. It was fantastic. I had become very nervous about driving at night on unfamiliar routes because of problems with glare and poor night vision. Now I contemplate such journeys with equanimity. Tonight I am driving to visit DD who lives 70 miles away. I will not leave until after the rush hour so most of the journey will be in the dark.

I have actually 'recommended' cataracts to DS who is so short-sighted he qualifies for free eye tests.

Mt Dad had both his done some years ago and he was absolutely fine and delighted with the outcome. He was pretty ancient when he had both surgeries but managed fine.

I know how you must feel about having your eyes "tinkered with" but this is a tried and tested op.

I had laser surgery for a torn retina many years ago and it was quick, painless and effective; even though I was freaking out inside at the idea of a laser going into my eye!

I had my eyes lasered in 1993 to correct my short sightedness, when the op was relatively new. (After much deliberation, I might add) Then in 2004 I developed cataracts, nothing to do with the laser treatment. I had the cataracts done and now I just need glasses to drive on dark dismal nights. Both ops were successful. Please go ahead, there's nothing to worry about and, like me, you will be glad you did.

A friend had hers done a couple of years ago with no issues at all and is very happy with the result. Mine are growing and will have to be dealt with but I am not the least concerned. Stop worrying, it will all be fine.

Both my parents have had both eyes done (in their late 80s). All four eyes very successful and easy. Be very meticulous in following the very clear instructions from the hospital about the eye drops, as you want to be sure of no infection. They will give you a phone number to call if you are worried afterwards and when we used this it went straight through to the ward and the advice was quick, clear, reassuring and useful. They both found that their vision was miraculously clearer after a few days and are delighted with the results. Don't hesitate!

I share exactly the same experience as grumppa. I have had both eyes down and as I was previously very short sighted and the replacement lenses can now be tailored to any prescription I have now been able to ditch the specs (and contact lens) and only need glasses for driving and distance work.

I would say that well over 90 per cent of all cataract operations are completely successful and for the ones that are not by far the majority of people have very minor problems that can be quickly remedied. As with anything in life there will always be a very small percentage that go badly wrong, but I have yet to meet anyone whose experience of cataract operations wasn't entirely satisfactory.

Had mine done a few years ago. Pain free and very successful. A touch of corrective laser treatment in one eye after about a year, but this is par for the course.