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Cataracts disappointment

(86 Posts)
henetha Sun 03-Sept-23 16:49:39

I think cataracts are quite common in older people. I had one done earlier this year and it was quite easy. I don't know what causes them though.
Hopefully yours won't need an op, but if they do then I hope it's successful.
Mostly it's straightforward and nothing to get upset about.

Kate1949 Sun 03-Sept-23 16:49:04

I was told the same in my late 60s grannydarkhair. I too have never smoked and eat a healthy diet etc. My husband has had both of his done and he was fine.

M0nica Sun 03-Sept-23 16:47:34

just because you do everything 'right' isn't a lucky charm that promises a free ride with no problems. Doing all the things you say REDUCES your chance of having cataracts, but doesn't eliminate them. It seems that perhaps there is a family inheritance that means you get cataracts easily - and, as you say, you are 9 years older than your brothers before you have developed them, your eye carehas proved successful.

Cataract surgery is close to being the most trivial operation you can have. My father was nearly 90 when he had his catatact op. The operation was at 11.00am, he left the hospital at 12.00, at 12.30 we were in his favourite restaurant eating lunch and an hour later we went for a nice country walk.

Marydoll Sun 03-Sept-23 16:40:11

Eyes!

Marydoll Sun 03-Sept-23 16:39:52

I don't like anything to do with eyes either, but in my view the op outweighs the down side.

The thing is, you can't shut your eyrs until its over, can you? 🤣

grannydarkhair Sun 03-Sept-23 16:36:44

crazyH No, I’m not a particularly anxious person. I’m fine with any other part of my body being examined, go for all my regular medical appointments, tests, carry a donor card, etc. but when it comes to my eyes, it’s a whole different story, and I’ve always been like this.

Marydoll Sun 03-Sept-23 16:30:21

I can't wait to have the surgery and hopefully improve my sight.
It's a minor issue, compared to my other health issues.

Marydoll Sun 03-Sept-23 16:27:46

Due to the medication I am on, I have annual eye tests and have been told the same over the last three years that I have cataracts. However, they are not advanced enough for surgery.
Apparently mine are caused by long term hjgh BP, I have a healthy diet and I have never smoked.

crazyH Sun 03-Sept-23 16:26:16

I’m sorry, but I think you are over reacting a bit. To get ‘nauseous’ over a cataract operation is, in my opinion, a bit over the top. There are worse things in life. But I guess you are a very anxious person and I understand.
My optometrist said the same thing to me about 2 years ago. I am a bit older than you. My friend who is roughly your age, had her cataracts done, without any problem . As a matter I know a few who had them done. No problem.
So, don’t overthink. You have a lot of time. If not, by the time you have your op, you will be a nervous wreck. Take things easy is my advice.

BlueBelle Sun 03-Sept-23 16:20:50

Sorry to disappoint but I was told on three occasions they were baby cataracts but they quickly became necessary for the operation I was also told that the opticians like to tell you they aren’t ready because of course they are making money from your contacts or your glasses lenses
Anyway it’s a wonderful operation and although one of mine was complex it’s fantastic to have the lense replacement and decent eyesight again and absolutely nothing to feel sick about

grannydarkhair Sun 03-Sept-23 16:15:44

I recently had an eye test, I hadn’t had one in five years due to COVID and other health problems. I was really disappointed when the optometrist said I had the start of cataracts in both eyes, no other problems were found. She did assure me that it would probably be years, if ever, before they ripened enough for removal.
I’ve never smoked, always eaten a healthy diet and have worn (prescription) sun glasses since I was in my 30s, all three of these being factors in cataract prevention. Both of my late older brothers had their cataracts treated in their early 60s, exposure to sunlight was the major cause for them. I’m nearly 69 so am doing better than them.
But, tbh, even writing this is making me nauseous. When the optometrist was telling me, I honestly thought I might throw up. So fingers crossed, it’ll be a very long time, if ever, before I have to have them removed.