Cataracts

[kejedo]

I found an older thread from Sister Loje on cataracts, but it was locked. My first procedure is tomorrow. I also have pneumonia and finish my last dose of antibiotic tomorrow morning. It makes my stomach very upset, and I don't want to vomit in the surgical suite.My left has almost no vision, but I have some vision still in right eye.  Anyway, how was your procedure? Any advice? Be seein you, pauline

[Loopy]

My first procedure was when I was 47. I didn’t have the cloudiness that I hear everyone else seems to have. I just couldn’t wear my glasses when using the computer. But it as how quickly that came about that made me go see the eye doctor.

 

This was the first time for me to be put under. I didn’t have any problems. Other than during the procedure I came out of the anesthesia 😳 but they gave me more “juice” and I was back under again. 

It’s surprising how well your vision will be when you have them both done. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
 

Anyway, if your meds upset your stomach like that, I’m not so sure you should take them before your procedure. Mixing them with anesthesia may not be a good idea. Others might have a different opinion. 

 

Hope all goes well. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[dove]

I had my right eye done last August and the other 2 weeks later. I didn't have the general anesthetic but an IV in my arm with 2 drugs, I think for pain and anxiety. I asked for only one to be used as I was afraid of having memory problems that can be caused by anesthetics in older people. They had no problem with it and the procedures went fine. There was virtually no pain with either except for a slight achiness at one moment, but as soon as I mentioned it they put  another drop in my eye and it was fine again.

 

I watched a lot of videos of the procedure on YouTube, and it kind of psyched me up and got me a little used to what was going to happen and what to expect.

 

I don't think you will regret doing it...❣️

[Sheep]

I had cataract surgery in both eyes in the 1990s, about three years apart. The surgery techniques are a lot more advanced since then. So nowadays, they do the second eye within a couple of weeks of the first. But I guess you know that. But, yes indeed! You'll be able to see a lot better after both eyes are done. The only thing is that you will need to wait some time for the eyes to heal. Only after the wait will you be able to get another vision test to get glasses, or change the ones you have. (Yes, if you already have glasses they will need to be changed!) I'm not sure how long it took me, and I'm not certain if the wait is any shorter these days. In between, though, you likely won't be able to see very well. But just be patient, and afterwards you'll be glad you were.

 

As for the upset stomach after taking your antibiotic, that's something to ask your ophthalmologist about. But it doesn't sound like there will be much time for that beforehand, especially if you've already taken the prescription before going in. Maybe you shouldn't take the meds in the morning, but take them with you to the surgery. Anyway, talking to the doctor would be my suggestion.

[Jothob]

18 hours ago, kejedo said:

I found an older thread from Sister Loje on cataracts, but it was locked. My first procedure is tomorrow. I also have pneumonia and finish my last dose of antibiotic tomorrow morning. It makes my stomach very upset, and I don't want to vomit in the surgical suite.My left has almost no vision, but I have some vision still in right eye.  Anyway, how was your procedure? Any advice? Be seein you, pauline

I wish you all the best for your procedure…I hope all goes well and you’ll be able to see clearer. 
I’m booked in to have mine done in the next 3 to 4 months. 
My vision has deteriorated slowly over the last 3 years, but now I cannot go outside without my sunglasses on weather it’s sunny or cloudy. The bright light makes everything more blurry than it is. 
I was quite surprised when they said I had cataracts as I’m only in my 50’s and thought it was an old person condition! But anyone can develop them at any age I was told. 
Anyway, obviously I’m not looking forward to the procedure itself, but it will be amazing if I can see clearer again. 
All the best. I’ll be thinking of you. Please let us know how it goes 🤗

[bohemian]

my wife had surgery on her right eye for detached retina - this didn’t work so had to be redone. now waiting for cataract in the same eye!  Moorfields Emergency Eye Hospital .

[Jothob]

15 minutes ago, bohemian said:

my wife had surgery on her right eye for detached retina - this didn’t work so had to be redone. now waiting for cataract in the same eye!  Moorfields Emergency Eye Hospital .

Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I do hope your wife recovers soon. Please send her our best wishes. ☺️

[Sheep]

2 hours ago, Jothob said:

I was quite surprised when they said I had cataracts as I’m only in my 50’s and thought it was an old person condition! But anyone can develop them at any age I was told.
Anyway, obviously I’m not looking forward to the procedure itself, but it will be amazing if I can see clearer again.

You're right about the age thing. As I noted earlier, when I had cataract surgery in the 1990s I was in my 40s. But the first signs of cataracts started showing up decades earlier when I was only 16! It was so early in my life that the eye doctor didn't even see them; he thought my vision was fine. But I had like an "asterisk" effect at times; a light when it was dark showed up like an asterisk. I knew something was wrong, but the doctor didn't.

 

You'll be amazed at the results of the surgery! Just wait for it.

[Jothob]

2 hours ago, Sheep said:

You're right about the age thing. As I noted earlier, when I had cataract surgery in the 1990s I was in my 40s. But the first signs of cataracts started showing up decades earlier when I was only 16! It was so early in my life that the eye doctor didn't even see them; he thought my vision was fine. But I had like an "asterisk" effect at times; a light when it was dark showed up like an asterisk. I knew something was wrong, but the doctor didn't.

 

You'll be amazed at the results of the surgery! Just wait for it.

Oh I’m so glad you said that! I am anxious obviously, having someone poke a needle in your eye is not something I’m looking forward to, but you saying the results will be great is what I needed to hear…thank you.

Oh my! That was really young for you. 
Yes I understand the asterisk description! I also have like double vision…they call it ‘ghosting’ in the ophthalmology field.

Its only because it’s starting to impact my driving that I’m getting them done as I still want to keep my independence, especially now we’re starting in-person meetings. I would struggle driving at night right now ☹️

  

Edited March 14, 2022 by Jothob