Cataracts.

[Rosemaryb1349]

I had my eyes tested last September with my usual optician in Cyprus and there was no mention of cataracts but after getting and wearing my new varifocals for a few months I felt that my vision was definitely not very good so had a second appointment at Specsavers in Inverness who confirmed that my prescription and glasses were perfect for me but that the difference was that I was now developing cataracts in both eyes. I didn't connect it with A-Fib or medication at first but I did eventually Google Cataracts and Verapamil and lo and behold there is a documented connection between them and also with Beta blockers. Is this well known to any members on here?

[10gingercats]

I was told I had the very beginnings of cataracts developing in both eyes nearly 20 years ago and long before i took verapamil.Ver. did not appear to hasten the development of my cataracts.I could see very well until Jan. 2019 and then quite suddenly my sight began to blurr badly and within 6 months i could hardly see my hand before me.So not sure, at least for me., there was any connection.Surgeon never mentioned it either.

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks for your reply, I should have mentioned that I was on bisoprolol for several years before it was switched to verapamil.

[Hidden]

I've been on Bisoprolol for over 10 years. My personal take is the cataract arises as a function of aging, and usually ( but not in every case) so is AF. I don't believe there is a connection. I had my left eye cataract done in June 2018. No problems with right eye.

I mean, if an AF'er in their 30's gets AF, will they at some point then go onto develop a cataract? Or will they not get a cataract until in their 60's.

[Dawsonmackay]

In 2007, I had a bad episode of hives and was put on prednisone. A year later, I had a cataract in the left eye and had cataract surgery. Since 2007, I have been taking metropolol and been having my eyes checked regularly - no cataracts.

[Finvola]

My cataracts have been present for about 40 years - I’ve been taking AF medication, including beta blockers for just over six. The cataracts have been very slowly getting worse but in the last few years are now bothersome.

Ageing is obviously a factor in my case (now 75) but a few years ago I was politely told by an ophthalmologist to comeback when they are worse. Now need both eyes done and the NHS waiting list here is at least 3 years, so I have to go privately.

Never considered a link between cataracts and medication, nor was it mentioned at my optician visit last week. I’m seeing a consultant on Thursday and will ask him.

[jennydog in reply to Finvola]

An old friend, aged 92, had cataracts removed last year in Chester. She decided that a long waiting list was not sensible for her. It cost £2,000 per eye. Regrettably macular degeneration has proved to be her worst problem.

[irene75359 in reply to Finvola]

I paid privately, not because of cataracts but because my eyesight was getting worse and worse. I had lens replacement (the same procedure) and was told I had cataracts in both eyes. One of the best things I have ever had done.

[Finvola in reply to irene75359]

Good to know irene - hopefully I can get the worse eye done before CV cases get more numerous here - we have 26 on the whole island so far.

[jeanjeannie50]

This is why I hate taking tablets. They cure one thing and often give you something else!!! 🤔

[Barb1]

My cataracts developed very quickly. I also have glaucoma and was told there is a link between that and cataracts. Dont know about BP meds, as I had glaucoma 10 years before being on them.

[willywombat44]

Had cataracts before medication. You might find that living in a sunny climate was a greater factor, as I believe it was with me.

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to willywombat44]

Thanks for your reply but I live in north of scotland which isn't as sunny as Cyprus 👀

[Crystalbowl]

I was told I had cataracts developing many years’ ago. It has sometimes been mentioned in eye tests but not always and I don’t always think about it myself when at the opticians. I have been on Bisoprolol for about 3 years’ now so hope this doesn’t mean the cataracts are going to develop more rapidly. I will try to remember to see what they say at my next eye test whenever that is. I agree with JeanJeanie about taking medication and it causing something else which is why I resisted for quite a long time.