CATARACTS

[cshamb]

After a visit to the eye doctor he said my cataracts are big enough for surgery. Other than no exercise for a couple of weeks does anyone know of anything else I should be careful of. Thanks for your help.

[wifeofparky]

Cataracts are removed under a local anesthesia with a medication to help you relax. MAKE SURE EVEYONE KNOWS you have PD.

[reedboat2]

I had cataract surgery in May and it went well. But during the first surgery I started coughing under sedation so they gave me fentanyl which knocked me out. Like many PWPs I have a tendency to aspirate. That’s why it’s important to let the staff at the surgery center know you have PD. I have complete amnesia of the first surgery. For my second surgery I requested minimal sedation. I was awake for that one and remember everything. I’m very pleased with the results. I’m now 20:20 in one eye and 20:30 in the other. I’m bird watching again. It’s amazing technology.

[caitilin in reply to reedboat2]

Thanks for this post. I'm going in for cataract surgery within the next few weeks. My docs are all aware of my PD. I'm still anxious about the proceedure; but it's good to hear it doesn't need to be complicated or painful. I'm expecting some discomfort... but I'm sure I'll adjust. cathy in WI.

[Lionore]

I had both eyes done last spring, a month apart, with absolutely no problems. You will be tired from the anesthesia for a day or two and will need to adhere to a somewhat complicated eye drop regimen before and after each surgery. You can walk, just avoid lifting over the limit set by your doctor and anything strenuous or requiring bending. I didn’t do yoga or aerobics for a few weeks. My ophthalmologist and the surgery center required a huge amount of information via an online questionnaire that took 45 minutes to complete plus a visit to my primary to be cleared; he had to complete a separate form for each procedure. Before surgery you cannot eat or drink, but your medical team will tell you what medications you can take with just enough water to get the pills down.I double checked all with my neuro just to be sure.