cataracts, glaucoma and astigmatism

[Littletreasures]

I was diagnosed with glaucoma last year and had laser surgery which didn’t work. I now have cataracts which are causing me blurred vision. On my last visit to the glaucoma hospital the ophthalmologist said “you have cataracts” but he didn’t say anything else about it or whether I needed to get them done . I should have asked but didn’t as we were also talking about glaucoma treatment and it was a very busy clinic. With having glaucoma, cataracts and astigmatism I am thinking it might be best to go private with a surgeon who could take all these conditions into account when doing the cataract surgery. I could then also time it to be outside of hay fever season which makes my eyes sore.

How do I go about finding a private consultant and how do I know if they are reputable etc? I’ve done an internet search but still don’t know how to choose as, of course, they all say good things about themselves. I am in Yorkshire. Has anyone else gone private for this in Yorkshire and if so do you have any recommendations? Thank you.

[Toby_from_London]

It’s very common to have both glaucoma and cataracts so I wouldn’t write the NHS off completely, as there is a procedure that addresses both conditions in the one surgery that is regularly performed by the NHS.

However I totally agree that appointments are so rushed you only have a couple of minutes to get all your questions in.

When I had to make a decision about surgery I opted to pay for a private consultation where I had as much time as I needed with the doctor. He actually knew my surgeon and recommended I have the operation with him, as with so many procedures delayed or cancelled by the NHS there are now delays in private care as so many people are taking up the option.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[Granny79]

well your post starts “I was diagnosed with glaucoma last year and had laser surgery which didn’t work. I now have cataracts which are causing me blurred vision. On my last visit to the glaucoma hospital the ophthalmologist said “you have cataracts”. If you change the time frame to 2 years ago I could say word for word is what has happened to me. The Consultant told me on May 22nd I had Cataracts and that I would be referred to the Bristol Eye Hospital now. I was attending an outpatient department at Weston General. There was no explanation and I wasn’t even given time to even ask questions. However I have had my pre op assessment and am having Cataract surgery on my right eye on Tuesday. Then presumably there will be further treatment on that eye as pressure was persistently high and some damaged to the optic nerve has already happened. To me it seems the eye clinics are extremely busy and are still catching up. That doesn’t help as I feel they have been slow to respond and now they need to try to prevent any more damage being done.

[Safehaven23]

I had cataracts removed 3 years ago as the consultant said it would also help reduce my glaucoma pressures - and they put new lenses in my eyes as well as drainage stents - both at the same time,. Pressures stable ever since - 12-14. Also eyesight improved so much I don't wear my specs around the house - just have a pair for driving "to tighten things up" they said. I had SLT a couple of years previously which worked well for me but known to start to deteriorate after a year or so - and it did...hence the cataract removal. Local Hospital would not have removed them - offered no more than eye drops - so I had to travel to different hospitals and had it all on the NHS - the current Consultant also offers private care which would only have brought it forward by a month or so. I googled SLT Consultants initially and had/have to travel to seen the current one at Cambridge - he is highly regarded and well known now. You will have to enquire locally for recommendations.

[YogaLover in reply to Safehaven23]

Hello, I read your reply to little treasures with interest as I am scheduled to have cataract surgery and drainage procedure in both eyes at the same session. When I mention this arrangement to various others they say that it’s unusual to have both eyes treated at the same session. May I enquire if both your eyes were operated on in different sessions or at the same time and if so how affected were you by the recovery process? Thank you

[Safehaven23 in reply to YogaLover]

No I didn't have both eyes done in the same session....there was a month between the two. It takes around 45-50 mins to do the Cataract and insert the drains - two in each eye in my case. I was awake the whole time and that is long enough to have to keep very still and remain relaxed. I went home with a patch over one eye and drops to use over several days...obviously for that month my vision was out of sync until I had the other eye done -so could not drive at all during that time. My vision improved dramatically once the other eye done - and my pressures have remained good ever since. You can of course have anaesthetic if you wish - but in my case that was not convenient as my son had to come down to take me and transport me home...from miles away.

[Safehaven23 in reply to Safehaven23]

A thought...did those who had both eyes done at the same time have the anaesthetic? I would think so.....

[Lizzyanne567 in reply to YogaLover]

I think you only have both eyes done at the same time if you are classed as very low risk

[YogaLover in reply to Lizzyanne567]

Not sure if that is true for me. I have advanced and progressive glaucoma and surgeon wants to stop any further deterioration. SLT and various drops made no difference as I have normal tension glaucoma which has not responded to any treatment so far!

[Safehaven23]

Mr. Rupert Bourne is the Honorary Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

[Harpop]

I too have glaucoma and was diagnosed with cataracts at the same time. I have had both cataracts done (last one on 27th May) which have been very successful (NHS) and I can now drive without specs. I did Google various options and ended up going to Tetbury Hospital Gloucestershire (I live in the county). I was very apprehensive and the prognosis after the first op was ‘guarded’ but I am so pleased to get it done. I did think about going private but the consultant said they would not deteriorate whilst I was on the waiting list and to save my money! Hope this reassures you somewhat.

[Littletreasures]

Thank you everyone for your comments and reassurance. I’m due a routine glaucoma check hopefully very soon so I will ask then what they think is the best for me to do. I will feed back in case it will be helpful to anyone else.

[Beecalmed]

Hi! Do feedback. Similar situation. It’ll be interesting to hear your experience going forward.

[GardeningDorset123]

Because of anxiety I took someone's advice on here and went to Moorfields..very expensive..worth every penny..they are the best..you just ring them

[Bellamolly60]

I would recommend Manchester Royal eye

Hospital excellent track record 🇳🇱🇺🇦🙏

[GardeningDorset123]

Ŕi nk Moorfields private and they will give you appointment