Cataracts

[Debbienoo]

My partner was diagnosed with cataracts today by an NHS doctor. He is worried as he was told there would only be 1 in 20 chance of the operation he will have in a about 9 months time being successful although reading the information on the internet it should be 98%. Does anyone know why he could have been given a lower rate? Thank you.

[Eyelet]

I would suggest he either asks the consultant or goes and discusses it with his G P . Usually it is a very successful op though they always point out some risks...litigation and all that . Everyone is different so go ask...

[JeffMett]

I've had cataracts now for 4 years and they have altered my eyesight very little. The optician told me a couple weeks ago that I did not need my glasses for driving and the only thing I have heard about the operation is that they will not do it until I am nearly blind, the chances are that I will die of old age first.

[Ayayay80 in reply to JeffMett]

Hi JeffMett

Who told you that you would not get your operation until you were nearly blind? I think that is shocking. I know the NHS is trying to save money by delaying certain operations until they become absolutely necessary and the comfort of the patient often ranks second to money, depending in which part of the country you live.

The vision in my in left eye with wet AMD and cataract is no better or worse, whichever way you want to look at it, than in my right eye with dry AMD and a rather more progressed cataract. They were not sure whether it was the dry AMD or the cararact that caused more of my visual impairment in my right. They thought it might not improve my vision in that eye. Only now are they talking to me of a cataract operation within the next 2 years. So, no hurry then.

[RP1944 in reply to Ayayay80]

I have a cataract in my right eye and Have been told by the consultant it won't be operated on until I am blind!!

[Ayayay80 in reply to RP1944]

I think that is a shocking state of affairs. I hope you still have one good eye.

[RP1944 in reply to Ayayay80]

No that's the better of the two. Left eye has wet AMD. Oh joy!!

[san_ray70 in reply to RP1944]

I was told the only way I will get the op. is when I can not see well enough to drive. I was diagnosed with cataracts both eyes 12 years ago.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Debbienoo,

It would be worth directing this question towards the ophthalmologist and they can explain why they have quoted this figure in relation to your partner's eyes in particular.

Does your partner have AMD?

We have a fact sheet on cataracts which may prove to be useful in discussion with the ophthalmologist. Please contact us if you would like to receive one.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments. Please ring us if you would like to benefit from this, or join via the following link:

macularsociety.org/6months

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

Macular Society helpline

[mumsabout]

I had Urivitis and was on so many eye drops including a steroid.after so long the drops caused cataracts, seems to me they left mine a long time plus i was told i would get a letter for the op which I never after 4 weeks i went back to learn i had been forgotten, so I was rushed through if you could call waiting another 3 weeks rushing. your partner was lucky to be warned I wasn't, the result is a scarred retina so now I cannot see out of my right eye only around edges,the other isn't too bad but that was done by a different surgeon but in that one now fluid behind the eye has come back. I am now in process of a claim from the hospital as I don't believe the surgeon did a good job.When I went back for a follow up nothing was said just that it might clear. Hope I haven't worried you but if partner can see i wouldnt worry, but if he needs it done and if after the time stated you haven't heard about op then go back and ask.I wish you luck

shirley

[Ayayay80]

Hi Debbienoo

The only thing I can think of why your partner was given the low success rate is that the doctor saw some other eye problem. Was this doctor a GP, an optometrist or an opthalmologist? Only after a thorough eye examination, scans etc. should such a diagnosis be made. Do you know what your partner's visual acuity is?