Cataract advice please.

[Predderman2020]

Cataracts. Slightly disappointing news from eye specialist today. I am on 10-11 mgs, And dead-slowing now. He saw a stage 1 (out of 4) cataract in my left eye. Only a matter of time before surgery, it appears. Any comforting advice would be most welcome. Thank you!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I had an eye check a couple of months ago. After 12 years on pred there is finally signs of a cataract in both eyes. And she says she wants to see me in a year - most unusual so they obviously reckon with fairly early surgery here. And I am thrilled!!!

Yes, I know I'm crackers but I may be able to manage day to day life without specs on my nose all the time I'm not in bed!!! They can do what is called monovision - one eye does near, the other distance. The brain gets used to it. I had it with contact lenses - just had driving glasses. I was legal to drive as it was but I felt more comfortable with "top-up" glasses for driving. Might need glasses for lots of close work - but they will be so much lighter than the ones I have to use now.

[Predderman2020 in reply to PMRpro]

cheered me up! I actually have monovision already (I just learnt), so I am feeling quite proud after reading your post.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Predderman2020]

My MIL had her cataracts done and had monovision but, being her, made a fuss about having specs!! Maybe the difference between the two eyes was a bit much for the brain to adjust to (tempted to ask what brain ...) That is crucial I'm told by the local lady.

[Poshdog in reply to PMRpro]

Your MIL sounds like my mum!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Poshdog]

We did laugh. I was in Glasgow delivering my mum to the cardiac unit for a triple by-pass at the same time OH was in Dundee taking his mother (who lived with us) to have her first cataract done. My mum never said a peep - MIL went on and on and on about how awful it would be - until OH finally snapped and told her a few home truths. She was a Very Special Person ;)If she was put on a new tablet she ALWAYS had the rare side effects - she'd have saved the pharmaceutical industry a fortune.

[JanetRosslyn in reply to PMRpro]

I have monovision naturally and strangely so does my husband... our eye test results are almost identical... the optician assumed we were brother and sister!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JanetRosslyn]

Maybe it is catching!!! I haven't had any of the "need longer arms" effects with being very shortsighted which is something. but anything beyond the end of my arms is a blur ...

[SnazzyD]

My Pred cataracts appeared over 6 months from my previous eye test, in 2018 I think it was. Since then no change which is surprising given how fast they appeared.

[Kendrew]

I too have very early stages of cataracts. I'm not upset at all as they can now replace with a multi-focal lens. You have to pay privately but I'm saving up now and it'll be great to not need glasses anymore. (only a long distance or short distance lens available on NHS....or as Pro said...the monovision option) It's a relatively straightforward operation and I know several people who've had it done and found the whole procedure simple and trouble-free and much less scary than they'd anticipated. No pain during procedure but obviously some moderate soreness afterwards.

[Predderman2020 in reply to Kendrew]

Reassured!! Thank you.

[alliebc in reply to Kendrew]

I have had both eyes done recently and paid extra for the new Johnson and Johnson Eyehance Interocular (sp) lenses recommended for me by the ophthalmologist. They are supposed to give you an intermediate focus as well as distance. I don’t like them at all and wish I had gone with the free in Canada mono vision distance lenses that everyone else is happy with . I have never worn glasses and hate now that I need to have a pair around my neck constantly to see my phone, read anything and I can’t find a good focus. Don’t rush into cataract surgery until needed and be wary of paying extra for dual focus lenses, read the reviews carefully. That’s my two cents worth as they say here!

[Kendrew in reply to alliebc]

So sorry to hear of your experience and I agree with your advice not to rush into cataract surgery and research the options comprehensively so you're fully aware of any pitfalls before making any decisions. Thankyou for sharing your experience and I hope things settle down and become easier for you.

[mgrogers99 in reply to Kendrew]

No soreness at all for me. Because I have astigmatism I still wear glasses though.

[Marijo1951 in reply to Kendrew]

I had this treatment 10 years ago (at an Optegra hospital) and I still don't need specs. It was the only time I paid for private treatment and one of the best decisions I ever made. I was working then and could pay without too much privation - I wouldn't be able to afford it now.

[Predderman2020 in reply to Marijo1951]

Thanks!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I had cataract surgery on my “good” eye in 2014 (when on 9mg Pred) - was slightly apprehensive as blind in other - but no option to be honest!

It was a simple short procedure, if a little weird (looking at surgery light in a pink haze, which made it look like a giant pink marshmallow! No drugs involved, honest).

Probably the most tedious stage was waiting beforehand with the numerous (or so it seemed) round of drops in eye before actual procedure. Eye slightly uncomfortable for 24 hours afterward, but no pain as such.

As replacement was longsighted lens, I still need to wear glasses for close work, but other than that brilliant.

Easily pass the driving sight test, and optometrist told me would pass the aircraft sight test - that scared the kids I can tell you😂🤣.

As and when required, go for it…

[Predderman2020 in reply to DorsetLady]

I will! Thanks!

[Rosina1871]

I’ve had both eyes done. Quick procedure and no problem . I can see for miles now. Just need reading glasses

[Predderman2020 in reply to Rosina1871]

OK! Happier now and looking forward to it! Thanks!!

[mgrogers99 in reply to Predderman2020]

You will not regret it. You will be amazed how you had forgotten the world is full of vibrant colors!!

[Predderman2020 in reply to mgrogers99]

looking forward to it! Thank you.

[Predderman2020 in reply to Rosina1871]

Thanks. Did you have the premium one one you are expected to not need reading glasses?

[Rosina1871 in reply to Predderman2020]

No. Just standard but my eye sight was good before the cataract ops so I don’t need glasses for distance

[shella]

Had both done a few years ago can’t see much difference as I have lazy eye! Only good news is that at last optician appointment didn’t need new glasses!

[HeronNS]

Two years ago was told I had beginning of cataracts. Not mentioned last year so I asked and he basically brushed it off, so I suppose in the intervening year there was no change. Cataracts can apparently sometimes develop so slowly there is never a need for surgery. I do have a feeling that mine might have "progressed" somewhat this past year, though. Sometimes feel my glasses need cleaning and although usually they do sometimes they don't.... Unlike PMRpro I'm not looking forward to cataract surgery.

[Daffodilia]

Great to get cataracts done - ask doctor but I was ok to stay on pred for op

[whitefishbay]

I have had two cataract surgeries a few years ago (had macular holes in both eyes @ 15 years ago). I went to Moorfields and although I can imagine it is daunting it was absolutely fine (I am not squeamish). Makes driving in the dark, bleak midwinter much easier.

[Telian]

In my experience I would say go for it. I’ve had one eye done and the difference is amazing. It was immediate like someone had switched a light on in this darkened room I’d been in. I only ever needed glasses for close work but even that has improved! Other eye not ready for surgery - seems to be very slow growing cataract in that eye. It’s a painless procedure only lasting for 10-15 mins max. I felt squeamish beforehand but that’s me and really was no need for it. Best wishes.

[Amkoffee]

I've had cataracts for several years but was told that they are small and it is due to age. I get checked every year it doesn't seem to be a big deal to my eye doctor.

[67Blue]

I have just had my first cataract removed, I was told a year ago they wouldn't need doing for years, but unfortunately starting on 40 mg steroids a year ago obviously had an effect, which didn't show till about 3 months ago. The optician booked me for a steroid induced cataract op in three months but as I started seeing rainbows around lights had an immediate trip to check for Primary angle closure glaucoma which was OK, and glaucoma which was also OK but they are still working on getting my eye pressure down. That was all in Dec Rushed me in for a cataract op. on the 6th. Jan. I imagine the next one will take ages now they have kept me driving. But still seeing the rainbows may help me get it earlier. The op. was so painless and the staff so lovely. Will obviously have to have reading glasses, for very fine print, but i have always been able to see for miles. And it came on so quickly So no revelations about new colours etc. No one ever discussed special lenses etc. but I'm not bothered.

[oscarandchloe]

Had the op 10 years ago when there was no hint of GCA/PMR at an Optegra clinic using my insurance. Both eyes done with a 3 week gap between ops. It was completely painless, just a bit scary as you are awake in the theatre and so very aware of the whole procedure. My surgeon kept me informed of what was happening (I'd asked as I knew it would help me) . I left the theatre able to see fairly clearly, the soreness was not too bad and over in a day or two. The surgeon did not recommend multi-focals (perhaps better now?) instead he made me just slightly short-sighted so I could easily focus on my hands and what I was doing. It turned out that I'm one of those whose eye muscles can actually sqeeze the lens and focus on a page or other writing so I only use super cheap reading glasses if I'm going to concentrate for some time. I'm still thrilled with my new eyes as I have been extremely short-sighted from the age of ten, now I can see for miles.

[Joan-E-D]

I had cataract removal done for both eyes last spring as I got to the stage when I couldn't see well enough to drive. Both operations went really smoothly and I'm so joyful not to have to wear glasses anymore (except for reading) having worn them all the time for short sightedness since I was 9 years old. I was on Pred. for 3 years but now my PMR is in remission.

[Maudie19]

I commenced with prednisolone in February last year and knew I had cataracts starting before that. Had a test in April and they had gone worse. Had another test in October and now awaiting surgery on both of them, within three months, as I now can't drive and I am a carer for my husband. So the prednisolone has certainly increased them. Now don't wear my distance glasses as I see the same without them. Just hope I don't have to wait too long. Best of luck.

[Stellamavis]

My optician found the start of cataracts at my recent eye test and suggested I wear sunglasses when outside in bright cloud and daylight as well as sunlight, as I was on a high dose of pred at the time this would slow the growth of the cataracts..anyone else been told this?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Stellamavis]

jinasc was told it at diagnosis by her optician who told her to get reactolite lenses - and her cataracts haven't progressed since then which is a LONG time, she's been off pred since Jan 1st 2011!

[Predderman2020 in reply to PMRpro]

Good advice. Thank you

[Stellamavis in reply to PMRpro]

Yes reactolite lenses was also recommended too..thanks for the quick reply..🤓

[Predderman2020 in reply to Stellamavis]

I was told ‘slower but not reverse’ , dammit

[Annamay17]

Had left eye done yesterday, a bit sore this morning. Was very sticky around eyelid this morning. So I bathed it in cooled boiled water, don’t know what to expect for next few days.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Annamay17]

Are you looking for comments/responses? If so, you would be better to post as a new thread as this one is older and won't be seen by many people. Only those of us who actively "Save" a thread get notifications.

[Annamay17 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks not used site before. I Only read it I’ll try new comment

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Annamay17]

Good - it is just the way the site works and how people use it. I and DorsetLady follow every single thread so are notified of any new reply however old the original thread is and we have been here a long time ...