Cataract removed

[Annamay17]

I had Cataract removed yesterday, was very anxious but everyone was very nice i now got to put drops in for 4 weeks so not sure what to expect i been told not to drive for a week anyone else had any side affects?

[patrickd]

Ok. I had cataracts removed in both eyes (two surgeries on each eye long story). I was told not to lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar (hmmm...sugar comes in different sizes, how does that help?) avoid lifting/bowling. It was over 10 years ago but if memory serves me correctly I had sensitivity to light (outside wore these sunglasses to help). I had some blurred vision the first 24 hours (not horribly) but that went away quickly. I also experienced very mild "burning" sensation after using the eye drops at first (eyes did adjust after a few doses). I do remember though, immediately seeing these lovely, vibrant colors (reds, blues, pinks) I wasn't seeing anymore! The fog was lifted immediately and I LOVED that! I was scared to death of the surgery and I after, thought it was a breeze! Didn't feel a thing..did you? Everyone was so nice and so assuring with me also (that really helped). Is it amazing how simple these types of surgeries have become? AMAZING!

[Annamay17 in reply to patrickd]

I was very nervous, its the unknown, it is a bit bloodshot, and still a bit blurry, im sure it will settle down after a few days of the drops, everything is so bright iv had to put sunglasses on , at least im not the only one feeling that way about it. thanks

[singingloud]

Follow the directions with the drops. Make sure to tell the doctor if you feel as if sand is in your eyes. I was allergic to some of the drops because of dry eye syndrome.

[Marijo1951]

I had my cataracts removed more than ten years ago long before I had GCA and PMR. Previously I'd felt very squeamish about the procedure as I think many people are, but in fact it was all pretty easy. I had one operation for each eye, the second two weeks after the first. It was shortly before Christmas and all the Christmas lights looked wonderful as I was driven home. I had a bit of blurred vision at first, but otherwise was fine. I realised how much of a difference the operations had made when I found I could count the bricks in the block of flats opposite my window - before then it was just a large brown shape.

Good luck with your recovery. The most important thing is to use the drops every day as you've been advised to prevent any infection. I hope you'll find your life is greatly improved as I did.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No problems whatsoever…..

[Nextoneplease]

I have recently had both cataracts done (8 weeks apart). My immediate impression, as patrickd says, was of amazing colour perception. However my sight did remain quite blurry for about a week, and both eyes very bloodshot for a bit longer.

One complication I did have was some double vision after the first op, due to the fact that each eye’s focus was so different. However I’m glad to say that resolved after the second one was done. It was worrying at the time, though! Just thought I’d mention it just in case you or anyone else has something similar, because I can reassure you that it’s resolved now 😊

All the best and keep going with the drops xx

[Annamay17]

Thank you

[MrsNails]

Glad it’s gone well - just take it easy & see how you go.

[Annamay17]

Thank you.

[York54]

So glad it went well for you. Friends who have had the op all say it makes such a difference to their life ! X

[Annamay17]

Thank you. The bloodshot is clearing away, so I’m waiting for it all to settle down. Everything is so bright, I will probably see a lot more balanced view when the other eye gets done

[Nextoneplease in reply to Annamay17]

Yes, I did find everything very bright but it’s much better now they’re both done x