cataracts because of steroids

[quinnster]

having a cataract op next week,and was just wondering if anyone else has had it done,and what the recovery time was for them

for instance when you can drive again,any advice would be grateful

[CanaryDiamond10]

I had steroid induced cataracts in both eyes and another operation in my left (but I can't remember what it is called only that the steroids were responsible for them) I have been off high dose steroids well over 5 years, but the damage from high dose steroids seems to pop up when you least expect it.

My cataract experience was excellent. They only do one eye at a time. You will need to be driven home and take it easy the first day. The ability to see without spots or strings or fuzziness is IMMEDIATE. What a delight! I was very sorry I waited so long. I guess little by little one forgets what seeing clearly is. After about six months they will do the other eye, if it has cataracts. The operation is painless although you are completely awake and cognizant of what is going on. The single most important thing to remember is DON'T MOVE! Don't flinch. That doesn't become difficult until you are told not to move. Then you have an overwhelming desire to move.

Don't be afraid. If you are ask the MD to prescribe a mild sedative to help you stay still. You won't be driving that day and are going straight home to rest the day of surgery. The very next day you go in for a check up. (No driver needed) Then one week later, then six weeks later. I think that was about it.

Good luck.

Warm wishes,

Canary

[PMRpro]

If you are in the UK it may be a bit different to CanaryDiamond's experience.

This is a link to the NHS site:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Cataract-...

which says

"You can drive again when you can read a number plate 20.5m (67ft) away. You may have to get new glasses to be able to do this."

It will depend on the strength of the lens they use and, judging by a friend who had one done recently, I believe you are asked which you would like - for distance vision or close vision. You can only have the expensive fancy variofocal version if you go privately I think. They don't recommend getting a new prescription for a few weeks as it may change a bit as it heals.

[Greenkit]

I had this done 4 years ago and have to say it is the best thing that came out of Weg's.

My op was arranged for the May but in the April the cataract completely covered my sight. I only see out of the one eye and the steroids had to get that one LOL

I did have scleritis again in the good eye so i was lucky to have check up's frequently which caught the cataract. They still couldnt believe how quick it grew.....good old steroids.

I was able to choose the type of lens i wanted i chose the one where i just needed reading glasses still not understanding what they meant as i had wore glasses since the age of three.

I was knocked out for the op i found out after they knew it was going to be difficult. I woke up and my hair was really wet on the right hand side as they had problems getting my pupil enlarged, the reason i was knocked out.

I came too and the first thing i saw was my nurse i said " i can see you" she said "yes i know you can" i said "no i mean i can really SEE you" When they wheeled me back to the ward i was passing people saying "i can see you" they must have thought i was a nutter LOL.

To me this operation is a pure miracle as i no longer wear glasses (only for reading, computer) my prescription was +9.75 i went down to +1.00

Good luck with yours you are going to be amazed at the result and not realise how bad things really got with your sight.

I dont drive but do know you have to take 3 lots of drops for a few weeks. One set is just for a week the other two last longer but dont worry they give you a list of how to take them and they are colour coded so you dont get confused but they are taken every few hours. So i would wait until the consultant says it is OK.

[pwc51]

I had steroid induced cataracts. I was already very short sighted but my sight deteriorated very quickly once they set in. My eyes were done 2 weeks apart and it was a day or two after the second that I drove again Iif I remember correctly). I had to cover the eye at night and pretect it when I showered.

No glasses now apart from reading / computer - best cure for short sightedness ever, albeit a bit drastic, having worn glasses for 55 years!

[PMRpro]

No doubt it sounds daft to most people but you will understand: I wish I had steroid-induced cataracts. The thought of being able to manage most of the day without glasses as my husband does is just a dream! Contacts were fine (if expensive) until i developed PMR and that has caused other eye problems.

I remember the first day I got my first pair of glasses age 7 - did you know trees have LEAVES? They'd always looked like children draw them, just a big green cloud...

[quinnster]

thanks everyone for the responses,had the pre op today,and op tomorrow

thanks again

[AndrewT]

Dear quinnster,

In answer to all your question-not long, at all. There is time, known as the 'WOW Moment', usually the next day-when the bandages come off, you open your eye, and...Wow! A plastic patch has to be worn overnight, for about a week, and there are eye drops, for a few weeks but, you honestly, won't mind a bit! Surgery on the second eye-they don't 'do' them together, is normally six-eight weeks later. I had this done, about seven years ago now, and only need reading glasses. Regular 'check-ups' are necessary but hey, you can see!

Hope that this both answers your question and, more importantly, re-assures you. 'Post' me, in a few weeks, and tell me how good everything looks and how well you are getting on, will you please.

Very best wishes AndrewT