cataract advice

[lindos90]

Hope someone can help.

My mum is 72 and has cataracts developing, she also has osteoperosis and has been told that the bones in her back are 'crumbling', and although she is mobile and independent (walks fair distances, does not use a stick, gets on buses etc) she has a very painful back (using morphine patches!), and has been unable to sleep on her back for years.

The optician has told her that her cateracts are now bad enough to speak to her GP about surgery, however
after further questions the optician said my mum would have to sign a form stating she could lay on her back on an operating table for at least 30 minutes before surgery, so told her not to bother telling her GP as she would not be able to have the surgery anyway.

Can anyone tell me if this is true?

I would have thought that the majority of people needing cateract ops are elderly and therefore likely to have other medical problems like arthritis etc, who may have problems getting on/off examination tables, or those with breathing problems who are unable to lay completely flat on their back??

As an alternative im woundering how expensive going private would be? and if they have better equipment?

She does have a reclining chair at home, which she uses, and im sure she could tollerate a 'dentist type chair' to recline her back, (if this is something that can be used).

Any suggestions, im just so worried about her, she has had lots of medical problems in her life, and has remained fiesty and independent throughout, but im afraid that the opticians advice that she will have to live with her cateracts as she is not 'able enough' will be the last straw for her.

[Errata]

They may be able to do the procedure with your mum in some other position that's more comfortable for her. A chat with her GP about this would be best - I'm sure they wouldn't want your mum to lose her sight unnecessarily.

[consultant31]

Your Mum could be my Mum ;) they have very similar medical problems but mine is 80. She has severe osteoporosis with a 'crumbling spine' and had her cataracts done about 10 years ago.

She has one which has, in fact, grown back and is due to have it done again soon. The spinal problem didn't come into it at all, so please don't worry. The pleasure Mum got from getting her eyesight back is amazing.

[margaretclare]

Your Mum should find out a bit more, or her optician should be a bit more positive and less off-putting.

Both DH and I had cataracts done last year and it was one of the best things we've ever had done. I was referred from the optician's and I was given options under the 'Choose and Book' scheme, one of which was the opthalmology unit at the local hospital and the other 2 were in private hospitals, for which the NHS would pay. I opted for the first, because it has such a good reputation and is really state-of-the-art, I can't see how paying for it would get you any better.

Surgery takes no more than 15 minutes tops, you come out of there and, for the first time in years, you can see!!! DH and I have both worn specs since we were 11 or 12, a matter of some 60 years. Now we don't need them.

Can't understand what the optician means about 'now bad enough to speak to the GP about surgery'....all I can think is, not a very modern and up-to-date optician! The criterion is, does it affect her life. Does she have difficulty seeing normally i.e. with a cataract, it's like looking through a fog or through a curtain. If it affects your life then it's time to have it done, and the optician could refer her! Otherwise, speak to GP asap.

As you rightly say, there are so many other bits and pieces that attack us in later life - as DH says, it either malfunctions or it falls off - that being able to see is one of the greatest blessings, and modern treatment is now top-notch. Our local unit does anything between 10 and 20 cataracts a day, 5 days a week.

HTH

[lynnescomp]

Can't understand what the optician means about 'now bad enough to speak to the GP about surgery'.....

HTH

In the past, eye specialists often waited until the cataract became “ripe” and your vision was very poor before suggesting you had the cataract removed.
Nowadays, with modern surgery the operation is usually done as soon as your eyesight interferes with your daily life.
But as most of the Optoms are old school they still sing off the old song sheet. My aunt had one of her eyes done last year but was told the other wasnt ripe. :confused: Hope this helps

[Mojisola]

When my Dad had his done, he was in a chair similar to a dentist's. It was tipped back during the operation but he was not flat out. Have a word with the hospital about the way they do it.

[Peartree]

From what I know about my the situation of my parents and their friends it sounds like you are getting really duff advice. I'd talk to her GP asap. Her cataracts would be dealt with by the local PCT which her GP is part of and her optician is not. Her optician may be years out of date on the latest care and frankly, what he/she is saying sounds like complete nonsense! Surely all health services cater to people with with restricted mobility or they would be in contravention of the disability discrimination act, never mind human rights, et al. Your mum's age should be immaterial.

In my parents' area there is such a big drive to deal with cataracts that they are done in a mobile unit, dentist chair style, in and out, and the waiting list is practically nil. If your mum has mobility problems then I imagine an improvement in reading or viewing will really improve her enjoyment of life so I'd say talk to her GP without any delay.

On one level I'd just say change her optician for one who knows about twenty first century options. However, I'm more annoyed than that - I think that, after seeing your mum's GP, you should think about putting in a complaint against the optician. The inferior healthcare that our seniors are subject to appalls me. If this 'professional' person gave incorrect advice to your mum they will be giving it to others who don't have children who will look at alternatives on their behalf. If this optician's advice causes just one, slightly immobile, senior to think they cannot have surgery that would improve their enjoyment of life it is absolutely sinful and, frankly, they want shaming.

[McKneff]

Your Mum could be my Mum ;) they have very similar medical problems but mine is 80. She has severe osteoporosis with a 'crumbling spine' and had her cataracts done about 10 years ago.

She has one which has, in fact, grown back and is due to have it done again soon. The spinal problem didn't come into it at all, so please don't worry. The pleasure Mum got from getting her eyesight back is amazing.

who ever told you that the cataract has grown back is talking the biggest load of tripe ever.
Cataracts can never grow back. Cataracts grow throughtout the lens
of the eye making sight cloudy, a cataract is not removed, the whole lens bearing the cataract is removed therefore a cataract cannot grow back on a lens that is not there. May years ago the lenses were removed and sight was just adjusted by thick glasses, nowadays the lens is removed and a
new plastic lens is put in. Believe me, my whole family have suffered from Cataracts from birth so i know from my own research and their operations what it involves. Your mum will get a new lease of life, it makes that much difference, literally being able to see clearly again after years of muffled sight.

[Savvy_Sue]

Your mum should definitely talk to her GP. Also note that not everyone comes out of their cataract op instantly able to see better, and for some people it can take a considerable period for things to improve. Especially if they're prescribed drops which they're allergic to ...

And

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[suki1964]

My dad has had both eyes done this year - and he too cant lie flat too long without pain. One eye was done lying down and was quick the other was sitting up, took longer but the healing was a lot quicker. I think the second op was the new improved way of doing thing - just a new way out this year. Im sorry Im not more specific but do go talk to your GP

[nuttywoman]

My hubby had both eyes done a couple of years ago at one of those units that travel up and down the country in portacabins.He was sat in a chair as well and has`nt had any problems.

[tidus]

Can your Mum lie on her back for a short period? Cataract surgery is performed with the patient on their back but usually only takes 15-20mins, so provided your Mum can lie on her back for that long she should be OK. She'll be provided with pain relief or even switched the general anesthetic if necessary. As I understand it its only people who cannot lie on their backs for even a short period that present difficulties to the surgeons. I woul advise her to talk to her GP about it.

Also, to clarify a previous post, cataracts cannot return after surgery. The lady in question probably has posterior lens opacification, which is common occurance within the first year after surgery. It means that the rear surface of the implant has become cloudy. Normally this is cleared with a lazer and is a minor proceedure. Unfortunately this is sometimes refered to a "secondary" cataract which causes confusion.

Hope this helps.

Tidus (an optometrist)

[lindos90]

Wow, thank you very much everyone, some really great advice, I will be passing this onto my mum (in large print;) )!!!

So all we need is a referral from the GP, then when she gets the 'choose and book' info we can ring and check which place has a 'dentist chair' type option, and she will be sorted!!!!

I think some older people are too trusting of 'proffesionals' sometimes....if someone jumps the queue at the co-op, my mum gives them hell, but when a young* optician tells her if she cant lay down then she cant have the op, she doesnt question it!!! (mums eh:rotfl: )

Thanks again MSers, you are so supportive and encouraging, im sure your responses have made a big difference to my mums life and eyesight!:beer:

*Out of interest, her optician is a branch of specsavers, she gave me the impression he was young, but as she is 72, then i guess someone coming up for retirement could look 'young' especially as her eyesight isnt great! It does sound like the optician is out of touch with techniques though, definately.

[lindos90]

Can your Mum lie on her back for a short period? Cataract surgery is performed with the patient on their back but usually only takes 15-20mins, so provided your Mum can lie on her back for that long she should be OK. She'll be provided with pain relief or even switched the general anesthetic if necessary. As I understand it its only people who cannot lie on their backs for even a short period that present difficulties to the surgeons. I woul advise her to talk to her GP about it.


Tidus (an optometrist)

thats the problem Tidus, she cant lay on her back in bed, she cant get in that position herself, and as her spine is 'crumbling' with Osteoperosos, so she is terrified of another piece of bone dislodging and damaging her spinal cord (this has happened with a 'small' piece already in one area, hence the morphine patches)

[tidus]

thats the problem Tidus, she cant lay on her back in bed, she cant get in that position herself, and as her spine is 'crumbling' with Osteoperosos, so she is terrified of another piece of bone dislodging and damaging her spinal cord (this has happened with a 'small' piece already in one area, hence the morphine patches)

Fair enough. There has to be another way, presumably semi prone with the head tilted back. As has been previously stated this can't really be an uncommon situation, so I doubt it makes the surgery impossible. In my opinion your mother should have been refered anyway - its not really up to the optometrist to say for definite who is suitable and who is not on the grounds of other health problems, we're not doctors.

As it stands, just tell her to see her GP, he/she can refer to the hospital without recommdation from the opticians. Hope she gets on OK.

[Errata]

Wow, thank you very much everyone, some really great advice, I will be passing this onto my mum (in large print;) )!!!

So all we need is a referral from the GP, then when she gets the 'choose and book' info we can ring and check which place has a 'dentist chair' type option, and she will be sorted!!!!



No, get her to the GP and ask the GP to refer her to whichever unit has the equipment which will cope with her 'special needs'. It will be much better for the GP to decide than for you to track down the information so a choice can be made. Mistakes happen when non medical staff talk to medical staff. Hope you understand what I'm getting at an HTH

[nedmundo]

I know a consultant in Norwich, who specialises in performing cataract surgery on people with awkward postural issues - he can even do it standing up!. Perhaps there's someone in you area who could do the same.

[lindos90]

I know a consultant in Norwich, who specialises in performing cataract surgery on people with awkward postural issues - he can even do it standing up!. Perhaps there's someone in you area who could do the same.


Thanks nedmundo, well if he can do it standing up in Norwich, im hoping someone in Notts/derby can do it reclining!!!

[Horace]

Hope someone can help.

My mum is 72 and has cataracts developing, she also has osteoperosis and has been told that the bones in her back are 'crumbling', and although she is mobile and independent (walks fair distances, does not use a stick, gets on buses etc) she has a very painful back (using morphine patches!), and has been unable to sleep on her back for years.

The optician has told her that her cateracts are now bad enough to speak to her GP about surgery, however
after further questions the optician said my mum would have to sign a form stating she could lay on her back on an operating table for at least 30 minutes before surgery, so told her not to bother telling her GP as she would not be able to have the surgery anyway.

Can anyone tell me if this is true?

I would have thought that the majority of people needing cateract ops are elderly and therefore likely to have other medical problems like arthritis etc, who may have problems getting on/off examination tables, or those with breathing problems who are unable to lay completely flat on their back??

As an alternative im woundering how expensive going private would be? and if they have better equipment?

She does have a reclining chair at home, which she uses, and im sure she could tollerate a 'dentist type chair' to recline her back, (if this is something that can be used).

Any suggestions, im just so worried about her, she has had lots of medical problems in her life, and has remained fiesty and independent throughout, but im afraid that the opticians advice that she will have to live with her cateracts as she is not 'able enough' will be the last straw for her.

The equipment will be the same whether or not you go private or NHS. The best person to speak to about the cataracts is a specialist eye consultant who will be at your local hospital or specialist eye hospital. I am sure that they would be able to accommodate a person with osteoporosis etc.

The optician deserves a kick up the bum for saying that she can't have the operation - who is he to decide? As said before your mum is best off speaking to a specialist who will be able to advise her. Normally a person would have to lie on a bed for approx 30 minutes but I also feel sure that they can make alternative arrangements for an old person. I feel sad that your mum possibly feels that she cannot have her cataracts done - she has enough of a right to have sight as the rest of us.

Good luck

[sillyvixen]

the cataract op would improve your mums quality of life so much.. go with her and speak to her gp - explain her problems and ask for a referal to the hospital - once she has been seen in clinic they can discuss the options of how the op can be performed considering your mums spinal problems. once she gets proper advise how her other needs can be accomadated she will be in a position to make an informed disision to proceed or not.

[lindos90]

Hi all,
just to let you know that thanks to all your advice (I printed it out in large print and let my mum look for herself) she has decided not to be put off by the optician and has booked an appointment to see her GP!!

She asked me to say thank you to everyone who gave an opinion, and that you are a nice bunch of people to go to the trouble to write and help someone you dont even know!

[Errata]

Good to hear your mum found the info helped - wishing her well.