Who has had Cataract Surgery?

pmduk

I'm having cataract surgery on Friday and have got to the point where I'm panicking! Can anyone tell me what their post-op experiences were like, please?

calleyw

My mum had one done about 5ish years ago.

She freaked out about it to the point I thought she would not go.

She went she said they shine a bright light in your eye so can see nothing and you can feel a bit of pulling and tugging. But that was that.

Think she wished she had , had it done earlier as made such a difference for her.

Good luck and try not to panic to much about it.

Yours

Calley X

Iamzee

My dad had his cataract surgery almost 3 years ago. I don't think it would be helpful to panic. There's nothing to worry as it is a very common eye operation. You'll be okay.

Jaymie_kate

No need to panic. that's the least that you should feel. My sister had cataract surgery before and it all went pretty good. The thought of it can be scary, but in reality the surgery is simple, safe, and quick, with a very low rate of complications. No big deal. Good luck and relax! You'll do just fine.

wondercollie

I worked in my hospital's cataract unit for nearly a decade. Your fears are normal. Relax and breathe. If you are truly unable to relax talk to the doctor who freezes your eye. He's in charge of pain control and is an anaesthesiologist. Ours would offer Ativan or Valium to relax the patients. Just enough to take the edge of.

If you don't ask you don't get.

pmduk

I'm not worried (too much) about the surgery, it's the likelihood of pain afterwards, I'm a wimp (I think most men are with things like this!). I've already let them know I'd like a sedative at my pre-op assessment.

giraffe69

Pain free a the time. Very little discomfort afterwards. Wore a patch for 48 hours. Tired to keep away from bright lights for a short while. I didn't fancy someone going near my eye but in the end it was no problem.

Toothsmith

To be honest - this is a procedure that always scares the will ies out of me!

I have had many patients who have had it done though - and every single one describe a short, pain-free, comfortable operation that was way better than anything I do to them

pmduk

No offence intended Toothsmith, I have an extreme phobia of dentists. Everything is better than a trip there!

indsty

I had cataract surgery 4 weeks ago. Anaesthetic drops into the eye, lie down for 15 minutes whilst they do procedure, no problems at all. You don't feel or see anything at all. You will probably be offered a quick acting sedative if you want it, but unless you are physically shaking I honestly can't see the need. I arrived at 7.30 a.m. and was on my way home at 10 a.m.

Two lots of drops to put into the eye for a week, then just one lot for another three weeks.

Day 1 the eye was watery (they give you a patch to wear for the first 24 hours), but no real pain, just a bit uncomfortable.
Day 2 - wearing off
Day 3 - back to normal.

adandem

My mom had hers done, her first eye was her worst affected. It was fine, just a little sore and watery for a day or two. Nothing at all after her second eye.
She can't believe the difference it's made. She's scrapped her varifocals for some very weak reading glasses. You'll be fine.