Type 1s and cataracts

[ElenaP]

I will need to have cataracts removed in the near future.
I have been told that the operation is more difficult for Type1s and, therefore, I would appreciate other peoples' experiences.

Has anyone on this forum had problems during or after cataract removal?

The optician who did my eye tests says that I should go privately because then I am more likely to get someone with more experience. All I want is someone with a steady hand.

 

[Antje77]

I will need to have cataracts removed in the near future.
I have been told that the operation is more difficult for Type1s and, therefore, I would appreciate other peoples' experiences.

Has anyone on this forum had problems during or after cataract removal?

The optician who did my eye tests says that I should go privately because then I am more likely to get someone with more experience. All I want is someone with a steady hand.

Not sure if this is of help, but 28 years ago my T1 boyfriend (decades before I developed T1 myself) had cataracts removed at 29 years old, having been T1 since he was 14.

He was very scared, but in the end it turned out to be an easy thing, and I picked him up a couple of hours after the operation with a patch over the eye, and a much improved vision after he was allowed to remove the patch.

 

[Ushthetaff]

Had both my cataracts done a few years ago now can say it was quite painless a little bit weird but nothing to worry about . It took about 20 mins per eye and the results for me we virtually instant . You have to have eye drops post op for about a month if I remember. With regard going private I didn’t and I recently had an eye test the optician asked me where I had my cataracts done I told him he said they did a really good job you have 20/20 vision and if you would have to go private to get those quality lenses . I suppose moral of story is go to Golden Jubilee hospital in Glasgow . My mother and father were about 83 when they had theirs done no issues . My mum only had one down and she says the difference is incredible.perfect distance vision but need glasses for reading

 

[Fairygodmother]

I had cataracts removed about nine or ten years ago. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure, but of course like any op for Type Ones, having blood sugars steady in the safe zone during healing helps avoid infections.
Dumping contact lenses for clear vision is fabulous!

 

[EllieM]

I had my right eye done a year ago, via public health, in New Zealand. I only had to wait 6 months from referral, I suspect because they wanted to be able to see the back of my eye to check for retinopathy. It made a massive (positive) difference to my vision.

I wouldn't say I enjoyed the op, I would describe it as "icky", it's not fun having your eyes fiddled with even when it is painless (which it was). Talking to others in post op I got the impression going private was worse? They rushed you out much more quickly (disclaimer this is New Zealand).

I will probably have the second done in 1 to 2 years time, when the eye checkers can no longer see the back of my left eye. I'm quite looking forward to it, as the vision there has deteriorated so my right eye is now my "good" eye.

No one suggested to me that diabetics would heal more slowly, though I can see the logic that it might be best to maintain reasonable bgs during the op.

And yes I no longer need glasses to drive while I can't read without glasses. And my left eye has a different script to my right so I am also looking forward to being able to buy cheap reading glasses after my second op.

Overall, I'm a big fan of having a cataract op if you need one.