Cataract operation ?

penfold'66 said:

really pleased it went well ... and thank you for the thread! just been told this morning i need to get mine done and am a little worried ... mum had hers done 30 odd years ago and it caused no end of problems for the rest of her life.. it does sound like its all much more straight forward now so its good to hear all the positive experiences ... they're not causing me much of a problem at the moment, but i'm told its just going to get worse so i figure i should get on with it.. i am really short sighted (- 8) so would be great to get rid of the thick specs .. might even have to find a picture of penfold without his specs if it goes to plan!

Click to expand...

I had one of my eyes done on Tuesday too and the op was fine, but I'm also seriously short sighted at -10.5 in the eye that was done and -8.5 in the eye that wasn't. Now it's really weird seeing fine in one eye and a contact lens in the other. I suspect there's some fine tuning to be done with the contact lens eye as at the moment they don't really feel like they're working together. It's like wearing someone else's bifocals!

Hi Johnroy , glad it was a doddle. I think it's fear of the
unknown.

I had my cataracts operated on 2years ago. If you normally wear specs don't get a new prescription dispensed until after the 'op' from the time you are put on waiting list. If you are on insulin or blood glucose lowering medications ask you consultant as to how to prepare yourself for the op. Most ' ops' are done under local anaesthetic now.Just remember to take your insulin and regular medications with you In case the operation list is long and you are required to stay overnight ( though not normally these days in uk.) Remember your testing kit if you normally test.The preparation and operation are quite painless. Don't worry .Wash your hair on morning of operation or night before if you have to get to hospital early.. Be gentle washing your face post operatively ( after the 'op' Wash your hands thoroughly before the op.Some consultants will give you a special body wash to use prior to the op. ( I know it's common practice in some countries in E.U. .) Just wear an eye patch at night after the op for at least 2weeks( to help prevent you accidentally rubbing your eyes )while you are asleep at home. The hospital clinic should give you these and any instructions regarding the same. Ladies don't wear eye/ makeup on the day of your operation and refrain from putting eye make up on until your consultant tells you you can.Don't wear contact lenses until you are given the OK. by your consultant.Get someone to take you and bring you home from hospital or use any transport to get to hospital but get someone to take you home after the op.?If you have no one tell the unit/ ward staff and they should be able to arrange for your safe transportation home. Remember your house key!!!!! Ladies wear comfortable none healed shoes to the hospital as so to avoid tripping after the op when the affected eye will be covered with a light dressing or special eye shield. Some of us are better than most at walking with one eye covered.You will be allowed to use a taxi for transport prior to but I advise you not too use public transport after the 'op' Most consultants wouldn't allow this form of travel post 'op .' You want to prevent any sudden sharp movements of your face and body.Buy some cheap sunglasses to help you with the glare of our country and wear on way home from hospital to keep dressing in place.( if you have a dressing..)Try to avoid going out if it is windy.Dont rub your affected eye. .Remember to only wipe your face from the inside to outside very gently for a few days after your operation.Lady's don't use eye makeup until you are discharged from your consultants clinic ( that's if only having one eye operated on.) I would avoid going near anyone with a bad head cold a few days prior and after the operation.So as to reduce your chances of getting the sneezes.If you do sneeze just let it go out and don't try to prevent it from happening.Avoid wearing garments with tight neck openings for a few days after the 'op' Avoid harsh brushing of your hair for a few days after the op. Ask your consultant when he advises you to wash your hair after the 'op'. Use baby shampoo afterwards as if you get shampoo into your affected eye it won't sting. Have a light snack as your first meal after the op. And don't forget that your vision with one eye will not allow you to make a good judgement of porting out of liquids as per jug to cup of milk.Avoid pouring hot liquids until you absolutely have too. Don't use a hot oven for heating up or cooking food as you don't want the hot air ti ( hit) into the operated eye.Avoid having a bath or shower on first night post operatively. This list is commonsensical some is the recommendation of the hospital and remainder of my own writing. If you can take it easy and get someone to help you with your cooking if at all possible.The list does seem long but it's all done in stages so you won't miss anything. Also if you are really very very worried about your operation please tell your consultant as I am sure you would be given a sort of anti worrying medication.You must know what I mean I just can't remember the correct word for it. As others have said you really have nothing to worry about even the unknown trust me!