Category: Health and Wellness
Hello everyone,
About five or six years ago, my ophthalmologist told me that I was starting to develop cataracts, and that eventually, they would need to be removed. Well, yesterday, I had an appointment, and when I went in, they told me that the cataracts are now able to be removed. They went ahead and took measurements of my eyes and all, and told me that I could go home and think it all over. They told me that I'm in no rush, because the measurements can stay on file for about a year. Of course I'd like to have the cataracts removed, but I'm a little nervous about it. So, my question to you is, have you ever had cataract surgery done before? Or, do you know anyone who has?
Hi, I had both of mine removed. Sadly it didn't even give me better light perception, but I still think I'd have it all done again in case they became so bad that they were visible to others.
I had both of mine done under local anasthetic, and I'm really no good with pain, they gave me vallium to help relax me, but that never worked until after the anasthetic injection had been given, which was the bit I wanted to avoid. Whatever happens, you'll get through it, and hopefully feel glad you did so.
Thanks. I'm definitley going to do it, but like I said in my other post, the thought of surgery just makes me nervous. I know that cataract surgery is a common surgery now, but...
Anyway, thanks for replying. I'm not sure if it's going to help me either, but I figure it's worth a try. Plus, it cant' be good to just leave them there, either.
Tough call. Muy experience wasn't positive. The doctor was sure she could improve my vision. I wound loosing most of what was left, and I now have light perception. I can't honestly say I was surprised, as my eye had a history of backfiring on everything they tried with it. It seems to me that the more abnormal your eyes are, the greater the risk of things not working out correctly. Without knowing your eye history and pathology, its hard to say. I can honestly tell you that I don't regret having the surgery. I waited till I had very little left to loose, and I'm glad I did that. Good luck with your decision.
Lou
Well i had them in both eyes when i was born, they took the one out've my right eye but couldn't take the one out of the left coz it was to small.
So my right eye was my kinda best eye but then they whent and fucked it up and from then on my lefts been the best.
Well, the doctor didn't say whether or not he can fix any of my vision by doing the surgery. He says that they really can't tell how much of the vision loss is due to the cataracts, and how much is do to my original eye condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa. so, I figured I can have the surgery, and hopefully it will help. I've definitely noticed that my vision is a lot cloudier and blurry due to the cataracts, so if the surgery will help that, then that'll be great. On the otherhand, though, I'm nervous, because I don't want anything bad to happen, and I end up losing what vision I have now.
And that's exactly where the difficulty lies in making the decision. You have to decide how comfortable you are taking that risk. I gambled and lost, but like I said, I waited till I had very little left to loose. Good luck.
Lou
Yeah, it's definitely ahard decision to make. I'm torn.
I've had over 35 surgeries so I know all about that. If you're questioning catteract surgery I say go for it. What do you have to loose? Can't go blind! LOL
I haev to tell you that since the surgery where I lost most of my vision, I'm probably a safer traveller than I was prior to the surgery. I took chances and made decisions based on auditory input, but I also factored in my really bad vision, too. I'm slower, and am still rebuilding my confidence in my ability to travel, as I haev a hearing loss as well, but like I said, I'm safer out there.
Lou
I had cateracts in both eyes when I was about six and had them both removed, i don't remember much because I was so little. I'm not sure if they do a different procedure or if they still put you totally under. I want to say now they just numb the eye and go from there, but not sure. well if you do decide to go through with it, good luck
Cheers,
Kat
Actually, I do have something to lose. I'm not completely blind, so that makes me extremely nervous. Thanks for the good luck wishes. I think about this every day, and honestly, I still havent' decided on what to do. I really want to have it done, it's just a matter of building my courage up, and going for it.
Wow. I started this topic a few years ago, and here I am, just now going for the surgery. I was so nervous to do it, but finally decided it's time.
I have cataracts on both eyes, and the first surgery will be done on February 23rd. I'm still nervous, but ready.
My opthalmologist told me that they won't put me completely to sleep; I'll be able to breathe on my own, have a cough reflex, etc., but I will pretty much be in La La land. So, once the surgery is done, I'll have to stick around for a few hours so that they can keep observation over me, make sure I come off of the anesthesia OK, etc.
I'm really hoping and praying that everything with the surgery goes smoothly,and that recovery will go very well, too.
Hi, good luck. If you feel you need it, take Valium or something to relax you beforehand. This is what I'd probably have to do. I have a cataract in my left eye. I would like to have it removed, but I really don't have anything to gain by taking it off, except that my pressure in that eye would probably decrease. I would also like to have it removed for cosmetic reasons, but my eyes aren't horrible looking. I plan to bring this up at my next eye appointment. Please post back and let us know how things go for you.
Good luck Leann.
Regarding the above poster's suggestion of taking Valium beforehand, it's never a good idea to self-medicate before surgery, at least not without letting the doctor and the attending anesthesiologist know what you have done.
I've had a few surgeries done with that "lala land" type of anesthesia where you're not completely asleep but not fully awake either, and it's great.
I wasn't advocating self-medication. If I were to take any sort of meds beforehand, I'd need a prescription from a doc anyway.
Hi, I just wanted to wish you good luck. I hope the surgery goes well next week. I had a lensectomy (where they remove the cataract but don't replace the lens) last month. For me it was a very risky proceedure because of the eye condition I have and the fact that my eye isn't developed properly. I have unstable glaucoma too, so they were worried that removing the cataract would cause the pressure to increase. The doctors left my cataract well alone until I had hardly any sight left at all and at that point, I didn't really have much to lose and was very hopeful that the surgery would give me some useful sight back, even if it was only a little bit. The ophthalmologists didn't know if my recent sight loss was due to the cataract or end stage glaucoma, so they gave me a 50/50 chance of gaining some useful vision. I had a general anaesthetic and stayed in the hospital overnight. As it was such a complicated surgery, it took 2 and a half hours! So not like a 'usual' cataract surgery. A month on, I'm very happy, so far so good, it seems a success. I am still having regular check ups, and still have to have the stitches removed and glasses fitted. But my vision is a lot clearer, everything is bolder, brighter, more colourful, etc. I am glad I made the decision to go for it and I hope you will be too. I really do hope it goes smoothly. Let us know how it goes.
My surgery went very well. It was a lot easier than what I was thinking it'd be. I was very nervous, but I felt extremely comfortable with my ophthalmologist and the rest of the staff that was there.
Yesterday I had a follow-up appointment, and they told me that everything is healing very nicely.
As of now, I'm really not noticing a difference, but maybe as it heals, things will change.
yes, the eyes needs time to recover. give it time.
i am very glad everything WENT WELL. That is so good.
I'm glad to hear your surgery went well. If I end up having it, an injection in the eye does not sound fun!!
I've been thinking of you and wondering how the surgery went. Glad to hear it went well.