A cataract cannot be cured by drugs or laser treatments so there is no other treatment available except surgery.
The thought of an operation on your eye makes you very nervous and you may not like the idea of going to hospital. Listed below is what happens if your operation takes place in the UK.
- The first thing that will happen after your doctor's referral will be an invitation to attend an Opthalmology Clinic so the Orthoptist can perform an assessment prior to your cataract operation. If you live near two hospitals that have eye clinics you will be given the choice of where you wish to go.
- You will be advised to take somebody with you to drive you home as the doctor will put drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and this may blur your vision. The drops do not hurt and the only outcome is the whites of your eyes may be turned orange for a few hours following the appointment. It does not hurt and there are no side affects.
- Before you leave you will be given the date of the operation and paperwork detailing what happens when you have cataract surgery.
The Day of the Operation
Prior to your operation you will receive a letter telling you what time to arrive. Unless there is a very good reason Cataract Operations are carried out under local anaesthetic so you can continue to eat and drink as normal. There is no need to starve yourself:
- You will asked to wear a shirt or blouse that unbuttons down the front to your waist so that they can attach pads to monitor your heart. This is quite normal and does not mean they are worried about you. You will also be asked to bring a pair of slippers as you will be allocated a bed to rest on in the day care ward.
- A nurse will put eye drops in to enlarge your pupil and you will be taken down to theatre. You will be placed on a trolley and an anaesthetic will be inserted in the corner of your eye but you feel nothing. A sheet will be placed over your face so you will not be able to see any instruments. The surgeon operates on the eye through a small hole and the operation only takes about ten minutes. From the time you leave the ward to the time you get back it is about half an hour.
- You will be given a cup of tea and told to rest for a further thirty minutes then you will be allowed to go home. A pad has been put over your eye in theatre and you will be told to leave it on for 24 hours and given some drops.
After Cataract Surgery
After the operation:
- You will need to start putting the drops in your eye the day after the operation as soon as you remove the pad. You will be told to put them in your eye twice a day for six weeks and given a record card to enable you to remember.
- For two weeks you have to wear sunglasses in bright sunlight and avoid getting soap and water in your eye. You will also be advised to avoid smoky and dusty areas for the same period.
- You will be told to return to the outpatients for follow up appointments and your doctor will advise you when you can fly or drive again.
Benefits
Colours will immediately seem brighter and your vision will be vastly improved especially if you have both eyes done. There is no necessity to wear glasses or contact lenses again unless your doctor advises you otherwise.
You will be asked if you want your lenses to be for distance or reading so you may have to get reading glasses if you choose distance. You feel no pain, no after effects and there is absolutely nothing to fear. It is a quick and simple operation and if you go in early morning you will be home by lunchtime.
Sources
NHS Patient Information.
Amanda Wilkins - I am really looking forward to giving you news on all the latest shows and getting to know the other excellent contributors to this ...
