Cataract surgery

[Parilla]

I should say at the outset I am not asking for medical opinion here, just to find out if anyone has experienced this procedure and how they feel about the outcome. deal of the week

A couple of weeks ago I went for an eye test, the last one I had was about 4, maybe 5 years ago, the longer gap than usual being due to the pandemic. I have separate specs for reading and distance and didn't go for the check because I felt any deterioration in either vision, but because the frames in both lots of specs and my sunnies were knackered. The optician confirmed there was little difference in the new prescription, but I confirmed a new order. On collecting and paying for the new "bins" I was asked if I had had a cataract check with a specialist, which I hadn't. In view of my age ( 78 this year with no problems I am aware of ) I was told it would be a good idea to have a check.

I spoke to my GP who gave me a name of a specialist at one of the prominent private hospitals, and I had an appointment yesterday. I am not happy now as I feel I am being rushed into signing up this week before the "deal of the month" expires, and don't just opt for the new very basic lenses Sanitas will pay for, have the superdupers at an extra 2000 euros.

I am not asking for anyone to give medical opinion, just asking if anyone has experience of the procedure and its after effects. I know that my age has probably made me over cynical and suspicious, but I cannot understand why my vision over the last 4/5 years has hardly deteriorated, yet suddenly I have to have this procedure soon.

[Enrique]

Hi Parilla,

" I feel I am being rushed into signing up this week before the "deal of the month" expires"............This sounds like a sales push...

If your new tweaked glasses and vision using them is good.............no need for op

Mrs E had procedure some years ago , distance and night vision back to normal no glasses needed.

I had full eye test on Friday.......had specs tweaked , and will look at cataract op at a later date .

[fincalospinos]

I have had cataracts removed from both eyes. The first time I paid privately, and the second time on the Spanish health system. The procedure, although a little uncomfortable at the time, was painless and I experienced similar treatment on both occasions.
I certainly wouldn't advocate having both eyes done at the same time because it would be very uncomfortable.

Before the operations you need to take eye drops for around a week to completely clean and sterilise the eye, and you need to take drops for around a week after the operation.

The main thing I noticed after having both eyes done was the clarity and improvement in mid to long distance sight. In addition, prior to the operations, when driving at night car tail lights were blurred and oncoming traffic also. This completely disappeared after the op.
The only thing it didnt correct was close sight, and I still need to wear glasses when reading.

If you are able to access the health system over here you need to ask your doctor to arrange an eye test, and if necessary, they will sort out the surgery needed.

[Wicksey]

I would get a second opinion if you can. I am always a bit wary of the private healthcare providers who often seem overkeen to operate or send you for unnecessary tests.

[El Cid]

Your prescription can change when you have a cataract, but the best indication is how well you can read the chart. if it is worse than it was, that may be caused by the cataract. I am in that situation at the moment. My vision is about 50%, it was 100%. My prescription has changed slightly (slightly less distance correction). My (private) opthalmic surgeon says the cataract is slow growing and about 3 out of 10. He wants me to wait a bit longer and is certainly not pressurising me to have it done yet due to another problem.

It is worth remembering that you can even have a lens replacement when you don't have a cataract, just to improve your vision.

Sid

[Parilla]

Thanks for the info each of you. I've taken it all on board and will have a good think.

Parilla

[Lavanda]

I knew my vision in my right eye was getting worse when I was driving so when Specsavers told me I had a cataract growing I was not surprised. They told me it was slow growing but if it made driving, especially at night, difficult I could ask to have it removed 'early'. Specsavers prescribed some yellow lenses to cut down night time glare and they certainly work well for only £99.00. I know I will need to have the cataract removed but I am not in a rush as long as I can still drive safely ...

[peteroldracer]

You might have to consider whether you will pass the eye test when you next renew your licence?

[Parilla]

Not a consideration for me PoR. My licence expires 2025, by which time assuming I will still be here aged 80, I have already some time ago decided that is enough, I do not think I should any longer have my finger on the trigger of a car.

Parilla

[Lavanda]

Mine will expire in four years but I imagine I will need the cataract removed by then.

[spanish_lad]

My dad had cataract surgery on both eyes about 6 years ago, at a private surgery behind corte inglés in malaga centre. It was about 3k.