Cataracts

[smurfchops]

Can they come on over a short period of time, with the sight getting very bad very quickly, and can you still see well close up? Thanks all :)

[Clanad]

Sure... known as rapid on-set cataracts... but uncommon with the exception of diabetics. One could see close up since you would probably use more light. Generally, though, all cataracts limit both near and far vision. Age related cataracts are the most common... studies indicate almost all people over the age of 85 or 90 will experience some kind of cataract. In a lot of cases it is not severe enough to require removal though...

[smurfchops]

I recently had macular hole surgery and was told to expect cataracts, but my optician could not detect a cataract this week.

[dilligaf]

Hang on a minute Clanad its 60 + where I come from.

At 61 and with previously good eyesight my optician said I have a cateract developing in my right eye. Within two years it seriously affected the vision of my right eye. Everything looked blurred especially in bright light. and with my left eye closed.

I was advised to have it removed. Never having surgery of any kind before, apart from the occasional tooth removed, I was very aprehensive about having it done. However I went ahead.

What a doddle!! In and out the op. theatre within 15 minutes,the cateract a removed and a new lens in the eye, the difference it made is unbelievable, not only vision better but everyday colours are so bright and brilliant.

If you are at all concerned about cataracts dont be. I would rather have one removed than having a tooth out and the finished result is unbelievable.

[smurfchops]

After macular hole surgery, I am not at all worried about a cataract ! I just hope that's all it is.and if its something else, that it can be corrected, the fact that the sight has deteriorated so rapidly is a worry, but I can see close up perfectly. Read about what you have to do after macular hole surgery, unbelievable !

[oldwoman]

Had mine done at 55. One night driving home a car shone full headlights at me. After that all I saw were the cats eyes in the road looking like large flowers. The street lights had orange flowers around them,it was like living in a nightmare. I had asked the doctor previously if there was something wrong with my eyes and hed said no.

[Clanad]

Actually, dilligaf I wasn't very clear in my post. What I meant was that studies indicate that almost all people over the age of 85 have cataracts, even if they are small and pose no vision problems... many people have cataracts for along period of time that do not progress to a limiting degree...

[smurfchops]

Not sure if it is cataracts because the colours are still as sharp as in my 'good' eye. Can this happen?