How Bad Do Cataracts Have To Be?

[chrissa1]

At my latest eye test, I was diagnosed with cataracts starting to form in my right eye.

How bad does my sight have to become before I could ask for an operation?

What is the waiting list for said operation? Thanks.

[ummmm]

I'd go to your GP for a referral.

[Canary42]

I can't categorically answer your query, but only relate my experience. 3 years ago I also was told cataract forming in one eye - then last year on my next 2-yearly test they didn't even mention it until I asked and it was then explained it was only developing slowly and was far from needing an operation. I was told that wearing sun-glasses would slow down the development but I rarely comply. I think you should ask the optometrist for an opinion on your query.

[Jackdaw33]

I have suffered for 5 years. I now can no longer read or write. Fortunately my GP pulled a few strings and I hope to be operated on in the next few months.

[Barsel]

I think it depends on which part of the country you live in and which Hospital Trust. I went to Specsavers a few years ago as I felt my vision wasn't good. They said Yes you have cataracts we will refer you to the eye hospital got an appointment fairly quickly, had one eye done then a few weeks later had the other one done, no messing.Someone I know who lives down south can't get his done for love or money, well he could get them done for money if he pays for it himself.

[ladybirder]

Would you know you have one if you hadn't been told Chrissa? I wouldn't and I've had mine a couple of years. Can't even remember which eye it's on and I can't tell.

[jno]

I waited six months, but that was quite a few years ago, when the NHS had funds. Actual waiting times will depend where you are.

Is it causing you problems with your vision yet?

[Buenchico]

Some general information here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/

For waiting lists, enter your postcode here:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Hospital/LocationSearch/7/Hospitals
On the results page, click on the name of your local hospital.
Click on 'full list of departments' (under 'Departments and services).
Click on 'Cataract surgery' and then on 'Compare waiting times . . . '
Click on 'Cataract surgery treatment'.

[chrissa1]

I live in North Northumberland and I went to Specsavers when I found I couldn’t read the subtitles on my tv.

That sounds like a long time, jackdaw. Yikes.

Specsavers didn’t feel the need to refer me to an Ophthalmologist and assured me that they had just started to form. However, I don’t like having blurred vision.

[Jackdaw33]

Until you can no longer read or write you have no idea how miserable life can be. At one point I was contemplating suicide.

[Mamyalynne]

Jack, you should not have been left so long that's dreadful.


Chrissa, you could contact again and ask for a referral but mostly they wait a while until the cataract/s ripen or develop, otherwise it's too soon.

[chrissa1]

Oh no, jackdaw. :((

I must admit if I couldn’t read I’d be miserable.

[chrissa1]

Thanks, mamya.

[Mamyalynne]

Sight difficulties are so hard to adapt to, I have had years with my condition - I try humour and any technical help I can ,but yes, still gets you down at times.

Like all of our senses , we only realise quite how precious they are when they are under threat.

[BAKERS DOZEN]

I have got uveitis caused by sarcoidosis in my lungs and have been going to Manchester Eye Hospital for about 6 years. The doctors told me it would eventually lead to me getting cataracts. One day I just happened to joke that I kept cleaning my glasses but then realised I could do with cleaning my eyes instead and the doc said the time had come, got the diary out and booked me in a fortnight later. A few months later I had the second one done. Superb service and I feel for people that have to wait months or years,

[jennyjoan]

Hi Jack - if you can't read or write how come you can see Answerbank.

I too was told at my last test at RVH Belfast. "oh you have a wee wee wee wee wee start of cataract" - how long is a piece of string.

[Mamyalynne]

Any worsening would be picked up at subsequent regular checks JJ.

[bunkmoreland]

My husband and brother-in -law have paid for their father to have cataract treatment on both eyes. He's too old and ill to have waited. However.... he refused to stop smoking his cigars to help his situation for many years! Smoking IS a major factor and my sister-in-law his daughter now has a problem since she has been a carer. She has eye problems too:-(

[jno]

JJ, I think the answer is when it starts to cause you difficulties. For me it was when I couldn't read the street index in the back of an A-Z. Not reading the subtitles on TV sounds worse. - especially on my TV where the subtitles are enormous.

One thing I found when mine were done was that the world went from yellow to blue. I hadn't realised how they discolour your vision. For a while till the second one was done, I had one yellow eye and one blue.

[ummmm]

When my nan had hers done she was really ashamed of the amount of dust in the house that she couldn't see.

[Jackdaw33]

JJ. I can see AB because I zoom in. I view everything @ 400%.