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Update on Cataract procedure - it's done!
- by Gemita
- 2024-04-15 14:54:26
- Surgery & Recovery
- 523 views
- 15 comments
Cataract procedure has been done! Got eye shield in place so haven’t seen results yet. Tomorrow I start antibiotic drops (Maxitrol) 4 x daily and have to wear eye shield at night for 10 days. It seemed to go well except the local injection of anaesthetic was extremely uncomfortable. It was effective though and I was very relaxed and pain free throughout the procedure.
I arrived at the hospital early at 7 am but was second to last on the theatre list. Procedure was done at approx 1130 am. There were seven patients in the day ward on the consultant’s list, so we had a nice chat and kept each other entertained.
The consultant saw me briefly before my procedure. I took the opportunity to explain I hadn’t received clear advice about whether or not to continue anticoagulation and this caused concern. She didn’t seem to know about the difficulties I had had, so the messages I left clearly didn’t get through to her. She said she usually advises missing at least one dose of a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) - like Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban - so stopping for at least 24 hours, although this would depend on the patient’s medical history and procedure required. She admitted though that many “routine” cataract procedures are now being performed without interrupting NOACs, so their policy is currently under review.
Before the procedure I received both an injection of local anaesthesia and topical anaesthesia. Topical anaesthesia is preferred over anaesthesia injected with needles but topical anaesthesia may not provide a completely painless procedure apparently.
It seems Aspirin can be safely continued in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Warfarin has been extensively studied, and the risk of haemorrhage associated with cataract surgery is low if the international normalized ratio is in the therapeutic range. Fewer studies on NOACs seem available, and therefore no definite recommendations regarding these can be made. Hope that helps other members about to get cataract surgery. I stopped my Edoxaban from Saturday morning for 48 hours (as per a nurse’s late telephone instructions). I have now restarted Edoxaban. Several ladies I met this morning who were also on a NOAC reported receiving the same message about stopping 48 hours before their procedures, which surprised them too, so I was certainly not alone.
I am happy to report my Atrial Fibrillation stayed quiet for the period off Edoxaban and during the procedure but my heart is beginning to go out of rhythm now perhaps due to all this excitement. Anyway, all good so far and I am so pleased it is behind me. Thank you for all your support
15 Comments
Your cataract surgery
by Malya - 2024-04-15 16:45:05
So pleased all went well Gemita.
Not posted on this forum for a long time, mostly because of IT issues.
Your post struck a chord because of the way life throws up so many challenges in so many crazy ways, and because you are so supportive to all.
I underwent a refractive lens exchange, same as cataract surgery, many years ago on both eyes, mostly because of pathological myopia. All went well, much better than my pacemaker implant debacle.
My vision improved to be able to read the bottom line of the U.K. Snellen chart. A miracle☀️
You’ll soon be amazed about how clear and sharp your vision becomes.
Good luck. 👍👍👍
Malya
so good to hear
by new to pace.... - 2024-04-15 17:55:23
Glad to hear you are now done with they worry about this. It is good that you will be wearing a night shield. Keeps you from poking your eye.
new to pace
😃 👀
by Lavender - 2024-04-15 18:31:31
So good to read your report. It sounds like a good experience overall. Shame that the anesthesia was so uncomfortable. I haven't had the cataract surgery but lots of my contemporaries have😎
Do be a good girl and take care of yourself and rest! 😘🥰
👀
by Gemita - 2024-04-15 18:58:09
Yes I can’t wait to take my shield off tomorrow and to see a bright new world! I am itching like crazy with tape stuck all over my left cheek. I do look a sight. It will be good to have a clean up tomorrow though and to test my new vision, although it will improve even more over a period.
Edit the brightness is unbelievable this morning, but the eye is a little bloodshot, probably due to the injection. Been told this is normal, but will keep watching it. No real discomfort, so all the signs are good so far
brightness
by new to pace.... - 2024-04-16 07:45:32
Glad to see you are seeing your world differently this morning. Ever so bright.
Make a schedule for your important eyedrops. Put a check mark next to each time, that way you do not forget.
Glad that is now behind you.
new to pace
Yes brightness is instant, but clarity of vision may take a little while to achieve
by Gemita - 2024-04-16 12:52:47
New to Pace, although the cataract procedure itself is fairly straightforward, the recovery period can be quite intensive (e.g. the need for routine eyedrops applied several times a day, to be continued for up to one month). I am not supposed to allow soap or shampoo to get into my eye at least for a week, nor allow face cream/lotion to get into the eye. I should avoid strenuous exercise or housework for a period, I cannot rub or put pressure on my eye for at least 1 week and I should ideally wear a shield for up to 10 nights (no need during the day). Doesn’t sound much, but it is a commitment. The "big 3" potential problems that could permanently worsen vision after cataract/Intraocular lens surgery are: 1) infection, 2) an exaggerated inflammatory response, and 3) hemorrhage which is why it is recommended to only have cataract surgery done one eye at a time!
Yes I have got into a routine with my eye drops 8 am, 12 noon, 4 pm, 8 pm for two weeks, then reduce to twice a day for another two weeks.
CONGRAT'S
by athena123 - 2024-04-16 14:38:34
EXCELLENT TO HEAR. ENJOY ALL THE BEAUTY WITH YOUR NEW EYES
Wonderful News
by SeenBetterDays - 2024-04-16 16:55:23
Hi Gemita, I'm so pleased to hear that your procedure went smoothly and you are already seeing the benefits with your vision. It's sounds like you have the drops routine sorted with all your timings organised. Take care of yourself over the next few weeks and let us know your progress. Sending you much love x
Great news!
by Aberdeen - 2024-04-16 18:12:51
I am very glad to hear all went well! Looking forward to hearing your progress in the next few weeks.
Cataract procedure
by H van Dyk - 2024-04-16 18:23:58
Great news indeed! I'm sure your vision will improve the next couple of days. In some cases the eye ointment takes several hours to dissolve after the operation.
In general, optimum vision is achieved after some 4 to 6 weeks. This differs from person to person. Hope you keep the forum informed about your situation.
Greetings from Amsterdam
Amazing results
by Gemita - 2024-04-17 08:19:04
Thank you all. My vision is improving all the time now and I think I am going to be more than happy with the final outcome once the bruising disperses! I am beginning to think I did well to stop my anticoagulation for 48 hours before the procedure. I might have had more extensive bruising if I had not.
I wonder which lens my consultant has put in because I am able to see without any of my glasses already. I didn’t expect that. Near, intermediate and distance vision are all improved through one lens. Wow really and all under the NHS. How is this possible?
Yay
by Lavender - 2024-04-17 22:56:29
You make it all sound so fun! Something to which to look forward when/if the need arises 😆
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Congrat's
by Good Dog - 2024-04-15 16:38:04
Congrat's on the surgery! Glad everything went well. When you take-off the eye shields you are gonna love it!
Sincerely,
Dave