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Cataract surgery in rt eye yesterday

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marie13049
marie13049

My husband who is 76 had cataract surgery in his right eye yesterday and he said his vision in the eye is better and his vision is not so good when he wears his old  glasses.  He needs to have the left eye done as well.  I advise him not to drive until he sees the consultant in two weeks time. He thinks he can meet the DVL requirements of 20 mts but want to make sure.  Two weeks without  driving is a long time for him is there anybody else I could ask for advice?  He has been wearing glasses since he was 18 yrs.  He is like a little boy meeting father xmas for the first time he said his vision is very clear but the lt eye needs to be done, not sure when.  I am sure the optician wants him to have the other eye done to get the right prescription.  That can takes months, anybody got any advice what to do in the meantime.  Thanks

 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Sue.An
    Sue.An marie13049

    Posted

    Even with just one eye operated on for cataracts was better than prior to surgery and I was able to see to drive.  Was the IOL lens set for distance?  That would explain why old glasses would not work - he likely just needs readers to read now for that eye.

    Normally at 6 week mark (time for eyes to settle and heal) his doctor will give him a new prescription for glasses.

    • marie13049
      marie13049 Sue.An

      Posted

      He wants to drive and tell me he can see clearly. I think he should wait a little longer. Did you drive whilst waiting to have the other eye operated? It might be possible he will not need to wear glasses after he had the other eye done. The surgery went fine, no discomfort at all and it was so quick. I told me he can have after effects later on.
    • Sue.An
      Sue.An marie13049

      Posted

      I didn't drive for 2 days following surgery but started driving on 3rd day.  I had to wait 6 weeks for 2nd surgery and did drive - I work full time so had to drive and manage with my computer and did fine.  I poked the lens out on my operated eye to balance eyes a bit but I did go with a premium lens that allows me to see all distances.

      Did your husband have a 24 hour post operation check up with surgeon?  He would have had an eye test then and if he can see 20/20 for distance and not blurry he likely is fine to drive.  Perhaps ask for another follow up visit to ask those questions?

    • marie13049
      marie13049 Sue.An

      Posted

      Next appointment in two weeks time. He does meet the 20 mts dvl requirements in the uk. I guess if he feels comfortable and safe to do it I should let him. Thanks
  • at201
    at201 marie13049

    Posted

    If he feels that he can see well enough without glasses (and he is the best judge of that), there should not be any problem in his driving the car, specially during the day time. I started driving the day after my cataract surgery.

    He should not be using the glasses with the old prescription. He can try taking out the lens for the operated eye and see if that is helpful or not. This will not work (may create visual issues or give headaches) if the prescription for the unoperated eye is more than -1.D.

    Finally, even though his eyesight in the operated eye may not stabilize for 4-8 weeks, this should not stop him from getting glasses with the new prescription in 2 weeks, if he needs those for the best vision to be able to drive at night. He can update the glasses 2 months later if needed. This may result in spending extra money (say,  $100 or less), but you will have to determine if it is worth it.

    • marie13049
      marie13049 at201

      Posted

      Thanks currently can watch tv and read without glasses. He is very excited. He drives only short distance 10 mins drive to do the shopping. He does not drive at night. Thank you all for your advice
    • Sue.An
      Sue.An marie13049

      Posted

      I can relate - it's exciting to see the world full of colour again.  Amazing how much we take for granted!

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