I am Autistic and need Cataract Surgery
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello all
I have been told by my Optician that I have Cataracts in my Left Eye.
It is not too bad at the moment and my Glasses Prescription is coping with it, however, I am going to need Cataract Surgery soon.
Unfortunately, being Autistic I have a few concerns about the Surgery, firstly, I understand that the procedure is done under a Local Anaesthetic, unfortunately, this would cause me issues since my awareness of my surroundings and my self is heightened and thus would not be able to stay still or relax, and secondly, I would not be able to apply the Eye Drops myself and I have no one else that would be able to do it for me.
These issues are causing me some distress as I do not know what the options are, could someone please offer any reassurances?
Thanks in advance
Kevin
0 likes, 7 replies
RonAKA KNC
Edited
First on the options for surgery, there are three that I am aware of. One is to use a local anaesthetic applied just before surgery with drops. A second option is to use a sedative administered by IV which relaxes you in addition to the drops. You are awake but not real aware of what is going on. That is what I had, and would recommend it. A third option is a general anaesthetic which puts you right under. I would discuss your concerns with the surgeon and anesthesiologist and I am sure you will come up with a good solution.
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The eye drops after surgery are a little more problematic. As far as I know they are essential for a good outcome. There are different eye drop regimes with some requiring more drops and others requiring less, but they are still required. I would discuss the options with your surgeon. I did Vigamox three times a day for the first 7 days. Durezol was also used once a day for 21 days. The other option offered to me were generic drops; moxifloxacin 3 times a day for a week, plus prednisolone 3 times a day for a month. That is 50% more drops, so I declined that option although it would have been slightly cheaper. My surgeon does not do drops in the days before the surgery, other than the ones right immediately before surgery.
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That said I think your only option is to get help with the drops. Perhaps discuss with your doctor to see what the options are. Obviously fewer drops for a shorter period of time would minimize the help you would need.
KNC RonAKA
Posted
Hello
Thanks for the reply.
I am glad to know that there is a mid option for sedation, between Local and General, I think that would probably be the best option for me.
I will try and see if I can talk to a Doctor, my GP left on early retirement a couple of years ago, and see if I can get a District Nurse or similar to apply the eye drops for me as required.
Thanks
Kevin
Pifutoast KNC
Posted
The protocol at the clinic I went to uses an intravenous twilight IV so you are relaxed and don't remember much but you come out of it fairly quickly with no heavy after effects. Just right for this type of procedure.
The procedure itself was quick and painless, done while you are lying down comfortably and they had a light that obscured my vision so I didn't see anything. I was terrified thinking I would see the scalpel coming in, wasn't like that at all. As for the drops, they are crucial for a good outcome. If you can't do it, you will have to figure something out with friend, doctor, family member, neighbor etc....
Now the hard part, what type of lens?????
KNC Pifutoast
Posted
Hello
Thanks for the reply.
I think my biggest worry about the procedure itself is that, due to my Autism, my senses are heightened and as a consequence I am extremely sensitive to my awareness of my surroundings and of my own body, as an example, I am aware of my heartbeat and also of the blood flowing through my body, hard to explain.
When I am referred I will discuss the issues with the Specialist, hopefully something can be agreed upon.
Thanks for your help, it is appreciated.
Kevin
KNC
Posted
Hello all
I hope you are all well.
Well, I received a phone call from Doncaster Royal Infirmary offering me an Appointment for the Initial Assessment on Wednesday 23 February, needless to say this threw me as I was not expecting an Appointment until at least late June given the waiting times of approximately 40 Weeks, this will be 22 Weeks.
Since my last Post here I have been thinking on my situation and I think the General Anaesthetic will be better, for me, given my heightened awareness, both of my surroundings and of myself, also, I struggle with Human Touch and also I am unable to tolerate anything over my face.
Can anyone give me some insight as to what to expect during the Initial Assessment so that I can prepare?
Thanks in advance
Kevin
RonAKA KNC
Edited
You should prepare for the initial visit by reading up on what the choice of lenses are likely to be. If you do a google search on the phrase below you should be able to find a PDF from the Queen's University Ophthalmology department. It is somewhat dated, and the costs will only be applicable to Ontario Canada, and look a bit dated too. But, it does cover the basics of cataract surgery, and is a worthwhile read. There are many choices to make in deciding on cataract surgery and the choices in lenses. It can be somewhat overwhelming if you are not prepared for it.
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Queen's University Ophthalmology Cataract Brochure PDF
RonAKA KNC
Posted
Another site that you could look at to get prepared is this one. It is by Alcon but is somewhat generic. The two leading brands of IOLs are Alcon and J&J. They both offer similar lenses, and are kind of like Coke and Pepsi.
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"Alcon See the Full Picture"