No help or hope from my GP.

GP's aren't eye specialists.

You should see an ophthamologist. There must be many ophthamologists in the UK. You can usually get onto the internet to findout what ophthamologist is practicing nearby to where you live. Cataracts grow very slowly so don't panic. Or ask friends about what ophthamologist they would recommend. No need to panic. Take it a step at a time.

See another GP. Is your vision cloudy? If it's not cloudy than it's in it's infancy. I noticed a very slight slight cloudiness 5 years ago and finally 4.5 weeks ago I had my cataract removed in one eye.

Hi Garystar,

I also live in the UK, it was my optician who referred me, my GP wasn't even involved.  I have regular eye checks ups as both of my parents had glaucoma.  She noticed my cataract last year, but 8 months later I had to see her again 3 months ago as my sight was deteriorating quickly.  She confirmed that the cataract had in fact worsened and referred me to a Consultant. I heard from them in about a week with an appointment,  I'm now waiting for the op. 

If you haven't already done so, it might be an idea to see an Optician. All the best.

So sorry - I know it is a lot to absorb.  At 53 I too was told I had cataracts both eyes last Jan.  Had 1st cataract surgery 9 weeks ago and 2nd one 2 weeks ago.

First of all don't worry you won't go blind.  Cataracts grow really slow and at one time years ago cataracts had to be very ripe before anything was done.  Nowadays they don't need or let that happen.  

Do you know what your visual acuity is now with cataracts?  Often the cataracts have to affect your vision (say to drive) before the surgery is covered by national health.  I live in Canada and that is the case here.  My vision was 20/70 in right eye and 20/60'in the other.  I knew something was up as road signs were hard to read - just thought I needed new glasses but my optometrist told me it was cataracts and couldn't correct my eyes anymore.  It was months before I got to see an opthamologist.

You should be referred to one.  I believe if you want to see one sooner you could pay out of pocket and see a private clinic.  GPs really can't help in this as that is not their field of expertise.  Although not a bad idea to see one prior to cataract surgery to assure you are in good health.

You have come to the right place here on these forums as there are many good posts with information about lens selection and surgery itself.  It will be information overload at first.  So it is good there is time to think about what you want to do.

Your optometrist should be the one to refer you to an opthamologist not your GP.  You should inquire at their office for referral.  And as mentioned you may also want a private clinic consult too.  Perhaps your eyes haven't deteriorated enough for them to refer you to a specialist?  But you should still ask what your visual acuity is with cataracts.   Usually telltale sign is being able to read road signs or license plate in front of you that give you an approximate idea if you'll need cataract surgery.  It could be your eyesight can still be corrected with glasses.

If your eyesight is cloudy, then glasses won't help that much. I wore glasses and it was cloudy irregardless. It's only delaying the inevidable. Try another GP to get a referral to a ophthamologist. Is your eyesight cloudy?

Were your cataracts just noticed for the first time by a doctor? How long ago was your previous eye exam?

My right eye cataract was first noticed by my eye doctor nearly 10 years ago and only now is it affecting my vision.

So if its an early stage, it could take several years and even then only a little blurriness for a few years before it gets a lot worse.

Hi Gary,

   Please rest assured that cataracts grow super slowly and you will not go blind from them.

    Do you have symptoms, is your eyesight being strongly affected?

Some people wait years and years before they have cataract surgery.

   I had both eyes done before I turned 50 (I was born with cataracts and they didn't bother me until mid 40's) and am 57 now. If I can wait 50 years, you are in no immediate danger. I do think you need to find a better new GP though!!

Hi Garystar at 65 you are still young im 75 had cataracts removed in both eyes last year, do not accept what your gp has told you either see another gp in the practice or change your surgery what he has told you is utter rubbish and totally unaacceptable, you didnt say how bad your sight was maybe the cataracts are not bad enough to be removed ask the optician who refereed you he will tell you if you can wait or not and if he has referred you to the gp who then should refer you to the opthalmologist then what I said earlier about seeing another gp in the practice or change your practice

Will look forward to hearing what happens and how you get on please let us know

Regards Agnes