"Very satisfied with the results"

My optician spotted a cataract in my right eye and referred me to Moorfields Hospital. I went for an initial assessment, which confirmed that surgery to remove it would be appropriate.

On the day, I had a visit from one of the doctors, for a preliminary discussion. Then I was called in to the anaesthetist. I had read up about the procedure beforehand, and watched videos, from which I realized that the procedure is normally carried out under local anaesthesia. I was a bit worried about this, and wondered whether it would be easier to cope with the procedure under sedation. But in the end I didn't mention this, and nor did the anaesthetist. I am very glad about that, and that I was fully awake for the experience.

The doctor I had met earlier carried out the procedure, with another more senior doctor in attendance. A cloth was placed over the upper part of my face, and then the procedure began. I found myself seeing shapes and colours, appearing and disappearing; it was an extraordinary visual experience. I felt no pain or pressure whatever, and no anxiety either, which surprised me. I simply concentrated on keeping still. Then I felt something touch the surface of my eye (I suppose this was the new lens being fitted), and I heard the doctor say it was all over; and that it went very well. I got down off the trolley. I thanked the doctors very warmly and the one who had operated on me thanked me for keeping still. Then they accompanied me back to the seating area. I had a patch over my right eye. My wife came to see me home.

The following morning I felt some pain in my eye, but paracetamol dealt with that. The healing process must have gone very well. I went for my follow-up appointment and the doctor I saw was very satisfied with the results. So am I. It is wonderful to have good vision in what has always been my weaker eye. I shall need a cataract removed from my left eye in due course, but from my own experience I shall have nothing to worry about.