Cataracts and Dementia

May 92 year old husband has moderate dementia and had his second eye done a week ago. (1st was 2 weeks before that). No problems, easy surgery - no problem with anesthesia/sedation, which I was worried about. Highly recommended!

So happy to her that, @crankyyankee! Best wishes to both of you.

My husband has LBD with mild Parkinsons at the age of 68. He had both cataracts replaced 2 weeks apart with no problems, but it was three years ago when the LBD was very mild. My only problem is with the 4 - 6 month wait.....things can change a lot in that amount of time with Dementia related diseases. If this was us, I would be pushing for a much faster time frame or even ask for referrals to other equally competent, understanding ophthalmologists. We got in the next week and two weeks later for his cataract surgeries. Good luck!

Hmmm, good post. Keep this one going. My husband (78) also has cataracts, lost one eye 40 years ago in a racing accident, recently told me he's pretty sure he has cataracts and floaters. My concern is falls.

Hi @anotherday, That's a valid concern. Also, better visual acuity is better for the brain.

I'll try to push for something earlier, but we are hindered by our healthcare insurance/provider Thank you for your concern, @teacher502.

That is so interesting I have never realized they do not do that on Alzheimer's or dementia patients Ive worked in that field of work referring people for my optometrist I worked for and opticians all my life and never knew this but what I do know is everyone that I sent to have this done told me they wished they could of done it sooner knowing how easy it was and how well they seen. Does he have a cataract in only one eye cause this would make sense why he could be off balance its like closing and eye when your that bad. The other thing is I know once you get it done you cant do this and that and I am wondering if its because of the do and don't and when you have dementia they wont remember or forget and could do more harm to the eye if that is the reason. I would ask your ophthalmologist this question before hand because your in that boat of what is best there both bad but if he cannot see a thing now what do you have to loose. What I mean by that lets say something goes bad cause lifting something , no bending i hear things like this can do damage even rubbing your eyes it is similar to lasik which i had and it is important not to rub your eyes and I am a eye rubber I was freaking out at doing that cause you can lift that layer they lift to do the surgery I believe cataract is similar but they put a lens there like a contact lens. It must have to do with that I cannot see any other reason why not. But if that was my mom or dad I would rather take that risk and hope for the best cause if you fall and break something your in a worst boat then the situation your in now with not seen in one eye. Hopefully its just one most times it is both eyes but they do not do both at the same time. Id like to know that answer if you ever find out. I am retired right now so I can't really ask that question for you but would love to know the reason behind it for curiosity or anyone here in this forum. Thank you and best of luck finding for who ever this is for.

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@margoduncan thanks for all the good information. I’m sure it will be very useful. And thank you for joining Mayo Connect!
How did you find us?

Ohhh thank you Becky I honestly do not remember how I came across you probably doing search online about treatment needles and I believe it was in google search in there somewhere ....where it was mention to join a forum for information. I hope this helps I do appreciated when some take the time to reply my comments the least I can do is put my input in here as much as I can.