Glaucoma & cataracts. Depressed. Hate the meds.

Having Glaucoma is scary,
Also have mild cataracts.
I agree surgery can be frightening.
Not many people think about
Losing their eyesight……
Usually concerned about heart attacks, and strokes.

Dont know about the glaucoma but Ive had cataract surgery on both eyes 9 years ago and it was a breeze.

I can relate to you, I was told to get surgery for cataracts but I’m afraid, nearly lost my eyesight a few years ago, I had a torn retina and I was misdiagnosed, thank God for keen instincts. I should be braver after surviving two major surgeries in the last few years but it’s just a fear of going blind, I realize that so many people have had it and it was fine and I’m probably overthinking this, however I can definitely say that if the cataracts or glaucoma are affecting your vision and requiring medication then you should get the surgery done, make sure you go to the best doctor you can find, ask around for feedback on the doctor to be sure, best wishes.

Hi,
I don't blame you for being frightened. That is scary to consider. I'm 79 and have worn glasses since I was 6. I also have Retinitis Pigmentosa which is supposed to cause blindness but mine is a mild case so I haven't gone blind. However, it still worries me. I worry about getting cataracts also. My husband had his cataracts removed. It really was an easy operation for him.

One thing that really helped me and my husband was prayer. We just talked to God and told him our concerns. God answered our prayers and everything turned out fine. Frankly, there was nothing else we could do. All we had to turn to was God and it worked!

I'll say a prayer for you and I wish you the best.
PML

I have cataracts and glaucoma. I have made an appt to be evaluated for cataracts and surgery in November. I am afraid too . I have a seizure risk but my eyesight is important. I researched symptoms of cataracts and at what point it might be needed to consider surgery.

@jagzg77 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Compromised eyesight can indeed be a very scary thing.

Cataracts seem to be so common with us older folks. I had cataract surgery two years ago. They were "sped up" by my medication of dexamethasone used in my cancer treatment protocol. I have never regretted that cataract procedure, and my view of the world is much clearer and colorful, now!

Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that talks about cataracts in general: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, while cataracts affect the lenses of the eye. Here is an article by Mayo Clinic that talks to glaucoma: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839 You will notice there are different types of glaucoma, and treatment options can vary. Someone I know recently had a combined cataract surgery plus minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, in one procedure.

When you mention you are scared, what are your concerns? What does your opthalmologist have to say?
Ginger

@jagzg77 Eye surgery is very scary - been there! I am totally blind in my left eye, so I too was terrified of cataract surgery, but that surgery has allowed me to see more clearly than ever have before! And until I had the surgery I didn’t know colours could be so vivid!

My husband has glaucoma and had to have cataract surgery because the glaucoma accelerated his cataracts to the point of near blindness. He still has to deal with his glaucoma, but his eyesight is now 20/20 for distance - no more prescription glasses! He still needs glasses for reading, but readers off a store rack are sufficient for that.

Find an opthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery on glaucoma, astigmatism and retinal conditions. But do get that cataract surgery - you will wonder how you lived without the clear sight it gives you!

Here are four YouTube videos explaining glaucoma and what type of lenses available. Very informative.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VoSzox_Fl5g&pp=4gcEEgJmYg%3D%3D
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p6sozPfD6TU
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OLC4WPNsVno
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NrsLe2opB14&t=21s

I had one eye done 6 days ago All meds before & after cause a day long burning pain Even simple plain old eye drops feels like my eye is on fire Also still have a feeling of a large size pea in that eye Normal or will this be there forever?????????? Now driving at nite is just about impossible as can not see Cancelled second eye as felt I need some vision Thoughts ideaS
Check up for 1st eye on Wed can say I am not happy with results. Surgery is simple but plan was to see better which did not happen