1 January 2018
Today is the first day that I haven’t had to wear some form of visual correction to give me clear distance vision since I was 7 years old. 48 years of reliance on glasses and contact lenses all changed in 15 minutes. Read on to find out about my cataract operation…
The vision in my right eye has been getting steadily more blurred over the last year. The power of my left contact lens is stable at -6.00 Dioptres but the right contact lens power increased from -8.00 Dioptres to -16.00 Dioptres, and even then my vision was blurred. I suspected a cataract and when my optometric friend Jeremy confirmed my diagnosis I contacted an old friend, consultant ophthalmic surgeon Roger Baer at CircleBath for his advice.
Our discussion revolved mainly around the ultimate visual outcome. Roger is able to select any lens power to replace the cataract, so I had to decide my preferred post-operative visual condition.
Roger ruled out multifocal lens implants for me. While they do offer the ability to see distance and near without requiring an external reading correction such as reading glasses, the loss of definition, especially with regard to night driving, can be very uncomfortable and disabling.
The second option is monovision, whereby one eye is focused on the distance and the other on close work. We spent some time discussing which of my eyes is dominant, as that needs to be the one focused in the distance. My left eye currently has no cataract at all and has effectively become the lead eye, but I was sure that I used to be strong ‘right-eyed’. I decided to have full distance correction in the right eye with a toric lens to correct some astigmatism, and I then had the option to modify the power of my left contact lens to help with near vision if I so desired. Alternatively, I could fully correct my left-eye distance vision with the contact lens and wear one of the new sophisticated spectacle lenses when I am performing near-vision tasks. which I am perfectly happy to do because I actually quite enjoy wearing some of the new eyewear designs available.
Decision made; I was booked in for surgery.
I admit to a small amount of trepidation on the day of the operation. Although I have referred more clients for cataract surgery than I care to remember, and almost all of them have had excellent results, there is bound to be some concern about what may go wrong. Roger assured me, however, in his pre-op chat that the risk of a major complication is only about 1 in 3000. Thus reassured, I was ushered into the theatre to meet what Roger called his ‘A’ team. All are very friendly.
The operation was, from my side of things, relatively straightforward. My eye was numbed with anaesthetic drops, and the most uncomfortable part was having to stare at an extremely bright light throughout the procedure. I felt a bit of pressure on the eye when the new lens was inserted, but that was about it. I wouldn’t admit to enjoying the experience, but I wouldn’t worry about doing it again.
My vision immediately after the operation was very misty, mainly because my pupil was still dilated, but I could see around the room, including the analogue clock on the wall, even if the numbers were difficult to discern. My eye felt as though it had a rock in it, with a strong stinging sensation. This abated over the next two hours at a rate inversely proportional to the rate of vision improvement, so that by the evening I could see moderately well, and I was only aware of a minor eyelash sensation.
So here I am now, the morning after, on a boat to France for a bit of R & R with Rosenn’s parents because I thought that I would still be struggling and unable to work. The vision is 98% perfect without a correction, and the eye is extremely comfortable, so really I should be beavering away in my consulting room. But the invitation was extended; there is wine to be drunk, cheese to be eaten, and whisky to be sampled, and it would be rude not to accept. Anyway, I need to adapt to my new visual environment, and what better place to do it?
Optometrist
Chris qualified as an optometrist virtually before time began. He has worked in the practice since it opened in 1986 and now specialises in Vision Therapy. In his spare time he is a member of the local Masonic Lodge and enjoys sailing, watching rugby and cricket as well as sampling Single Malts and red wine.
Optometrist and Dry Eye Specialist
After finishing a degree in Biology at Southampton University Rebecca went on to study Optometry at Cardiff University and completed her pre-registration at Williams & Parry Opticians in heart of the Welsh valleys.
Rebecca still keeps a strong affiliation with Cardiff University and has returned as a part-time clinical supervisor and also as an organiser/participant in the ‘Returning Vision Moldova Project’. This non-profit University associated project involves visiting remote and impoverished communities in Moldova and providing eye exams and glasses to those in need.
Always keen to expand her knowledge Rebecca has consistently completed extra accreditation in optometry since graduating; most recently the post-graduate certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists.
After meeting a particularly charming West-Country man 6 years ago Rebecca migrated across the Severn bridge and has resided very happily in the Mendip area ever since. Of course being Welsh she is an avid Rugby fan and during any international match she is easily recognisable at her local pub for sporting the only red shirt in the house!
Manager & Eyewear Advisor
Tracy worked for Tesco on the customer service desk for many years before joining us in 2014. In her spare time she enjoys walking and travel, particularly to the USA.
Audiologist and Hearing Aid Consultant
Nikisha has been a fully qualified audiologist for more than seven years, having graduated from the University of Bristol in Summer 2012. After gaining her degree, she worked as part of a fantastic NHS team in Bath for two years, which greatly developed her clinical expertise.
Following her time in the NHS, Nikisha wanted to broaden her knowledge further, and so five years ago moved into the private sector, where she has been able to continue to build her extensive skillset.
“I decided to venture out and join the team at The Hearing Care Partnership because they are renowned for delivering great customer service and great technology to their clients, which is something I wanted to be part of. In addition, working alongside optical practice teams was an intriguing proposition, and a whole new experience for me.
“When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my daughter. I also really enjoy a good mystery or crime book – Harlan Coben is one of my favourite authors!”
Optical Assistant
Kay has had many years of customer service, both in retail and Doctor’s surgeries. She is happiest when walking in the Somerset countryside with her dog.
Eyewear Stylist and Dry Eye Technician
Eloise joined us from another High Street Optical practice. She has been trained as an optical assistant and clinical technician and is supporting Tracy with Styling Consultations as well as helping to run our Dry Eye Clinics