If this was a novel, it might start with the line “Matt finally got the diagnosis he was waiting for, after waiting for thirty-five years.” At least, for the first draft.
That’s how long it has been since I had a cataract diagnosed in my left eye, when the lens clouded over and had to be removed. Normally, the surgeon would insert a synthetic lens during the procedure. However, because I was relatively young, this wasn’t done. If they had given me an implanted lens, they would likely have had to operate again at some point to replace the lens. I was told that I could have a lens implanted at a later date, when I was much older. They discharged me and sent me back home after a week in the hospital.
This procedure resulted in my left eye being extremely longsighted, and unable to focus, whilst my right eye was extremely shortsighted. With that prescription, it wouldn’t be possible to wear glasses as they would give me double vision when worn. As I already wore contact lenses, the solution was to have a normal prescription for my right eye, and a prescription for my left eye, which fixed the focus at the same distance as a computer monitor on an office desk. We chose this because I worked as a software developer.
I did have glasses, but the left lens was just plain glass, so I could only really see with my right eye.
This worked well until around six weeks ago, when I noticed a change in my vision. As I currently take medication for diabetes, I took this seriously and made an urgent appointment to see my optician. They confirmed the development of a cataract in my right eye and promptly referred me to the NHS.
I am still waiting to hear from the NHS.
I was already out of work, and seeking another position as a software developer. I have now put my job search on hold as I can only use a computer for a short amount of time because of the current state of my eyesight.
I can’t tell yet how long I will wait to be operated on. It could be anything up to six months. Going private isn’t really an option, because with my prescription for both eyes, the cost could be up to £10,000.
That’s the current situation. I’m waiting to hear from the NHS. Reading and writing cause a lot of eyestrain, so I listen to podcasts and audiobooks. I can still type in short bursts, so I can still update this blog. Living on the top flat of a tenement doesn’t help, as judging distance when going downstairs is an issue.
A standard cataract operation is now done in one day, rather than the patient having to spend a week in a hospital bed. I’m hoping for an operation on both eyes, but that really depends on the condition of the previously operated eye.
I’ll keep this blog updated on my progress. Who knows, I may end up with better eyesight than I’ve had in years.
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