Cataract surgery
Brenda Alworthhad two cataract operations, with the second four years after the first.
"My eyesight was so blurryI couldn't see across the room. When I went to my optician, he said I had a cataract in my right eye. He said he could see the beginnings of one in my left eye, butthat I could leave that one alone for the time being.
"The first operation was a great success and I started to see much more clearly again, but then gradually my sight started to get blurry in my left eye, so my optician said I should have a second operation.
"I was referred to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where a nice nurse and surgeon examined my eyes and measured me up for my lens. I'm long-sighted, so I still have to wear glasses for reading and close work.
"I was terrified on the day of the operation, but my son came with me and the nurses were incredibly kind and looked after me all the time. I'd had a Local anaesthetic when my first cataract was removed, but this time they just used anaesthetic drops. I didn't feel anything, and all I was aware of was a bright light as the surgeon got down to work.
"The nurse put a pillow under my legs to make sure I was comfortable and she held my hand throughout the operation. She told me I could give it a squeeze if I started to feel uncomfortable at any time and the surgeon would stop.
"It was very quick. I was only in the theatre for 15 minutes and was able to go home shortly afterwards. My eye was covered with a plastic eye patch, which I was able to take off the day after the operation. I had the operation on the Friday and was back at work on the Monday.
"My eye felt a bit dry for the first few days, but my sight gradually got better. It's fantastic now and I can see colours again brilliant whites and bright blues. It's incredible and I have had no side effects.
"I did ask the surgeon if my eyes could go cloudy again. He said there was a very small chance, but that a five-minute operation with a laser would soon sort it out."
Read about cataract surgery, a procedure to treat cataracts, where changes in the lens of the eye cause cloudy, blurry, or misty vision.
Find out when cataract surgery is offered on the NHS. It's usually recommended if cataracts are affecting your ability to carry out daily activities, such as reading and driving.
Find out what happens before, during and after cataract surgery.
Read about recovering after cataract surgery, including advice about when you can drive and return to everyday activities.
Read about the possible complications of cataract surgery. The main problem that can occur is a condition called posterior opacification (PCO).
Brenda Alworth had two cataract operations, with the second four years after the first.