Cataract Surgery

[cat_mioux]

I had my eyes tested yesterday and I have small cataracts in both eyes. They normally would not be big enough to cause problems but one of them is in awkward place so my vision is slightly blurry. It was recommended I have them removed in a year.

So I guess I have two choices. Be placed on the waiting list for 2-3 years and have them done through Medicare or pay for them myself. I'd have to take out a personal loan. If I started paying for private health insurance would cataract surgery be covered after 12 months?

[freddie*rooster]

Most cataracts are very slow growing Catty, that's why the suggestion to be re-checked in 12 months time. I was told 14 months ago I had one on each eye, I have just had another eye test and they are fine no change at all. If you are concerned you could get the Doc to add you to the waiting list, if they become a problem say in 12 months time, at least you are on the waiting list.

[cat_mioux]

Do you wear glasses tulip? You could always have your eye's tested at the O place (they are very good) and it's free on Medicare. They will test for cataracts and glaucoma etc.

Az you can't get them done at the same time, maybe a week apart. I may as well get them done close together so I don't have to get new glasses.

Freddie thanks! I'm hoping my new prescription will help offset the blurriness caused by the cataract. Why does it take so long to get new glasses? A week for my driving glasses then I pick those up and give them my spare pair and they'll turn those into reading glasses. In the meantime I'm getting headaches every day from the strain of trying to see the computer screen.

[crystal**flake]

Its a month apart as meds are given inbetween eyes.

[jean2579]

Cat, I had my right one done in April this year on medicare. Out of pocket expenses was tops about $500. I waited exactly 12 months. The left one is due to be done next June, again only a 12 month wait time. The reason for the extra few months between April 2013 and June 2014 is that I had complications with first op and had to wait extra time. But certainly no more than 12 months on medicare.

[jean2579]

Cat, the doc won't  let you get new glasses until both are done. It is a bit lopsided at first but you get used to it.

[cat_mioux]

Only a 12 month wait on Medicare? That's fantastic!

Could my local GP put me on the waiting list?

Glad to hear you have had both eyes done and they are fine now Jean.

[jean2579]

Cat, you said that you had your eyes tested yesterday. That optomoterist should give you the referral to an eye surgeon. It should only take about 2-3 weeks to get an appointment with him/her, they test you again and then decide if it needs doing, If so, they give you a form to take to your local hospital day patients booking office and the hospital takes it from there. They will send you a letter at the 6 month mark to ask if you still want to go ahead with surgeery, make sure that you call and say yes, then they will send you another letter about 2-3 weeks before the op date and ask you to make another appointment with the eye doc.

Your GP is informed by the eye surgeon and kept informed along the way.

We are not in a city area but in a regional area, so it may be possible that you may get it done faster than we can if you live in a city.

First appointment is about $200 but you get most of it back next day from medicare.

[polksaladallie]

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@tulip*place wrote:

Noticed more floaters and looking at the tv is not as clear as before.     Looking at the time on the dvd player from where I could see it before I have to get closer.    The floaters got worse after I had a sneezing fit strange as it sounds but the next day I noticed quite large floaters appear.

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I don't know when this happened, Tulip, but it sounds like you have had a vitreous detachment.  This is very serious and warrants an urgent opthalmologist visit.  Urgent because it can be associated with a retinal detachment, and needs to be checked and monitored closely.  You will not have to wait for an appointment, the specialist will fit you in immediately.

[cat_mioux]

Thanks Jean ... will have to get the ball rolling asap.

[purple_haize]

My eye specialist put my on the waiting list to have my eyes done, the optometrists should be able to write you a referral to get your eyes done.