Riding after cataract surgery - how long?

Suby2

Suby2

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I have been given a date for cataract surgery on my right eye, left eye to be done later. I realise that you have to be careful for a while but just wondered if anyone has had this surgery and how long beforer they were back in the saddle?

i will ask about this on the day of the op and I only do fairly gentle hacking.
 
Can't remember how long it was for OH but surgeon seemed quite used to question. However, horse-owning nurse made it clear that he should not go near the stables or the horse for at least a fortnight as the risk of either infection from dust or damage from horse knocking his head was too high. Make sure you organise full livery for a decent period.
 
Thank you for your reply. Luckily pony lives out 24/7 so slightly less chance of dust etc., however my friend will take over any risky activities.
 
From experience, I'd give it 3 weeks before you ride and you must be very very careful about lifting. Wrap around sunnies are your go to essential. Pm me if you have any questions - I have had both eyes done. Good luck and the op is not nearly as bad as you think.
 
TTK said:
From experience, I'd give it 3 weeks before you ride and you must be very very careful about lifting. Wrap around sunnies are your go to essential. Pm me if you have any questions - I have had both eyes done. Good luck and the op is not nearly as bad as you think.
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I had my first last week, still traumatised will ask for sedation next time.
I’ve had to go back to the yard to make feeds for my mare who’s under meds for ulcers and hormones.
I’ve not mucked out or poo picked but feel the family enthusiasm to “help” has dropped like a stone
 
Suby2 said:
I have been given a date for cataract surgery on my right eye, left eye to be done later. I realise that you have to be careful for a while but just wondered if anyone has had this surgery and how long beforer they were back in the saddle?

i will ask about this on the day of the op and I only do fairly gentle hacking.
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Farming neighbour had his done, used a type of fine mesh head mask his daughter has for collecting hive honey, to protect against particles / dust. I don’t know about not lifting anything, he is always quite hands-on.
Hope it goes well!
 
Amaranth99 said:
I had my first last week, still traumatised will ask for sedation next time.
I’ve had to go back to the yard to make feeds for my mare who’s under meds for ulcers and hormones.
I’ve not mucked out or poo picked but feel the family enthusiasm to “help” has dropped like a stone
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Oh no, was it horrible? I need one of mine done. Pre-op appointment later this month. Dreading it. I am going to ask about sedation 🥺
 
Mighty Mouse said:
Oh no, was it horrible? I need one of mine done. Pre-op appointment later this month. Dreading it. I am going to ask about sedation
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I had both eyes done 6 weeks apart. It only takes a few minutes. Not a bit frightening or painful. Best thing I have ever had done. Just follow the guidance
 
Mighty Mouse said:
Oh no, was it horrible? I need one of mine done. Pre-op appointment later this month. Dreading it. I am going to ask about sedation 🥺
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It’s really not bad at all and nothing to worry about. I had both eyes done a year ago and was initially terrified but you feel nothing, see nothing because of the intense bright light they shine in the eye so the surgeon can see and it was all over in about 15 minutes. I was at the point where I needed to stop driving as my sight had deteriorated so rapidly yet within 48 hours I could see perfectly once again and have been able to ever since. You go from looking through nicotine coloured net curtains to sharp outlines and vibrant colours again. When I went to the yard I wore well fitting workwear goggles for a month so no dust or muck got in them. I probably looked ridiculous but needs must and they worked.
 
I wore work goggles. I had mine done just in time for lambing. I let someone else do the bedding up but I still got down and personal with the ewes that needed it.

I was given a small amount of sedative, just to prevent me from trying to track the surgeons initial movements. He chatted to me all through the op, I felt nothing. I left the operating theatre with an eye patch, which was removed when he checked up on me an hour or so later. As it was winter and dark he recommended I kept it on for the drive home, due to all the passing headlights but then it came off.

It was one of the best things that I have ever had done.
 
Dad had his done last year and was not allowed to lift things for 2 weeks as they don't want you bending over, I think it's to do with ensuring the new lense stays where it's put.
 
Amaranth99 said:
I had my first last week, still traumatised will ask for sedation next time.
I’ve had to go back to the yard to make feeds for my mare who’s under meds for ulcers and hormones.
I’ve not mucked out or poo picked but feel the family enthusiasm to “help” has dropped like a stone
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Good luck with that! I had sedation (was offered sedation or GA). I envisaged horse levels of sedation - like when they're doped enough to stitch up a bad wound or something. Totally out of it! Nope...! I got one piddling diazepam tablet which did bugger all! I also was traumatised!!

I had 2 weeks no dust, no driving, no exercise, then another 2 weeks no running/gym/riding/work. So 4 weeks off in total. You'd probably be ok riding gently, but if you fell off or even a strong buck or spook that didn't get you off, it would bugger it.
 
I had both eyes done at once, privately, and never knew a thing from when I was wheeled into the theatre to waking up sitting in a chair and being offered a cup of tea and a sandwich. It was totally without pain or any kind of trauma. My sister and BIL have had their cataracts done on the NHS but also said it was totally without any pain or trauma, so I guess it must depend on the practises at each clinic. Hopefully your clinic will be a good one!
 
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