Alzheimer's and cataract surgery

wkelser

Our Mother has Moderate Alzheimer's with cognitive difference (heading toward severe, but not there yet) and is a candidate for cataract surgery. My question is: Has anyone gone through the cataract surgery process with someone in this condition? If so, was it difficult on them during the procedure? after? Was it disorienting for them to be able to see without glasses? We want to be ready for what her response could be.

Mother has worn glasses since she was 5, so we are planning to get her a pair with clear lenses at the top and readers at the bottom, however, we are not sure how she is going to respond to being able to see when she first wakes up.

Any information or wisdom is appreciated

[Deleted User]

The user and all related content has been deleted.

wkelser

Victoria2020, thank you for your insights.

Luckily Mother does not spend much time in bed, besides to sleep and doesn't do much reading anymore (lack of cognition and attention) so I don't think the close up vision will be much of a problem with that.

My concerns are more about how she will react to being able to see without her glasses.

She also shows concern about not putting on her glasses each day, since she had worn them since she was 5. That is the reason we suggested getting her glasses with clear lenses or clear at the top and readers below. She does not take off her glasses during the day, so losing them would not be a big fear at this time.

The Doctor said she would be awake for the procedure and I am not sure she will be able to do what they are needing her to do (keep her eye on the light, etc.) since she cannot remember from one second to the next what the topic of conversation is.

I am continuing to talk to my sister about placement. When it comes down to it the decision needs to be mutually agreed on. Thank you for your input on this also.

harshedbuzz

@wkelser

This is something that is discussed a lot. Just because your mom is a candidate, doesn't mean it is an appropriate choice or that she has to do this. Given the visual disturbances associated with the later stages of dementia, this surgery may not improve how her brain processes visual images.

Having been through cataract surgery with my DH who doesn't have dementia and dealing with complications of cataract surgery with my dad in early stages, I would not elect to sign off on the surgery past the early stage of dementia.

IME, the home care associated with the procedure is considerable. DS's protocol involved a series of drops in each eye (they're typically done 2-3 weeks apart), followed by a month of drops on an evolving schedule. I created a spread sheet to track this. The schedule is precise and changes weekly; DH had a total of 6 kinds of drops. FTR, he's a PhD scientist and managing and instilling drops with blurry vision was not something he could do. I don't know if your mom is home alone, but if you're considering placement, I would assume she is beyond managing this alone. There is a newer protocol where a "packet" of medication is inserting in the area and left to dissolve over time which would be simpler.

There is generally a plastic eye shield used for several days and then overnight for another week or two. A few people who have done this report that this can be challenging for a PWD to recall why and leave the device in place and not rub their eyes.

There will be a period of time when the first eye will be clear and the second fuzzy and glasses won't be worn which can take some getting used to. DH and others I know found this to be the worst part.

The surgery is usually done under conscious sedation. DH and his surgeon discussed P-Chem during his first surgery and a favorite restaurant during the second so I'm assuming fairly light. My BIL had his eyes done under general anesthesia (no idea why-- BIL is an MD so I accept his reporting as accurate on this) which isn't good for a PWD as a rule.

My dad had a complication in the early stages. His retina detached and he wasn't on the ball enough to have a sense of urgency around the change in vision. He had 2 different procedures to repair the detachment. The second was successful but his vision was reduced to light/dark and movement only. Keeping him compliant post op was very challenging.

HB

FAHNJL

DW had it done, and it turned out to be a good choice. But she had to be put completely under, and post -op was difficult. But her improved vision made her happy, and I'm all about making her happy 😄