Shifnal’s great-grandmother’s independence restored after life-changing eye surgery

Lily Kidd whose eyesight deteriorated so badly she couldn’t go out on her own

Submitted by SpaMedica

A great-grandmother can visit her family again after successfully undergoing surgery to remove the cataract.

Lily Kidd, 85, from Shifnal, Shropshire, underwent the procedure as an NHS patient at SpaMedica Hospital in Newcastle-Upon-Lyme and praised the ‘kind and respectful’ staff for the helped restore her freedom and her sight.

She now plans to visit her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who are scattered around the area.

Lily said: “I became aware of my sight problems because I had double vision and headaches, and I kept seeing smoke in front of me. I also felt a sensation unpleasant blur that made me sit down so as not to fall. .

“For my own safety, I constantly had to have someone else with me. It was very difficult – I’m used to doing things independently and not having to rely on my family to watch over me. on me.

“They said you could come right away and I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s a lovely place and the staff are so nice, they really have time for you. It was a great experience.”

SpaMedica Newcastle-Under-Lyme Hospital Manager Lisa Moors said: “We are delighted that Lily’s surgery will allow her to be out and about again and to travel to visit her grandchildren. children. It’s always gratifying to get such feedback from patients.

“Although cataracts can affect quality of life and independence, for the majority of people it is a treatable condition, and the procedure itself is quick and simple.”

Around 30% of adults aged 65 and over will have a cataract which affects their vision and requires treatment – and cataract surgery is the most common operation in the UK today, with around 450,000 surgeries performed performed each year.

Cataract symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following cataract symptoms:

• A decrease in the clarity of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses
• Colors appear faded or washed out, sometimes with a yellow cast
• Sensitivity to light, glare, and seeing halos around lights
• Frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

It is best to see an optician if you think you have cataracts. They will perform a thorough eye exam and can refer you for treatment if needed.