Unklewhale

The present criteria for cataract operations is visual acuity worse than 6/9 and THAT YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE IS BEING AFFECTED. Clearly the latter statement is very different for many people. Having visual requirements for something like Astronomy would count I am sure. Other people are happy to walk around in a total blur without an issue to their happiness.

Interestingly (possibly), another way to open the 'drainage angle' is to carry out cataract surgery with an implant intraocular lens (because the new lens is flatter). Was this considered at all, especially as you say you already have an early cataract?

Yes, multifocal implants have 'ghosting' issues, due to the fact that the Distance & Near focussing areas are (usually) in alternate circles radiating out from the centre. The brain is constantly receiving 2 images and has to sort them out. Usually not bad in brightly lit conditions, but more difficuly when dim. Some people have no issues, some don't sem to cope well with it. An alternative (and more modern) design has the implant lens actually flex within the eye, something similar to normal 'accommodation', but it appears the effect seems to diminish with time.

Aaaaaaghhhh - one of those days !

Welcome - Will be interested to find out how you are getting on with the ZWO !

Yes, a really useful post. Even if I have eyepieces varying from these I know what to expect (and why). My collection spreads around these 'optimum' numbers, but nice to see I am in the right ballpark that this logic suggests.

Sounds like it went well for you, as most ops do these days. Still, knowing so much about it, leaves me very uncomfortable for when my turn comes!

There are many many causes of cataract - trauma can bring one on rapidly. They tend to cause a blue shift in colour perception and it is often colour that people report afterwards. The fact that surgeons can aim to make the final prescription as near zero for distance vision as possible is great for us types. Most cataract operations are carried out under local anaesthetic (drops sometimes), rare for full general. (maybe info overload, but I am a retiring Optometrist !)