Annie tells of restored sight bringing new lease of life, after celebrating her 80th birthday
A Derbyshire calligrapher and artist has shared the ‘mind-boggling’ impact of cataract surgery that has allowed her to rediscover her sense of freedom.
Annie Larner, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, is back in her art studio and busy gardening following successful surgery at SpaMedica in Newcastle-Under-Lyme this summer.
The surgery put a stop to what Annie describes as a ‘circus’ whenever she ventured into her local area in the Peak District with her golden retrievers.
The resident of Biggin-by-Hartington explains: “Due to my sight, and because I didn’t want to be recognised in the high street, I wore dark glasses. But while walking my dogs I began to notice people opening doors for me and providing assistance, obviously thinking they were my guide dogs. Although initially I took it as a nod to my well-trained pets, it was like a circus. I thought, ‘there has to be a way out of this’. And cataract surgery was the answer.”
Annie, who featured on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed in 2017, became aware of her sight deteriorating due to colour distortions. These affected her artwork and she resorted to tinted glasses to operate a lightbox.
Colour distortions were impacting her vision and quality of life. Annie explains: “In particular, I noticed it while gardening. I would wear hats and sunglasses to cope as much as possible, but I craved the feeling of freedom that I knew cataract surgery could bring. A letterbox is bright red and it got to the stage where I couldn’t see one, so I had to get my act together.
“I wasn’t worried about the surgery itself because I knew the procedure was straightforward and it seems like it’s over in a second – literally almost a blink and it’s done.
“SpaMedica is 110% eyes – they know what they’re doing. My only concern was the knowledge I’d be returning home to see the dust and filth I’ve been happily ignoring for a long time!”
Annie moved to Derbyshire from her home county of Hertfordshire and has three children scattered over the globe, pursuing their own passions. Thanks to SpaMedica, Annie can now do the same.
On life after the TV series, which is being currently repeated, she added: “The show wasn’t my sort of thing, but it paid off in terms of guests who come to stay at Biggin Hall, and they’ll say hello to me if they see me in the garden. Seeing our new wildflower meadow was a very colourful climax to end the gardening year, and the surgery allowed me to go and visit my family in France.”
It is in France that Annie celebrated her 80th birthday with a spa day in October – and she plans to have a tiny tattoo inked on her to commemorate the occasion.
SpaMedica has 37 hospitals across England and supports thousands of patients like Annie every week. Its expert team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care, while reducing NHS cataract surgery waiting times, with appointments available within just four weeks.
Hospital manager at SpaMedica Newcastle-Under-Lyme is Lisa Moors. She added: “It’s lovely to hear what a difference it has made to Annie to have cataract surgery with us. It’s hugely rewarding because we view our patients as family members. We provide personalised care, and we make sure every patient is at put at ease and has a positive experience. That’s why over 99% say they would recommend us to friends and family.
“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 straightforward.”
Cataracts are common in adults – about 30% of adults aged 65+ will have a cataract that is affecting their vision and requires treatment – and cataract surgery is the most common operation performed today in the UK, with around 450,000 surgeries taking place each year.
Cataracts Symptoms
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have cataracts:
● A decrease in vision clarity that can’t be corrected with glasses
● Colours appear faded or washed out, sometimes with a yellow haze
● Sensitivity to light, glare, and seeing halos around lights
● Frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions
It’s best to see an optician if you think you have cataracts. They will perform a thorough eye check and will be able to refer you for treatment if needed.
To find out more visit www.spamedica.co.uk
