My Cataract Journey: From Near-Blindness to Recovery Complications

My name is Raymond Duggan, and until recently I was selling The Big Issue in Immingham. On 18th May, my life changed almost overnight. That was the day I had to stop working — for security reasons and because I had gone almost completely blind.

The Shock of Losing My Sight

Just a few days earlier, on 12th May, I’d been to Specsavers for what I thought would be a straightforward cataract referral. But by the 18th, I was 99.9% blind.

• My left eye had a complete cataract.

• My right eye wasn’t much better — it was like trying to see through very thick fog.

Suddenly, the simplest things became impossible. Recognising people, crossing a road, reading a newspaper — all gone in an instant.

First Surgery: A Glimpse of Hope

On 26th June, I had my first cataract surgery. The very next day, the hospital rang me to ask how I was doing. To their surprise, and mine, I told them I could read a car number plate at 60 metres. After weeks of blindness, it felt like a miracle.

Second Surgery: Complications Arise

My second cataract surgery was on 9th August. This one took around 40 minutes, and it didn’t go as smoothly. During the procedure I suffered a phaco burn — damage to the cornea caused by the heat of the ultrasound used to remove the cataract. I also developed corneal folds, which are like tiny wrinkles in the cornea caused by swelling.

These complications slowed down my recovery and left me with blurred, distorted vision for longer than expected.

Recovery So Far

I’ve had regular check-ups to track my progress:

• 13th August: My vision measured at 6/38 in the left eye and 6/12 in the right eye.

• 29th August: There was some improvement — 6/18 left, 6/7.5 right.

• 26th September: Another follow-up. Doctors considered removing possible stitches.

  • My new lenses (IOLs) are 22.5D in the left eye and 21.5D in the right eye.

Living With Complications

The journey hasn’t been easy. The first surgery gave me hope — the world came back into focus almost instantly. But the second brought setbacks that tested my patience. Living with phaco burn and corneal folds means every day is different: some days clearer, some days more frustrating.

I’ve been off work since May, and I miss my regulars at The Big Issue pitch. But I’m determined to get back when it’s safe to do so.

What I’ve Learned

• Cataract surgery is often described as routine — but for some of us, it’s far from straightforward.

• Recovery can be unpredictable. Improvement comes in steps, not leaps.

• Patience and positivity matter as much as eye drops and check-ups.

Looking Ahead

I’m sharing my journey because I know others out there are facing the same surgery, the same fears, and maybe the same complications. If my story helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth it.

For now, I’m still healing, still waiting, and still hopeful.

Post Surgery