Everyone faces age related problems and they may take many forms.
One of the most worrying appears to be cataracts.
The fear of losing one's eyesight is frightening.
But those fears are misplaced now with the modern techniques that are safe, effective and quick.
In fact cataract operations are done in a few minutes with very little after-effects.
Like everyone else my eyes had to be done a couple of years ago and the panic attacks set in with all the possibilities dreamed up of what could go wrong.
Fortunately the doctor was very convincing and when the time came the operation, one eye at a time a month apart, was a breeze.
Drops are put in for an hour or so beforehand and then a local anaesthetic removes any feeling and also any vision in the eye in question.
The worst thing is the water running down the cheek if it is not stopped.
But the surgeon usually has that under control as well.
A patch is placed over the eye for a few hours and then drops are applied twice a day for a couple of weeks and then once a day for another 2 weeks.
The length of the procedure is about 20 minutes and there is a nice cup of tea and sandwich waiting on the other side of it.
After that you are free to leave with your drops and a sheet of instructions.
Once the final visit to the specialist is over the sight is virtually restored to a point that is far better than years before.
Few people actually need reading glasses afterwards.
The problems faced beforehand are certainly not worth putting up with when the cure is so easy.
All that is required is to make sure the eye specialist is someone you can trust and that you have someone to drive you to and from the hospital.
Your head will feel rather numb for a few hours afterwards and the nurses certainly won't let you drive on your own.
You can't do it anyway with one eye out of action.