A PENSIONER from Colchester is urging others to not be afraid of cataract surgery after an operation left him able to see clearly for the first time in two decades.

Retiree Audley Byfield, 77, is a former electronics technician and has been sporting glasses for more than 20 years.

However, he says he has now been given a new lease of life after having a successful eye procedure.

Having suffered frequent eye strain from his work in the electronics industry, Mr Byfield’s vision was further impacted by the bright Jamaican sunshine of his youth.

However, a diagnosis of myeloma (a blood cancer), and the losses of his beloved father and wife, deferred his cataract treatment.

His deteriorating eyesight, particularly noticeable while driving at night, took a back seat until he was hospitalised for a life-threatening sepsis infection earlier this year.

The debilitating experience changed his perspective and led him to finally opt for the life-altering surgery.

Mr Byfield said: "I was more than amazed at the results.

"After the first surgery, I couldn’t believe the difference – lights were suddenly so bright."

He has since enjoyed the results of the surgical procedures on both eyes and is celebrating freedom from dependence on glasses after more than two decades.

He added: "Now I’ve had both eyes treated, my confidence is restored.

"My focus in both eyes is spot on and I’m seeing everything so clearly.

"I can read everything on the television now – it’s great."

Mr Byfield recommends others facing similar struggles not to delay, adding: "It’s easy - you go in for the operation and 15-20 minutes later, you’re done."