A great-grandmother who had a lifelong phobia about her eyes being touched has undergone surgery for cataracts - and is now looking forward to seeing Wet Wet Wet's Marti Pellow perform without having to squint!

Superfan Sandie Edwards, 71, had the operation as an NHS patient at SpaMedica hospital in Southampton.

Sandy had been told by her optician that she was developing cataracts. She was informed they were worsening with each check-up.

Earlier this year, her Boots optician revealed she had 'ripe' cataracts that required urgent treatment. She was offered her first operation three days later, which relieved her as she didn’t have to wait weeks to get worked up.

The second operation took place in early October, and Sandie felt no nerves at all. She can now get back to doing the things she loves, which include spending time with her five grandchildren and two-year-old great-grandchild.

Sandie said: "I was very scared. I have always had a phobia about my eyes. Even when I had contact lenses, it took me five lessons to finally master putting them in and I couldn’t wear them for longer than a few hours.

"The surgery has been life-changing for me, and everyone keeps telling me my eyes look sparkly and bright. I don’t have to wear my glasses or contact lenses anymore and I’m so appreciative to see all the autumn colours. I now have a true appreciation of how valuable your eyesight really is."

Cataracts are common in adults, with about 30 per cent of those aged 65 and over having cataracts that affect their vision and require treatment.

Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty driving at night, difficulty watching television and reading, being dazzled by sunlight and bright lights, fading of colours, and frequent changes to spectacles or contact lens prescriptions.

Patients who notice any changes to their vision should book an appointment with their optician, who will perform a thorough eye check and refer them for treatment if needed.

In England, patients can choose which NHS provider they have cataract surgery with. For more information, visit spamedica.co.uk.