When to have Cataract Surgery


When to have Cataract


Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure.  Clouding of the lens itself does not cause any permanent damage to the eye and in the past, people have waited until their vision has severely deteriorated before undergoing cataract surgery.  Nowadays, with advancements in technique and technology, cataract surgery is often performed as soon as the cataract starts to interfere with the quality of life or the performance of routine tasks and activities. 

Surgery is usually carried out on only one eye at a time.  Usually the less dominant eye is treated first.  The procedure is completed on an outpatient basis, usually under a local anaesthetic.  Recovery for cataract surgery is quite fast and routine tasks can be resumed within days. 

If you have been diagnosed with cataract, surgery does not always have to be imminent.  When to have surgery, is usually a personal choice and many people live with cataract by making small changes to their lifestyle for example by increasing lighting, and generally learning to deal with the condition.  If you decide not to proceed with cataract surgery, it is essential that you have regular eye tests with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.  You will be checked for cataract progression as well as how dense the cataract is.  You will be advised accordingly and your eye specialist will continue to monitor the condition for many months or years.  Most people wait until the cataract is affecting reading, driving, hobbies and most routine activities before going ahead with cataract surgery.  If the cataract is progressing slowly and you are unsure as to when to have the procedure, you may ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I extremely bothered with my eyesight?
  • Does wearing my glasses help me enough?
  • Am I as independent as I would like to be and used to be?
  • Am I finding it difficult to recognise faces and is this becoming embarrassing?
  • Aren’t I enjoying my usual pass times such as reading and watching television?
  • Can I still do my usual housework?
  • Is driving becoming difficult due to glare from the sun and can I see road signs clearly?
  • Is my work being affected?
  • Am I always cautious that I might fall or bump into something and hurt myself? 

Answers to such questions can help you decide if you are ready for cataract surgery.

For other people, the circumstances may be different and cataract may develop suddenly and require urgent treatment before it progresses out of control and other problems arise.  If the cataract becomes too severe, the lens may become harder and therefore more difficult to remove.  Further, eyes may begin to swell and you may suffer from secondary glaucoma.  In extreme circumstances this can lead to blindness. 

Thus, when to have surgery is not only a personal choice but can also depend on the type and progression of cataract. 

8th January 2009


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