When Should I Have Cataract Surgery?

Many patients often wonder about their cataracts and when the right time to have cataract surgery is. The answer is...there is no correct answer! Years ago, before the use of modern cataract surgery techniques that are used today, cataract surgeons often counseled patients to wait until the cataract was "ripe". This was a common language term that describes the fact that the cataract had become firm enough to be easily removed by the surgeon. Today, the technology and the techniques of cataract surgery are advanced so that a patient can actually ask to have cataract surgery when their vision is interfering with their ability to perform their everyday task comfortably. Even though your vision may have only dropped to day the 20/40 or 20/50 Snellin Eye Chart Acuity level, if the cataract is causing substantial glare or haloes and resulting in difficulty with night driving or walking across a sun filled room, it may be time for cataract surgery. The decision about when to have cataract surgery is one to be made after a discussion with your cataract surgeon about how the cataract is affecting your everyday life. If the impairment to your daily living tasks is at a point where you are unable to do the things needed to maintain your quality of life-then tell this to your eye surgeon. You, along with your cataract surgeon, can make the decision together about the right time for cataract surgery -however at the end of the day it is YOUR choice-as they are YOUR eyes.

other links of interest:
Cataract Symptoms