When Is Surgery Needed

The only cure for cataract is an operation to remove it.

The timing of a cataract operation should be tailored to the individual patient's vision requirements.

Some individuals will need and want a cataract removed sooner than others. For example if the person wishes to continue to drive then a cataract will need to be removed when it is still relatively mild. A mild cataract may also need to be removed to allow the affected individual to continue safely with their job. However if the person has less demanding visual requirements then it may be appropriate to leave the cataract until it is more advanced. The decision to operate or not should be based on the particular circumstances and wishes of each patient.

Each individual should consider how much difficulty their cataract is causing them. Sometimes the optician or doctor may notice a little cataract but the patient has no vision problems. An operation is then probably not needed; as long as the vision meets the legal requirements for driving if the person drives. Sometimes the patient may be aware of impaired sight due to cataract but can cope safely with all their needs of daily living and may not wish to undergo surgery. This is quite acceptable. On the other hand if the patient is bothered by even mild cataract then it may be entirely appropriate to remove it.

There is no need to wait until it gets worse. If the cataract is already obviously impairing vision there is no need for the patient to continue to suffer. As long as there are no medical contraindications then surgery can proceed.

It is not necessary to wait until a cataract is "ripe", i.e. until the eye is blind, before it is removed. This is an outdated concept that no longer applies.

Special Factors

There are sometimes additional factors that may influence the decision on whether or not to remove a cataract. These include:

• Some other disease or abnormality within the eye.
• The cataract is in an only eye.
• If leaving a cataract may be directly harmful to the eye or vision; this is rare.

For specific advice on the timing of cataract surgery each patient should discuss their particular circumstances with their eye specialist.

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