Cataract surgery is one of the most successful and frequently performed medical procedures in the world. However, there are certain cases in which it is not recommended. This is usually due to underlying eye damage caused by other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If possible, it is best to evaluate and treat any other eye problems before making a decision to undergo cataract surgery.
The real question is when you should have cataract surgery. Most cataract surgeons will not perform the procedure until your vision is impaired. The main considerations when deciding when to have cataract surgery are whether the procedure will provide a noticeable and significant improvement in vision and whether it can be done safely. Cataract surgery does not cause significant risks for patients with heart or lung conditions.
When the natural cloudy lens is removed, the cataract disappears and the patient is considered cured of the cataract that was in that eye. However, retinopathy progresses more rapidly in diabetic patients after cataract surgery, and a broken capsule may be a factor in rubeosis. Cataract surgery usually only requires short-acting medications and you won't be placed to sleep under general anesthesia during the procedure. In some cases, serious eye problems can coexist with cataracts, and these problems may limit the vision benefits that can be achieved with cataract surgery.
Your eye doctor should monitor the development of the cataract to know when you should have
