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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staff
Cataract surgery is performed to treat cataracts. Cataracts can cause blurry vision and increase the glare from lights. If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery.
When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended. This may be the case in people who have other conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, since a cataract makes it difficult for your eye doctor to examine the back of your eye to monitor your other eye problems.
In most cases, waiting to have cataract surgery won't harm your eye, so you have time to consider your options. If your vision is still quite good, you may not need cataract surgery for many years, if ever. Approach the decision with these questions in mind:
- Can you see to safely do your job and to drive?
- Do you have problems reading or watching television?
- Is it difficult to cook, shop, do yardwork, climb stairs or take medications?
- Do vision problems affect your level of independence?
- Do you have difficulty seeing faces clearly?
- Do bright lights make it hard to see?
- Cataract in the adult eye. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://one.aao.org/asset.axd?id=821cecfb-85c5-400d-a65f-7a9a727bc163. Accessed April 16, 2010.
- Facts about cataract. National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp. Accessed April 16, 2010.
- Cataract surgery. EyeCare America. http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/treatment/cataract-surgery/index.cfm. Accessed April 16, 2010.
- Cataract surgery. American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/x9954.xml. Accessed April 16, 2010.
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