When Will I Need Cataracts Surgery?

When a patient is diagnosed with a cataract, a common question asked is “When will I need surgery?” 

In the past, patients were told by their eye care providers that the cataract must be ripe in order to perform surgery. The term “ripe” was designated for cataracts which became very dense, severely decreasing a patient’s vision. 

Methods of earlier cataract surgery required a large incision, the removal of the lens in one piece, and patients were required to lie on their backs with their heads between sandbags to prevent movement.

Advancements in cataract surgery including smaller incisions and breaking the lens into small pieces for removal have significantly decreased the risks related to cataract surgery. Therefore, we no longer refer to ripening of cataracts. 

We now define a cataract as ready for removal if the patient has decreased vision and notes visual symptoms which affect activities of daily living. An examination from an eye care provider can diagnose a cataract and help to determine if your cataract may be ready for surgery. 

When you are selecting your cataract surgeon, be sure to find out if the surgeon offers the latest advancements in technology and lens options available.