When is the Right Time to Remove a Cataract?

Cataracts don't need to “mature” before they can be removed. Thanks to modern advances in cataract surgery, the eye's lens can now be extracted at any stage of development. However, cataracts may be more difficult to remove once they reach a more advanced stage. This is why many doctors suggest that patients undergo surgery earlier, as soon as their vision is affected.

The rates of surgical complications in training programs are high (up to 5% of cases) compared to when the cataract is removed at an earlier stage. For instance, if a patient has both cataracts and macular degeneration, they may not benefit from surgery if the cataract is mild (grades 1 to 2 or higher). Knowing how much you would expect a cataract to affect your vision helps you decide if

cataract surgery

is worth the risk. Some insurance companies (such as Medicare) consider cataract surgery to be “medically necessary” only when certain conditions are met.

It's important to book a consultation for a thorough evaluation of your eyes and a detailed discussion of your cataract surgery options. When deciding the right time for cataract surgery, you'll also need to consider the recovery process and make sure that you can avoid certain tasks, such as strenuous activities and swimming, usually for the first month after surgery. If you've been diagnosed with a cataract in a moderate stage, there are some options your eye doctor might recommend to help you cope with symptoms before cataract surgery, such as prescribing stronger corrective lenses or using brighter lights for reading. One thing to consider when scheduling your cataract surgery is the financial obligation involved.

There are 3 main types of cataracts that account for 99% of the cataracts you'll find at the clinic. This condition has been considered part of a pre-cataract stage, and patients who suffer from it may opt for cataract surgery as soon as symptoms appear. The initial steps of cataract surgery can be done in two ways: manually or with a laser. The cause is usually a cataract, and only an accurate pre-classification can help you determine if the cataract has actually changed since the last visit.

One of the most common complaints of people who suffer from an immature cataract is difficulty seeing at night, but removing a cataract at an early stage can help eliminate this problem, making driving easier, safer and more comfortable. An important role of the surgeon is to help you make these decisions before proceeding with cataract surgery, so that you are fully informed and comfortable with the timing and details of the procedure. It offers customized solutions to optimize refractive results (visual results) after cataract surgery using the latest in intraocular lens technology. In fact, surgeons at the Vision Eye Institute were among the first in Australia to perform laser cataract surgery. Laser cataract surgery may have some additional benefits in certain situations, but in general both procedures have high success rates and low complication rates. When it comes to deciding when it's time for

cataract removal

, it's important to take into account all factors involved: from your vision needs and lifestyle habits to financial obligations and recovery time.

Your eye doctor will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.