The
decision for cataract surgery is reached only between the EyeMD and the patient.
In general, this decision is based on the degree to which the patient’s vision
is impaired, and the impact that impairment has on his or her quality of life.
When a patient is significantly bothered by symptoms of cataract, cataract surgery
is usually offered. Many patients will ask if a cataract must be “ripe” before
surgery. The answer with today’s technology is “no.”
Before
the development of small incision cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants,
outcomes with cataract surgery were far inferior to outcomes today. Therefore,
ophthalmologists would typically wait until a cataract was very advanced before
offering surgery. Today, with advanced surgical techniques and equipment, cataract
surgery can be offered at a much earlier stage. In fact, most ophthalmologists
will agree that it is safer to proceed with cataract surgery at an earlier stage
of development rather than waiting until the cataract is advanced and very dense.
Cataract
Surgery
|
