When Is Cataract Surgery Indicated?

night vision) • Loss of ability to discern colours • Increasing near-sightedness or change in refractive status (including “second sight” phenomenon) • Double vision

In the early stages of cataract development, the lens opacification causes subtle changes to vision, such as loss of contrast, glare and loss of colour perception, but not necessarily vision loss. Most people find that changing their spectacle prescription is enough to manage their subtle blurred vision in the early stages of cataract development. As cataracts progress, they cause a deterioration in vision.

Cataract surgery is generally performed when your lens opacity is visually significant and affecting your activities of daily living. A cataract can be removed in the early stages of development, when it is causing changes to vision, but not necessarily severe vision loss. Sometimes cataract surgery is performed in patients with angle closure glaucoma and good vision, to maximally open the drainage angles.

When deciding on the right time to have cataract surgery you also need to take into account the recovery process, making sure you can avoid certain tasks such as strenuous activity and swimming, usually for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Also, it is important to avoid travel during this time, to allow for prompt treatment, if complications occur.

Considerations to be made in your decision process:

• Is your cataract visually significant? • Does your cataract account for your level of vision? • Would the removal of your cataract likely lead to improved vision and an improved level of functioning? • Would the improved vision be enough to warrant the