Do people ever regret having cataract surgery?
Asked by: Marta Bradtke | Last update: April 20, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (27 votes)
Is cataract surgery really necessary?
Who needs cataract surgery? Your eye doctor will probably suggest cataract surgery if you have vision loss that gets in the way of everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV. Your doctor might also recommend surgery even if your cataracts aren't the main cause of your vision problems.
What is the average age for cataract surgery?
While many people can develop cataracts as early as their forties, prevailing data suggests that the average age for cataract surgery is around 65.
Can I live with cataracts without surgery?
Not all cataracts need to be removed. It depends on how much they bother you. Many people get along very well without surgery by wearing contact lenses or glasses. Poor eyesight caused by cataracts happens slowly over time, so you probably don't need to rush into having surgery.
Can your vision change years after cataract surgery?
Sometimes blurry vision is caused by PCO, a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months or (more frequently) years after cataract surgery. It happens when the lens capsule, the membrane that holds your new, intraocular lens in place, becomes hazy or wrinkled and starts to cloud vision.
What happens if you delay or don't have cataract surgery?
What is the biggest complaint after cataract surgery?
1. Mild discomfort and itching after cataract surgery. Mild discomfort and itching are among the most common and immediately noticeable problems after cataract surgery, because it is natural for the eye to feel slightly irritated while it heals.
How long does it take for the brain to adjust to cataract surgery?
Depending on the lens and the patient, neuroadaptation may happen sooner, later or not at all. The majority of patients will adapt to multifocal IOLs within six to 12 months, according to Dr. Maloney. But about 10 percent of patients never will adapt.
Can I live without cataract surgery?
While living with cataracts is possible, it is not always the best option. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment that can restore your vision and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing significant vision loss due to cataracts, you should consider surgery.
What is the new cataract treatment for 2024?
Light-Adjustable Lenses (LAL)
Light-adjustable lenses (LALs) are a newer type of monofocal lens that allows patients to customize and refine their vision outcomes after their cataract surgery. LALs are made from a unique photosensitive material containing molecules called macromers.
What makes cataracts suddenly worse?
It's important to note that any type of cataract, whether it be an aggressive and fast-growing variety or the result of natural aging, will grow opaque more quickly in individuals who smoke or regularly use corticosteroids.
Do you have 20/20 vision after cataract surgery?
Surgery for my cataract: is 20/20 vision possible afterward? In a word, yes— it is possible (and common) to achieve 20/20 vision after cataract surgery. However, exactly how good your eyesight is at all distances (near, mid, and far) will depend on many factors.
When is the best time of year to have cataract surgery?
Since most people have cataracts in both eyes and the surgeries are usually performed about 1 week apart, scheduling cataract procedures for winter should give you plenty of time to recover before the sunnier seasons.
How can I stop my cataracts from getting worse?
If left untreated, cataracts can worsen and lead to blindness. To stop cataracts from progressing, consider going for regular eye exams, wear sunglasses, eat a balanced diet, check medicinal side effects, or even consider cataract surgery.
What is the biggest risk with cataract surgery?
The risk from cataract surgery is very low (< 1%) and complications are very rare. As with any eye surgery, there is a small risk of infection, blurred vision and detached retina. There is a very small risk, around one in 1,000, of permanent sight loss in the treated eye.
What happens if I don't get cataract surgery?
Usually, a cataract that isn't removed will slowly get worse and make your eyesight worse: You may no longer be able to do your usual daily activities. You may not be able to drive safely, especially at night. You may be more likely to fall or hurt yourself.
How much money is needed for cataract surgery?
$3,000 to $5,000 per eye for standard cataract surgery. $4,000 to $6,000 per eye for laser-assisted cataract surgery or procedures using advanced lens implants.
Is it better to have cataracts done privately?
Is it better to have cataracts done privately? This depends entirely on your own personal circumstance. Factors such as financial situation, how much cataracts are affecting your quality of life, and the availability of different cataract lenses should all be considered before making a decision.
How many years does a cataract lens last?
Cataract lenses are designed to last a lifetime for most patients. Unlike the natural lenses they replace, IOLs do not degrade or become cloudy over time. Once implanted, they typically remain in the patient's eye for the rest of their life.
Has anyone cured cataracts without surgery?
There is no way to cure or get rid of cataracts once they've formed besides cataract surgery. No medication can eliminate existing cataracts, and no eyewear can completely counteract their effects. Some ophthalmologists are seeking nonsurgical solutions, but at this time, no other solution has been found.
What happens if you wait too long to have cataract surgery?
If the cataract is left untreated until it is very advanced or very dense, this can make surgery more difficult and increase the risk of complications. Generally the outcomes remain very good, but these cataracts ideally should be treated before they become so advanced that the risks of problems in surgery rises.
Who should avoid cataract surgery?
- Are in poor health or have a serious medical condition.
- Have advanced macular degeneration.
- Have a detached retina.
- Have a medical condition of the eyes, such as an infection.
- Advanced diabetes that has affected your retina.
- Have corneal diseases such as glaucoma.
How can I improve my vision without cataract surgery?
See your eye doctor for a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Put brighter lightbulbs in the lamps around your home, especially the ones you use to read or do other close work. Reduce glare by positioning lights directly behind you, pointed on the task (such as on the book you're reading).
How long does it take to see 20/20 after cataract surgery?
Many people have clearer vision within 24 hours after surgery. Most people can see well enough to return to their usual activities after one to two days. Your vision will fluctuate over the next week or two as it stabilizes. Avoid swimming, lifting, strenuous activities, and rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
What is the downside of lens replacement surgery?
Cons. If you suffer from nearsightedness, lens replacement surgery can raise your risk of retinal detachment during the procedure. The surgery can be costlier than other refractive surgeries, such as LASIK.
Why is 2nd cataract surgery harder?
Patients experienced more pain in the surgery of the second eye than that of the first eye, which probably related to lower anxiety before the second surgery. It suggests that we should consider preoperative intervention to reduce the perceived pain during second eye cataract surgery.