How do I Decide Whether to Have Surgery?

Just because you have a cataract does not mean it must be removed immediately. Cataract surgery can almost always be put off until you are unhappy with the way you see.

You are never too old to have cataract surgery. If it will help your vision and make daily activities easier, it is usually a good idea to have surgery.

Most people have plenty of time to decide about cataract surgery. Your doctor cannot make your decision for you, but talking with your doctor can help you decide.

If you have an early cataract, the improvement in vision following surgery will not be very noticeable. If the cataract is more advanced and causing more trouble with your vision, the improvement in vision after surgery will be much more apparent.

Tell your doctor how your cataract affects your vision and your life. Consider the statements below and decide which of them apply to you:

• My eyesight bothers me a lot
• My glasses do not help me see well enough
• I have difficulty recognising faces
• I do not see well enough to do things I like to do (eg, read, watch TV, sew, go out with friends)
• I do not see well enough to do the things I need to do at home.
• I need to drive, but there is too much glare from the sun or headlights
• I need to drive, but can not read road signs
• I need to drive but cannot read a number plate at the appropriate distance – 20 meters (66 feet – or about 5 car lengths), in good day light.
• I do not see well enough to do my best at work.
• I am afraid I will bump into something or fall
• Because of my vision, I am not as independent as I would like to be

You may also have other specific problems that you wish to discuss.