Do I Need Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are fairly common occurrences in the United States today. They are usually classified as a buildup of proteins and are commonly found in people as they begin to age however, they can also develop as a result of using contact lenses, or as a side of effect of some diseases. Sometimes it is possible to have cataracts and never be bothered by them however, for most people they can be quite bothersome. This article will provide you with information that will be very beneficial in helping you to determine if you need cataract surgery or not.

1. The first step to making a determination about whether you need cataract surgery is to consult with your Doctor. Your Doctor will be able to perform several different tests to find out if you have blurred vision. He/she will then be able to also perform additional tests to find out the source of your problem, because there are many other eye conditions and diseases that can contribute to blurred vision.

2. If it is verified that you have cataracts, you will then need to talk to your doctor about their state. Cataracts are often described as being too ripe, or not ripe enough. These are technical terms that Doctors use to describe how hard or soft your cataracts are and whether or not it is advisable to receive surgery or not.

3. If your doctor considers your cataracts to be ripe, and you are having vision problems, your next step will be to consider whether or not you want to proceed with surgery. A hard cataract is usually much easier to remove and correct then a soft cataract. Hard cataracts have also been known to cause more vision problems than soft cataracts.

4. Your next step is to ask your Doctor what his/her opinion is about how your cataracts are going to develop. If you have soft cataracts with no vision problems, your doctor may decide to continue with surgery anyway, especially if he thinks that the cataracts may affect your vision at a later date. Soft cataracts will often have more options for surgical procedures such as laser treatment.

Even if you have cataracts that are not causing any immediate complications, you will need to see your Doctor on a regular basis. This will allow your Doctor to keep tabs on the progression of the cataracts. Your Doctor may advise that you see him on an annual or biannual basis.

One thing that is very helpful in making a determination as to whether or not you need cataract surgery is the amount of inconvenience that the cataracts are causing you. If you are still able to read, enjoy yourself, drive yourself around town, or read your favorite book, you probably will not need to have the surgery performed immediately. However, if the cataracts have begun to affect your day-to-day life, surgery may be your best option.