Benefits of cataract surgery

Cataracts are, unfortunately, usually just a normal symptom of the aging process. This is why they normally affect people who are aged 60 or over. A cataract is an opacification (clouding) of the natural lens inside the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness, but for the vast majority of people (especially in the first world) it’s a condition that is very easily rectified. In fact, it’s the most common surgery performed in the world today.

After cataract surgery

You’ll be happy to know there are many advantages that you’ll appreciate in your everyday life. For example, many people who have cataract surgery find that they no longer need to wear glasses. Some find they don’t need glasses to read, or have to wear glasses for distance vision. All find that they can reduce their dependency on glasses.

This means that before going ahead with the procedure, you will need to discuss your options with your doctor, to decide what kind of lens would best suit your lifestyle.

Your options

For some people, those who might spend a lot of time reading, sewing or working on a computer, your ophthalmologist might recommend a lens that works best for near vision. Others who play sport, or drive a great deal, might choose a lens that mostly improves distances vision.

A third option that is suitable for some people (but not all) is a multi-focal lens that has the potential to adjust both near and far vision. Like bifocal glasses, some people adjust to this lens more easily than others.

Overall, it’s a matter of deciding what will be most suitable for you. For the vast majority of people, cataract surgery will vastly improve your overall vision, but some might need to wear reading glasses. There’s no one answer for everyone – it’s usually a matter of deciding what will suit your lifestyle most.

Added benefits of cataract surgery

For millions of cataract patients, the most obvious benefit is that they can enjoy quality of vision again – a little like turning the clock back. Most noticeable will be that colours are brighter, images are sharper and objects that were hard to see before surgery are back in focus again. 

Many comment that they suffer less from the glare of the sun or from headlights at night. While the improvements depend on the individual, many research studies show that cataract surgery has many lifestyle benefits – for reading, working, driving, playing sport and so on.

However, the research also indicates that other advantages include more independence, improved self-confidence, better mental health, safety, a reduction in falls, a longer life expectancy and a greater enjoyment of social activities and passions like hobbies, sport, walking, driving etc. Improved vision immeasurably enhances overall life satisfaction and enjoyment. 

Importantly, there is no age at which we are “too old” to have cataract surgery as the visual benefits can be of value regardless of age. Cataract surgery has been shown to be of value in those with other disabilities such as deafness and early dementia.