Should i have my cataracts removed

Once they become sufficiently bothersome, the standard treatment is surgically removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under a topical, local anesthesia. The vast majority of patients are awake during the procedure. Patients report seeing rainbows or prisms during the procedure, but these images are not frightening. At most, there might be a scratchy feeling afterward that you can manage with Tylenol. The surgery takes only about 15 minutes, causes no blood loss and has a quick recovery period, Smith-Wheelock adds.

Most people are back to their daily routines in a day or two. Artificial lenses replace the focusing power that natural lenses lose with age. Depending on the progression of your cataract, surgery may either be needed immediately, or at some point in the future. Cataracts may become more difficult to be removed once they become mature. This is why many doctors advise patients to have surgery earlier on, as soon as vision is affected on a regular basis.

Removing a mature cataract can also lead to risks during surgery, which can make the recovery process longer and more involved. Ultimately, a cataract surgeon will be able to help you weigh the benefits and risks associated with cataract surgery — regardless of the stage your cataract is in. Something to keep in mind when scheduling your cataract surgery is the financial obligation it comes with. Should the latter be the case, surgery can be done as soon as your doctor approves it.

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