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By Mayo Clinic staffIf a cataract is making it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery. Even if your visual acuity isn't severely affected, you might want cataract surgery to remove a cataract that's causing problems with glare or double vision.
When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment, prompt cataract removal also may be advisable. In younger people or people with diabetes, cataracts may progress rapidly, making the need for surgery more urgent.
In most cases, waiting to have surgery won't harm your eye, so you have time to consider your options. If your vision is still quite good, you may not need cataract surgery for many years, if ever. Approach the decision with these questions in mind:
- Can you see to do your job and drive safely?
- Do you have problems reading or watching television?
- Is it difficult to cook, shop, do yardwork, climb stairs or take medications?
- Do vision problems affect your level of independence?
