Benefits and Risks of Cataract Surgery?

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Depending on a patient's symptoms, removal of cataract(s) offers the prospect of:

• Improved clarity of vision
• Improved vision in dim light
• Reduced glare in bright light or during night driving
• Colors may seem richer
• Improved vision may enable some patients to continue driving

Studies have shown patients enjoy improved quality of life after cataract surgery. Activities such as reading, sports, cooking, driving, using a computer and sewing become easier after the operation. Even in patients who suffer from other problems such as retinal disease, remaining vision is usually improved by cataract surgery.

Modern improvements in the development of intraocular lenses have allowed some patients to stop wearing glasses for distance vision after cataract surgery. Some patients also become less dependent on reading glasses, even when they have previously worn them for many years.

Cataract surgery is usually fast, safe and gentle to the eye -- and the recovery period is very short, allowing patients to enjoy the benefits of cataract surgery almost immediately.

Possible Complications

Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery performed today. It is successful and uncomplicated in up to 95% cases. However, a small percentage of patients experience events which lead to poor results. Most of these events are known risks of the surgery itself and can occur even when the operation is performed well by an experienced surgeon. These events are often unpredictable and patients should be aware of such possibilities before they decide to proceed with surgery.