Is cataract surgery the last option for cataract treatment?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Harold Choi
Dr Harold Choi

Ophthalmologist

You are right to say that. Most cataracts actually are not usually threatening.

The only time you want to do surgery is if it affects your vision, making it blurry vision, making your life miserable, or it causes other complications like glaucoma, causing something called angle-closure glaucoma and flukes in vision.

Maybe there is something wrong with the retina at the back of your eye and cataracts get in the way which makes investigation or diagnosis of retina conditions a problem. That is more reason to undergo surgery.

Similar Questions

When should I have cataract surgery, and what will happen if my cataracts are not removed?

Cataract surgery is not always an elective procedure. Occasionally, a cataract may progress very rapidly to cause severe visual impairment, as well as acute glaucoma. In these situations, the cataract needs to be removed urgently. In most other cases, cataract surgery is elective because cataract progression is usually very gradual. You should choose to have your cataracts removed when your vision deteriorates to a stage that it affects your quality of life. This is very dependent on each individual, your occupation and activities you like to do.

Photo of Dr Claudine Pang

Answered By

Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

Is it best for the cataract surgery to be done with or without anesthesia?

I prefer to perform cataract surgery with my patients under monitored sedation (this is different from general anaesthesia or GA). Monitored sedation is when patients are completely asleep (without the need for GA) and under the close monitoring of an anaesthetist. Monitored sedation (unlike GA) is very safe, even for patients who have pre-existing medical conditions. I believe that patients have the best experience and are most comfortable when they are completely unaware of the ongoings of the surgery.

Photo of Dr Claudine Pang

Answered By

Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

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