When should a cataract surgery be avoided?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Daphne Han
Dr Daphne Han

Ophthalmologist

Cataract surgery has evolved in recent years into a highly successful eye surgery, capable of removing a hardened lens and even improving one's eyesight free of power like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and even presbyopia.

For that, it is really a type of refractive surgery, when a customized lens implant is chosen. When there is minimal cataract, one should weigh the pros and cons of the surgery before deciding for or against it. There may be benefit in a cataract surgery even when there is no cataract, such as when there is a threat of narrow angle glaucoma.

Some real reasons not to undergo a cataract surgery:

1) when there is an active eye infection, such as conjunctivitis (red eye), cornea infection or even infection of the eyelid and tear duct (the connection between the eye and nose).

Having a cataract operation in such situations can put the eye at high risk of becoming severely infected during the surgery, and may even cause the loss of sight.

Even infections in other parts of the body such as skin, legs and bloodstream can potentially jeopardize the cataract surgery. So the infections need to be treated and cleared before cataract op proceeds.

2) when the patient is suffering from other health problems such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and other diseases. In these situations, the operation and recovery may become complicated by problems such as bleeding and swelling at the back of the eye and other side effects. So these other illnesses need to be managed before a cataract operation is performed.

3) when the patient is unwilling or uncooperative. Cataract surgeries are elective surgeries, and potential candidates need to agree to the surgery after full discussion of risks and benefits of the operation with their eye doctor.

Other eye problems may co-exist with the cataract, and the cataract operation may affect them and vice versa. Some of them can be treated concurrently with the cataract operation. They should be discussed with the surgeon too, before the cataract operation is carried out.

I hope my answer clarifies some of your doubts.

Cheerio

Dr Daphne Han

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