Cataracts can be removed at any stage of development, but most people opt to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision begins to cause difficulties in their daily life. Depending on the progression of the cataract, surgery may be needed immediately or sometime in the future. The doctor doesn't have to wait until cataract symptoms are severe before removing the lens. Generally, surgery is needed when blurred vision and other symptoms of a cataract start to interfere with daily activities, such as reading or driving.
Additionally, if a cataract makes it difficult for the eye doctor to examine the back of the eye to control or treat other eye problems, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, then cataract surgery may be recommended. If your vision has started to affect your ability to enjoy life as it did before, it's time to schedule a cataract evaluation. Solomon and his staff will evaluate the results of your exam, along with your concerns about how your vision is affecting your life. Together, they will help you determine the right time for cataract surgery to ensure that you don't spend more time limited by poor vision than necessary. This condition has been considered to be part of a pre-cataract stage, and patients with it may opt for cataract surgery as soon as symptoms appear.
Some insurance companies (such as Medicare) consider cataract surgery to be “medically necessary” only when certain conditions are met. About 90% of the time, people have better vision after surgery than before they had cataracts. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications for prostate problems, as some of these medications may interfere with cataract surgery. Occasionally, cataract surgery doesn't improve vision due to underlying eye damage caused by other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. If you've been diagnosed with a moderate-stage cataract, there are a few options your eye doctor might recommend to help you cope with your symptoms before undergoing cataract surgery, such as prescribing stronger corrective lenses or using brighter lights to read.
While cataracts can be removed at any stage of development, Medicare and private insurance companies will only cover the procedure when the cataracts have begun to affect the patient's life, as described above. In most cases, waiting to have cataract surgery won't harm your eye, so you'll have time to consider your options. One thing to consider when scheduling your cataract surgery is the financial obligation that comes with it. Cataract surgery involves removing natural opaque lenses and replacing them with transparent synthetic lenses to improve vision. If possible, it may be beneficial to evaluate and treat other eye problems before making the decision to have cataract surgery.
