Cataract Surgery Has 95% Success Rate

Q:  I was told last year that I have cataracts in both eyes and they should be removed. I am in my 70s and I do notice that my eyesight is not what it has been. I am really frightened to have anyone do surgery on my eyes and to be honest, I've been stalling to avoid having the operation done.

How long can one postpone such surgery? Have I already waited too long? What is the rate of success in cataract removal? By not doing anything, will I lose my driver's license?

Lastly, how would I find a good eye surgeon?

A:  Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, but cannot spread from one eye to the other. Most cataracts are related to aging, typically occurring in people older than 60. In fact, by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment, but isn't generally recommended until symptoms start to affect day-to-day activities.

Delaying cataract surgery usually does not cause any other problems except further blurring of the vision, but a cataract can impair the vision enough that one may not meet the vision requirements for an unrestricted or restricted driver's license.

According to Bhavna Sheth, MD, a comprehensive ophthalmologist and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, the success rate for cataract surgery is about 95%. The risk of becoming blind from a surgical complication is extremely low. Dr. Sheth recommends seeking an ophthalmologist who regularly performs cataract surgery.

Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and most often replacing it with an artificial one. The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless; many people even choose to stay awake during the procedure.

When the procedure is completed, a patch may be placed over your eye and your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. (You will need someone to drive you home.)

After surgery you should wear an eye shield or glasses to help protect your eye. You'll need to keep your eye clean, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery; some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye might be sensitive to light and touch. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.

When you are home, you should avoid lifting any heavy objects or bending from the waist to pick things up off the floor. You can walk, climb stairs and do light household chores. In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks.

For more information on this topic, see the HealthLink article Non-Age-Related Cataracts Are Treatable With Surgery.

Julie L. Mitchell, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She practices internal medicine at the Froedtert & Medical College General Internal Medicine Clinic - East. Her column also appears in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.