Currently, surgery is the only effective method of treating vision loss caused by cataracts.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the clouded lens of the eye (the cataract). The lens makes it possible for the eye to focus (see a picture of the lens). The lens can be replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens implant (IOL), or it can be left out and eyeglasses or contact lenses can compensate for its absence. For more information about IOL implants, see intraocular lens to replace the natural lens of the eye.

Surgery is often not necessary or can be delayed for months or years. Many people with cataracts get along very well with the help of eyeglasses, contacts, and other vision aids.

The choices for treating cataracts in children depend on how likely the cataracts are to interfere with development of normal vision.

Whether surgery is needed for an adult with cataracts depends on the degree of vision loss and whether it affects quality of life and ability to function.

Should I have cataract surgery?

What to Think About

Occasionally a cataract needs to be removed because of another eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. In some cases the cataract has to be removed so that the eye specialist can treat the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye.

Misconceptions about cataracts are common. In recent years, an increasing number of medical facilities have been built specifically for cataract surgery. Marketing campaigns aimed at older adults may encourage some people to have surgery when they do not really need it. Because of fear of blindness or loss of independence, older adults may think they need to have surgery even when their cataracts do not affect their quality of life. In many cases, wearing eyeglasses or contacts and using other vision aids might be appropriate and just as effective without any of the risks of surgery.

Only you can decide whether a cataract is affecting your vision and your life enough to have surgery. If surgery is not going to improve your vision, you may decide that surgery is not for you.