HOW IS A CATARACT TREATED?

Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed.  However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed.  It is important to realize that in virtually all cases cataracts do not damage or harm the eye, they simply distort light entering the eye & thereby impair vision to some degree.  Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful.  No medications, dietary supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.

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WHEN SHOULD SURGERY BE DONE?

Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities. It is not true that cataracts need to be “ripe” before they can be removed or that they need to be removed just because they are present. Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it.  You must decide if you can see well enough to do your job, drive safely, and read or watch TV in comfort.  Based on your symptoms, you and Dr. Proulx should decide together when surgery is appropriate.  In many cases, you & Dr. Proulx may elect to delay surgery if you are functioning well with your current vision.  Although cataract surgery is extremely safe, it is still a surgery & therefore has some associated risks.  For this reason, it is sometimes best to delay surgery if the visual function is adequate or if easier/less risky means are available to improve vision (e.g. changing eyeglass prescription, etc.)