Cataract Surgery Candidates
Because cataract surgery is the only effective method of treatment, every patient who receives a cataracts diagnosis will eventually become a candidate for surgery. Although cataracts can only be remedied surgically, many ophthalmologists recommend waiting to perform the routine procedure until patients' vision becomes so clouded that it interferes with everyday activities. Because cataracts progress slowly over time, it may be months or years after a patient receives the diagnosis before they require surgery.
Cataract surgery candidates are individuals whose cataracts have developed to the point that they experience marked visual impairment while:
- Reading
- Driving at night
- Watching television or looking at a computer screen
Once patients feel that their symptoms are impacting their daily lives, many ophthalmologists will recommend cataract surgery. Because blurriness resulting from cataracts may increase a patient's risk of personal injury or car accident, it is important to seek treatment before the decrease in visual acuity poses a safety concern.
Age of Cataract Surgery Candidates
A common misconception is that cataract surgery is performed exclusively on the elderly. Because cataracts typically do not develop until after the age of 40, most cataract surgery patients are mature adults. However, in rare cases, babies may be born with cataracts (a condition known as congenital cataracts), or children, teens and young adults may develop clouding of the lens as a result of non-age-related diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune conditions. In these cases, patients of any age are candidates for cataract surgery.
Eye Tests Help Determine Candidacy
From a clinical perspective, cataract surgery candidates typically have a visual deficiency that measures 20/40 or worse on a standard eye test, and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Because corrective lenses cannot eliminate the opacity of the clouded lens, they are ineffective in restoring sharpness of vision. It is important to remember that cataracts do not cause a loss of vision, but rather a clouding of vision-cataract surgery does not bring back vision that has been permanently lost; it simply uncovers existing vision that has been obscured.
Who Is Not a Candidate?
Patients who have eye diseases unrelated to cataracts may not be good candidates for surgery. While this is rare, patients for whom prior conditions are prohibitive will work closely with their ophthalmologist to manage cataracts with alternative treatments.
Ophthalmologists may not consider patients viable candidates for surgery if they:
- Are in poor health
- Are extremely advanced in age
- Have a pre-existing eye disease
Cost of Cataract Surgery
The cost of your cataract surgery will depend on several factors including:
- Your health insurance plan
- The type of IOL being used to replace the eye's natural lens
For many patients, the cost of basic cataract surgery with standard monofocal lenses is wholly covered by their healthcare provider. Your ophthalmologist will be able to provide you with more detailed information about your financial options, and the total cost of cataract surgery.
Contact a Cataract Surgeon
Determining your candidacy for cataract surgery requires an assessment of your day-to-day life combined with diagnostic tests provided by a qualified and experienced ophthalmologist. Determine if surgery is the right step for you by contacting a cataract surgeon in your area today.
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