FAQs about Cataracts

Cataract treatment may be required by a great number of older adults; up to 60 percent have problems with cataracts. Cataract treatment generally involves cataract surgery or, in some cases, the use of contact lenses or glasses. Cataract surgery questions and answers—including cataract surgery cost and risks—are discussed below.

Who is at risk for developing cataracts?

Younger people are usually not affected—it is older people who are at greater risk. Of people who are 60 years of age and older, approximately 60 percent have had their vision impaired by the formation of cataracts. Cataracts are the main cause of vision loss in those over the age of 55. Injury, disease, and heredity may also result in cataracts.

What does cataract treatment consist of?

Cataract treatment normally consists of cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is removed and replaced by a new, artificial lens. In most cataract surgeries, an intraocular lens (IOL) is used. The IOL may be made of silicone, plastic, or acrylic. For the few patients who cannot tolerate IOLs, cataract treatment would consist of regular soft contact lenses or glasses.

How effective is cataract surgery?

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) states that 98 percent of all cataract surgeries have positive results. Cataract surgery risks are lower in patients who undergo extracapsular or phacoemulsification surgery, both of which leave the eye's capsule intact. Most patients report improved vision and few complications after cataract treatment.

What will my recovery from cataract surgery be like?

Cataract surgery recovery time is considered to be approximately six weeks. However, most patients should find that any pain or discomfort will subside within a day or two of their surgery. Immediately following cataract surgery, patients may experience some pain and irritation of the eye. Many patients also experience increased light sensitivity and a small amount of fluid discharge after cataract surgery. Special pills and eye drops may be prescribed to promote healing and regulate the pressure inside the eye. Pain relievers may also be taken during the first few days if necessary. Follow-up exams allow the physician to monitor patient progress. Sunglasses or eye shields can help protect the eye while it is healing.

What are the odds of achieving normal vision after cataract surgery?

Despite the marked improvement that cataract surgery offers, most patients will continue to wear contacts or glasses after their cataract treatment. After cataract surgery, there will be a period of recovery time while the eyes adjust to seeing without the cataract. If only one eye is treated, the eyes must learn to work together again. Many everyday activities can be resumed soon after cataract surgery, although patients may experience blurry vision for a time. Driving may be impractical and unsafe at first; the physician will advise the patient on the appropriate time to begin driving again after cataract treatment. Also, patients who receive intraocular lenses (IOLs) may notice some color distortion at first. This should resolve itself within a few months, as the eyes adjust to the new, clear lenses of the IOLs.

What are the cataract surgery risks?

Cataract surgery risks are few but should be considered by any patient considering cataract treatment. The most common cataract surgery complication is a clouding effect on the back of the lens covering. Corneal swelling, or edema, is a natural response to cataract surgery; it improves on its own or may sometimes require drops. The risk of infection or hemorrhage is low. A new astigmatism, retinal detachment, and glaucoma are rare complications, but they are cataract surgery risks that should be considered.

What does cataract surgery cost?

Cataract surgery costs vary, but most health insurance companies will cover the procedure. Cataract surgery cost is influenced by the surgeon, facility, and the part of the country where the cataract surgery is performed. Patients with more serious conditions will probably require more expensive cataract surgery. Visit our Cataract Surgery Cost page to learn more about the typical price of cataracts treatment.

DocShop Can Help You Find a Cataract Surgeon

The cataract treatment information found here—including cataract surgery risks and cost—provides you with preliminary information. In order to further explore the subject, we recommend that you contact a cataract surgery professional. You can find a local specialist in cataract treatment through our online directory.