Question 1

am i a good candidate for cataract surgery at my age? i have been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. i recently turned 80 and am concerned about my prospects as a cataract surgery patient. i don't want any set-backs. what makes a good candidate?

Accepted Answer

I : I am a doctor 67 years old & have a cataract in 1 eye; so I am answering this question with
more than a second opinion. My eye doctor explained to me, that if i can do my work & my 
activities of daily living with my prescription eye glasses, then i don't need the surgery.My left eye, that has a cataract, has blurred vision if i close my good eye & this is only  when i read.
   So my answer, to simplify is, if there is interference with your activities of daily living then consult your eye doctror & if her recommends it, then get it done. See your eye doctor periodically if you are having any trouble with your eyes as there may be other problems at
your age like macular degeneration. If your eyye doctor suggests it & you have difficulty with
actitivities of daily living, then definitly yes; otherwise there is time to wait & watch.

Question 2

my husband has periorbital pain, along top inner half of orbital rim. sometimes mild, sometimes intense. started after cataract surgery. age 50.

Accepted Answer

Back to surgeon!: Please get your husband to see the ophthalmologist surgeon who did his cataract procedure!  you don't say how long ago this was done, but the ophthalmologist certainly needs to examine him for any continued pain -- especially intense pain!  best wishes.

Question 3

how can someone who had cataract surgery need bifocals? does the eye age all over again?

Accepted Answer

They all do: Unless the patient chooses a multifocal lens, most patients after cataract surgery require bifocals.  If they're lucky enough that they're vision for distance is 20/20, then they would only need reading glasses.   The eye, like the rest of your body is always aging.  Even though the implants are stable, the rest of our eyes are not.  So your vision do change over time, even after cataract surgery.

Question 4

mother age 61 chf patient with ef 29% suffering from cataract.local or topical anaesthetia will be safe for her cataract surgery? way to avoid surgery

Accepted Answer

Safe: cataract surgery is done under local,regional anesthesia which does not effect the heart
surgery if avoided will cause the patient to be blind 
usually the do not operate until the patient vision is almost completely gone

Question 5

will my vision improve immediately after having cataract surgery? i need cataract surgery, but i'm worried that i won't be able to see after the surgery. i'll need to return to work as soon as possible after the procedure. how long will it take for my vis

Accepted Answer

Visual : Visual recovery is usually rapid after cataract surgery.  My patients are often able to return to work one or two days after their surgery, depending on the occupation.  Normally only one eye is operated on at time, which will leave your vision unchanged in the eye that is not having surgery .  Your eye surgeon will be glad to advise you about returning to work.  The improvement in vision from cataract surgery should make it all seem worthwhile.

Question 6

what is cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

PROCEDURE BY WHICH: A small incision is made to remove an opacified, old lens and replace it with a clear new one.

Question 7

should i redo my cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

No: In most cases cataract surgery is irreversible as the natural lens is removed and an intraocular lens is placed.  If you are having problems after surgery, please see your eye surgeon.  Good luck.

Question 8

are you put under for cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: Most cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with a little assist intravenously but not asleep.  The only patients consistently put to sleep are children, and adults with movement disorders and mental deficiency;.

Question 9

which lens are good for cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

Intraocular lenses: There are many types of intraocular lenses (iols) which are used for cataract surgery.  Most people have basic iols which will correct either distance or reading vision.  People with astigmatism can receive a toric iol to reduce this.  Others choose to have an iol which can correct both distance and reading vision.  Your surgeon will discuss these options with you when you're ready for surgery.

Question 10

are there alternatives to cataract surgery?

Accepted Answer

No: The only alternative to cataract surgery is to not remove the cataract. If you choose not to remove the cataract, the vision will slowly deteriorate. In addition, if too much time passes, the risks of removing the cataract may increase. There is a window when the risk to benefit ratio is maximized, your surgeon can tell you when that is, this is the best time to proceed.

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Doctor answers about:

Average age for cataract surgery

A member asked:

Am i a good candidate for cataract surgery at my age? i have been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. i recently turned 80 and am concerned about my prospects as a cataract surgery patient. i don't want any set-backs. what makes a good candidate?

A member asked:

My husband has periorbital pain, along top inner half of orbital rim. sometimes mild, sometimes intense. started after cataract surgery. age 50.

A member asked:

How can someone who had cataract surgery need bifocals? does the eye age all over again?

A member asked:

Mother age 61 chf patient with ef 29% suffering from cataract.local or topical anaesthetia will be safe for her cataract surgery? way to avoid surgery

A member asked:

Will my vision improve immediately after having cataract surgery? i need cataract surgery, but i'm worried that i won't be able to see after the surgery. i'll need to return to work as soon as possible after the procedure. how long will it take for my vis

A member asked:

What is cataract surgery?

A member asked:

Should i redo my cataract surgery?

A member asked:

Are you put under for cataract surgery?

A member asked:

Which lens are good for cataract surgery?

A member asked:

Are there alternatives to cataract surgery?

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