Why is surgery not performed at the first sign of cataracts? i hear you should wait until it interferes with activities, but wondering why.

Standard of care: Guidelines for removing cataracts are setup by the american academy of ophthalmology. Symptoms that interfere with an individuals activities of daily living plus decline in best corrected visual acuity to 20/40 or less (or glare disability) in at least one eye, may qualify for cataract surgery. Other symptoms may include loss of depth perception ; monocular double vision. Why? Based on risk/benefi.

Risks/Benefits: Cataract surgery (CS) has benefits & risks (rare but possible: loss of best vision, infection, loss of eye, etc). When CS benefits (improved vision from advanced cataract excision) outweigh risks, surgery is indicated. Pts can have clear lens exchange which is paid out of pocket early; insurance will usually only cover when proof of visual disability from cataract present; eyedoc2020.blogspot.com