Are there alternatives to cataract surgery?

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.

Not really: 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. You may be able to change your glasses prescription and see better for a time period, but the cataracts will progress and the vision continually deteriorate. You will need surgery if you live long enough and want to continue to see.

No: Once a significant cataract is present, surgery is needed to improve vision.

Not really : The only treatment for cataract is to remove it surgically. Of course, you always have the option of not having the surgery if the cataract is not yet interfering with your activities of daily living or quality of life.

Unfortunately not: Once a lens becomes a cataract, the only treatment available is to replace it with an intraocular lens implant. Cataract surgery is a permanent solution to the problem, and may also be able to decrease or eliminate the need for both distance and reading glasses.