A member asked:

Does it make sense for my 87-year-old father to have cataract surgery when he has stage 3 small cell lung cancer?

9 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

It depends: If he has responded to treatment and is doing well and the symptoms of the cataract are impairing his daily activites, it could be considered. If he is not responding to treatment and his condition is deteriorating then it doesnt make sense.

Answered 7/20/2012

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Patient dependent: If his quality of life is affected significantly due to poor vision from a cataract, and he has good potential vision after the cataract is removed, then the risk/benefit ratio is likely in favor of having the cataract surgery done. Cancer prognosis is hard to predict, and cataract surgery is lower risk in terms of medical problems.

Answered 7/6/2012

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Dr. Liawaty Ho answered

Specializes in Hematology and Oncology

Yes, it does.: To be able to see things clearly is part of quality of life. If he has a poor vision due to his cataract and cataract surgery can fix it- absolutely it is a good thing to do, if that can be done safely. The surgery itself is minor and with very minimal side effects. The fear of falling will increase significantly when we are older and it'd be very helpful if at least we can see things clearly.

Answered 9/5/2012

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Dr. Jay Bradley answered

Specializes in Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery

Maybe: If he can not see to enjoy his final days, cataract surgery should be considered.

Answered 1/11/2013

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Related Questions

A member asked:

What is surgery like for non small cell lung cancer?

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers