The right time for cataract surgery is when cloudy vision starts to interfere with your daily life and glasses no longer help enough. There is usually no need to wait until the cataract is very advanced.
Changes in daily activities
Decisions focus on how your vision affects safety and independence rather than a specific number on a chart. Honest discussion with your clinician helps clarify priorities.
- Difficulty reading, watching television, or using digital devices comfortably
- Glare and halos from headlights or streetlights affecting night driving
- Struggling with hobbies such as sewing, sport, or gardening
- Feeling less confident on stairs or in unfamiliar places
Medical and lifestyle considerations
Other eye conditions and general health also guide timing. Early surgery can sometimes protect or improve management of existing problems.
- Very dense cataracts may be harder and riskier to remove later
- Glaucoma or retinal disease may need clearer views for monitoring
- Work and caring responsibilities may influence the ideal time
- Regular check-ups ensure surgery is offered before vision feels unsafe
