Cataract surgery is often strongly recommended for advanced cataracts, as vision is typically very limited and surgery can restore significant function.
Features of advanced cataracts
Heavier lens opacities usually cause obvious impairment.
- Very blurred or cloudy vision even with glasses
- Difficulty seeing faces, television, or large print
- Struggling to move safely around the home or outdoors
- Loss of driving licence or independence because of poor acuity
- Dense cataract seen on examination obscuring the view of the retina
Considerations with very advanced lenses
Surgery may be more technically challenging but still worthwhile.
- Extra care with biometry and surgical planning
- Slightly higher risk of complications discussed in advance
- Possibility that underlying retinal disease has been hidden by the cataract
- Need for support at home during the early recovery period
- Expectation of large improvement, even if not always to “perfect” vision
