Cataract surgery and lens replacement use similar techniques, but they are aimed at different stages: cataract surgery treats a cloudy lens, while lens replacement targets a clear but ageing lens to reduce dependence on glasses.
People better suited to cataract surgery
Here the main problem is lens opacity.
- Clear evidence of cataracts causing blur, glare, or colour change
- Desire to restore clarity more than to fine‑tune presbyopia
- Other eye structures relatively healthy and stable
- Happy to use glasses for some tasks if needed afterwards
- Publicly funded or standard care pathways focusing on monofocal lenses
People better suited to elective lens replacement
This is usually considered before cataracts are visually significant.
- Age typically mid‑forties to sixties with troublesome presbyopia
- Relatively clear lenses but strong wish for spectacle independence
- Stable refraction and healthy cornea, macula, and optic nerve
- Understanding of intraocular risks and potential night‑vision trade‑offs
- Acceptance that future cataract surgery will not be needed once lenses are replaced
