Cataract surgery is not the best option when vision problems are dominated by other eye disease, when cataracts are minimal, or when general health makes surgery unsafe.
Ocular reasons to reconsider
Sometimes another structure is the main problem.
- Macular degeneration, advanced glaucoma, or corneal disease limiting vision
- Very early lens changes with little or no functional impact
- Symptoms mainly due to dry eye, glasses issues, or neurological causes
- Retinal conditions where cataract removal will not materially improve sight
- Eyes with very poor visual potential where comfort, not clarity, is the priority
General health and personal factors
Non‑ocular issues also influence the decision.
- Severe frailty or unstable medical conditions increasing anaesthetic risk
- Advanced dementia or lack of support to manage postoperative care
- Low motivation or high anxiety about surgery when vision is still functioning well
- Better alternatives such as updated glasses, low‑vision aids, or environmental changes
- Shared conclusion that current risks outweigh likely visual benefit
