Cataract surgery is usually appropriate and often urgent for dense cataracts, because they severely limit vision and can make examination of the back of the eye difficult.
Why dense cataracts are treated
Very cloudy lenses cause major disability.
- Hand‑movements or counting‑fingers vision only in the affected eye
- Inability to read, watch television, or recognise faces
- Problems assessing or treating retinal or glaucoma conditions
- Increased risk of accidents and falls
- Significant impact on independence and quality of life
Surgical and recovery considerations
Dense lenses need experienced surgical care but often give rewarding outcomes.
- Longer or more complex operations may be required
- Use of additional instruments or techniques to safely break up the lens
- Close postoperative monitoring for inflammation or pressure changes
- Realistic expectations if long‑standing deprivation has affected the retina
- Rehabilitation and low‑vision support if other eye disease is also present
