Cataract surgery is suitable when a cloudy lens is limiting everyday activities and the eye is otherwise healthy enough to benefit.
Typical suitable candidates
Suitability is based more on symptoms and eye health than on numbers alone.
- Blur, glare, or dim vision affecting driving, reading, or hobbies
- Best‑corrected vision reduced despite updated glasses
- Cataract visible on examination and matching the symptoms
- Healthy cornea, macula, and optic nerve, or at least realistic goals if disease exists
- Ability to lie flat briefly and follow instructions during surgery
When surgery may be postponed
Early cataracts that do not yet affect life may be watched instead.
- Good, comfortable vision with current glasses
- Minimal glare or night‑driving difficulty
- Medical issues where anaesthetic risk currently outweighs visual gain
- Preference to wait until symptoms justify surgery
- Plan for periodic review to spot progression
