How are cataracts treated?

Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful.

No medications, dietary supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.

Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.

The symptoms of an early cataract may be improved with eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. The individual and their eye care professional can make this decision together. Once the individual understands the benefits and risks of surgery, they can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to the eye or make the surgery more difficult.

If sight has been lost from cataract or cataract surgery, it is important to ask an eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help improve the remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments. A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Surgery is the only effective method of treating vision loss caused by cataracts.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the clouded lens of the eye (the cataract). The lens makes it possible for the eye to focus. The lens can be replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens implant (IOL). Sometimes an IOL is not used, and eyeglasses or contact lenses can compensate for the lens that is removed.

Surgery is often not needed or can be delayed for months or years. Many people with cataracts get along very well with the help of eyeglasses, contacts and other vision aids.

The choices for treating cataracts in children depend on how likely the cataracts are to interfere with the development of normal vision.

Whether surgery is needed for an adult with cataracts depends on the degree of vision loss and whether it affects quality of life and ability to function.

Cataracts: Should I Have Surgery?

What to think about

Sometimes a cataract needs to be removed because of another eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. In some cases the cataract has to be removed so that the eye specialist can treat the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye.

Misconceptions about cataracts are common. More and more medical centers have been built specifically for cataract surgery. Marketing campaigns aimed at older adults may encourage some people to have surgery when they do not really need it. Because of fear of blindness or loss of independence, older adults may think they need to have surgery even when their cataracts do not affect their quality of life. In many cases, wearing eyeglasses or contacts and using other vision aids might be appropriate and just as effective without any of the risks of surgery.

Only you can decide whether a cataract is affecting your vision and your life enough to have surgery. If surgery is not going to improve your vision, you may decide that surgery is not for you.

If cataracts make it hard for you to see, there are lots of ways to compensate for your low vision. A new eyeglasses prescription may help. So might better lighting. And your eye care professional may be able to recommend other types of eyewear that help with glare and other vision problems.

But if these measures don't work well enough, or if your cataracts severely affect your vision, a simple surgery may help improve your eyesight.

Untreated, cataracts can drastically affect vision, even causing blindness in some cases. But with a little knowledge and information, you'll be able to take steps to see better and also know when a doctor's help is needed.

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