Assessing cataract readiness

I went in this morning to get a second opinion on removing the cataract in my right eye.  I did this before going back to my original cataract surgeon.

The  2nd surgeon didn't spend a lot of time with me.  He says that my cataract doesn't qualify because I passed the glare test.

Last November, when I originally had the evaluation done, the other office  told me that my right eye failed the glare test.  I don't remember the so-called test being like the one they gave me today.  They told me I could have my cataract removed any time.

Is there a different standard being used here?  I was not in a hurry anyway, but I do wonder about this.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Wether you need surgery or not is not dependent on the glarae test. This is 90% of my practice.  Ask yourself this:

1. Does the cataracts keep me from doing what I need to do and want to do.
2. Are cataracts the reason for my reduced vision or do I have other problems.
3. If I have one cataract fixed will my eyes work together or will the other need surgery also.
4. Do You understand the risks involved, the costs involved.

If you don't answer yes to all of these then likely you don't need surgery at this time.
Rare exceptions:  1. Cataract getting too hard or ripe and waiting increase the risk of surgery 2. Surgeon can't see through the cataract to monitor the retina 3. vision so bad must stop driving or have cataract surgery.

JCH MD

[eyesonyou]

Thanks very much.
My answers:
1.  No, I do what I want.
2.  Somewhat subjective, but no, I don't think it's contributing to reduced vision too much.
3.  I guess they work together pretty well.  Refraction was done today, and yes, I have a Crystalens in my left eye, but my eyeglasses prescription turned out to be almost identical to the one from September 09.  Minor tweaking, but not worth a change.
4.  Yep, I understand this stuff.

And, yes, I did have the left eye's cataract extracted first,  since I was needing to have an ERM peel.  The effects of the retinal surgery would have almost guaranteed a worsening of the cataract.

The only reason I could think to have it is if I was getting another Crystalens (and I'm not so sure of that either).

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Well you know enought to make an intelligent decision about pulling the trigger

CJH MD