Considering Cataract Surgery

Hello,

I am 42 years old and have congenital cataracts.  Over the last year, night driving has become problematic and I was considering having the cataracts removed.  I am active physically (I box, although not professionally) and have been told that I will not have to stop boxing after the eyes have healed.  Night glare is the only symptom I have.

The night glare is a real problem, but it's not so bad yet the I cannot drive.  I have heard that cataract surgery is generally safe and the results predictable.  I have read about the multifocal lenses.  Right now, I am inclined to get the best distance vision I can get and just wear glasses for reading (I wear glasses to read now anyway).  I was hoping you could give me suggestions as to things I should consider in making the decision to have the surgery or not.  

Thanks

Steve

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

Your problem is a little more problematical and a little less routine. Congenital cataracts can reduce the best correct vision by cause a degree of amblyopia. This its possible that your cataracts might be removed and you not see 20/20.

If I were your surgeon I would recommend you stop boxing if you have cataract surgery. Boxers have a higher rate of retinal detachement and cataract surgery increases the risk of surgery by a factor or 10X not 10 percent but ten times the risk before cataracts were removed.

Most people wait till the cataracts are a big problem not a little problem and that is generally good advise. I would advise monofocal IOLs. if you chose to have surgery.

JCH III MD

[ssimak]

Thanks for your reply.  It's true that even though my uncorrected vision is not that bad (20/50 and 20/80), I have never been able to be corrected to 20/20.  20/25 and 20/30 is the best I get.

I have always wondered if the cataract was the reason since I have friends with 20/200 who can be corrected to 20/20.  Thanks for the input.  Lots to think about and talk to my doctor about.  

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

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