Posterior polar cataracts are more risky to remove because the posterior capsule may tear and lead to vitreous loss, requiring a vitrectomy at the time of the cataract surgery. If the cataracts are affecting your vision and making it harder to function in terms of work, driving, etc, cataract surgery can be considered. There are techniques which can be used to help prevent this capsular tear during the surgery. You should consult a very experienced cataract surgeon.
Well Dr. Fazio, I went for my second opinion and am stymied at what he told me. He said my cataracts are polar cataracts (which I've had all my life and I knew that I had them all my life) What I didn't know is that they are 'polar' cataracts and that they are more risky to remove. He said my eyes are 20/25 in my right and 20/30 in my left, and these numbers are with or without correction. When I asked him why can't I have 20/20 vision with say glasses he said because the polar cataracts will always prevent me from having 20/20 vision. He did say i have border line dry eye and suggested using over the counter eye drops. What light can you shed on the subject?
I agree with the second opinion. The concept of waiting until the cataract is "ripe" is a very old one. Now we remove cataracts when they bother the patient's vision and functioning, and we don't wait until they reach a certain level. This is assuming that the cataract is the only cause of the visual problem, and there is no other pathology in the eye, such as with the retina. A complete ophthalmological exam with dilation should detect any other issues.