wait on cataract removal

[margareta]

I have a dense cataract.  I can see well enough and wonder if I can wait 2-3  years because if something goes wrong with the surgery and my sight is affected I will have to retire and cannot afford to do so.  I am a dentist and need good vision.

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

Sure. Other options would be cataract surgery on the second eye to "match" them.

JCH MD

[Gramps672]

Doctor Hagan, you are right on the money about trouble wearing glasses to correct the possible problems associated with monovision. I have been wearing glasses about 60 years. Myopia in both eyes and bifocals in later years, though I could read without the glasses. Never had a problem with Rx until the lens implant. One optometrist had suggested trying one contact lens with glasses. Would this be a viable option?  

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

"Monovision" is where an attempt is made to put IOLs in the eye which will leave one eye with relatively good vision at distance and the other eye relatively good vision for reading.

It works for some people but they must be very very carefully chosen otherwise you can end up with reduced depth perception, difficulty with intermediate vision and trouble wearing glasses or contacts to try and correct the problem.

TO GRAMPS672  see a good, respected corneal/refractive ophthalmologist. Most people in your situation can be helped with refractive surgery on the myopic eye or on the farsighted eye.

JCH MD

[Gramps672]

If you do have the cataract sugery, be sure to discuss what type of vision you will have after the operation. Make certain that your doctor does not give you an implant that will give you a form of monovision. If that happens you will end up like me. Nearsighted in one eye, basically farsighted in the other eye with such an imbalance that optometrists shake their heads. You will end up with poor depth perception, poor close vision and questionable distance vision.

But you will probably be able to sit and stare at a TV set all day.

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

If you are a dentist I'm surprised at your answer. What would you tell a patient that has a cavity that needs filling? Would you advise waiting 2-3 years? Of course not. If you have a dense cataract it needs to be removed soon as the risk of cataract increases over time in dense cataracts. Plus the cataract could become hypermature ('too ripe") in which case the surgery is an emergency and very risky. Best to do it elective soon.

If you have any concerns visit at least one more eye surgeon and get another opinion and so you'll have a choice of surgery.

Besides who wants to see a dentist that doesn't see normal?

JCH MD

[2ndsight]

technology is sure to improve the longer you wait. However a cataract can advance and worsen your eyesight quickly, even if it seems okay now. I would suggest having a consultation, find a surgeon you feel comfortable with who answers all your questions. Don't be pressured into anything but this way you will get the facts about your own situation.