Cataract Surgery Risks

Cataract surgery is generally a successful operation with low risks. Like most things in life, you should weigh up the risks versus the benefits of the procedure. There are individual variations to every case and your doctor will discuss certain risks that are more relevant to your case. Except for unusual situations, a cataract operation is indicated only when you cannot function satisfactorily due to decreased vision caused by the cataract. After your doctor has told you that you have a cataract, you and your doctor are the only ones who can determine if or when you should have a cataract operation, based upon your own visual needs and medical considerations.

The goal of cataract surgery is to correct the decreased vision that was caused by the cataract. Cataract surgery will not correct other causes of decreased vision, such as glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration.

In general, approximately 95-98% of cataract procedures are successful and will lead to improved vision. There is a 1-2% chance that your vision may be reduced following surgery. Problems during or after surgery are rare, but they can occur. With prompt treatment, these problems can usually be treated successfully. There is a very rare chance that you could have significantly reduced vision or blindness following the procedure. A complication of the surgery may involve further medical treatment or surgical procedures.