Cataract surgery is a common procedure that restores clear vision and significantly enhances quality of life, yet many patients hesitate to schedule it out of fear, experts say. This reluctance is understandable but often unnecessary, as the surgery is among the safest and most effective medical procedures available, with a 98% success rate.
Dr. Jeff Dello Russo, an ophthalmologist at Dello Russo Laser Vision and New Jersey Eye Center, recounted a case where a 78-year-old patient delayed her surgery for months. Struggling with night driving, reading, and enjoying time with her grandchildren, she finally underwent the procedure and experienced dramatic improvement. “Within 24 hours, she was thrilled to read her morning paper without glasses and see her grandchildren’s faces more clearly than in years,” Dello Russo said, calling cataract surgery “life-changing.”
Dr. Danielle Trief, an associate professor of ophthalmology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, said many patients report brighter, richer, and clearer vision post-surgery. “Some even see better than their children and notice colors they hadn’t perceived correctly for years,” Trief noted. Studies also link cataract surgery to reduced risks of dementia and falls, as improved vision aids navigation and independence.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye, which focuses images onto the retina, becomes cloudy with age. This natural process affects vision, causing glare, blurriness, and difficulty in low-light conditions, such as night driving or reading. While glasses can initially compensate, the lens eventually requires replacement.
The Procedure
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, typically lasting 10 to 30 minutes. Surgeons use small incisions to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial one. Advanced options, such as laser-assisted surgery and specialty lenses, allow for customized treatment to correct vision and reduce dependency on glasses.
Patients remain awake during the painless procedure but are given local anesthesia and mild sedatives to ensure comfort. Doctors perform surgery on one eye at a time, with a waiting period of one to four weeks before addressing the other eye.
Recovery and Benefits
Most patients experience clearer vision within 24–48 hours, although full recovery may take weeks. “Patients can resume light activities quickly, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for a week,” Trief advised. Post-surgery care includes using eye drops for several weeks and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
For those still anxious, experts stress that cataract surgery is a safe, quick procedure with minimal downtime. “Many patients say they wish they hadn’t waited so long,” Dello Russo said. With modern advancements, the surgery offers not only restored vision but also a newfound sense of independence and improved quality of life.
