What is the Best Age to Get Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a condition that’s most commonly associated with advancing age. However, there are some instances when they can be an issue earlier on in life. No matter when the disease is diagnosed, determining the right time and/or age where surgery will be the most beneficial is something that will be advised by your ophthalmologist. 

The following looks at when this might be—something that depends on the type of cataract/s you have and the rate at which they advance.

When to Have Cataract Surgery

• Best time for age-related cataract surgery
• Best time for traumatic cataract surgery
• Best time for congenital and childhood cataract surgery

Best time for age-related cataract surgery

Age-related cataracts are by far the most common type. Research has shown that by the age of 80, virtually everyone will either have cataracts or will have had them surgically removed.

When it comes to cataract surgery, the right age to have this done is dependent on how fast the condition progresses and the severity of the symptoms. Age-related cataracts can begin to form any time after the age of 40—although they’re most usually picked up during regular eye examinations at the age of 55+.

Cataracts take many years to become problematic. For the first few years after diagnosis, you’ll likely experience no symptoms. You’ll only notice vision issues once they’ve progressed quite extensively. This is why it’s so important to have regular eye exams throughout your life—the earlier cataracts are diagnosed the better. Your eye doctor can then monitor them and advise the ultimate time to carry out surgery. This is typically after the age of 60 but could be in your 70s, 80s, or beyond.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Gradual fading and yellowing of colors
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Seeing halos around light sources
• Increasing difficulty with vision at night and in low light
• Blurred or double vision
• Changing prescriptions

Best time for traumatic cataract surgery

Traumatic cataracts form after some form of injury to the eye. This can occur suddenly or over a longer period. The best time for this type of cataract to be operated on will be dependent on the extent of the injury, the healing process, and the size of the cataract.

Most eye injuries will be dealt with by a specialist eye surgeon. They’ll use their clinical expertise to determine the right time to intervene.

Best time for congenital and childhood cataract surgery

Congenital cataracts are a rare form of the condition that’s picked up at birth. It’s usually diagnosed within the first days or weeks of a child’s life and specialist intervention is needed. 

Childhood cataracts—often called juvenile or developmental cataracts—are diagnosed in older babies and children. 

Most pediatric cataracts require ongoing treatment and/or an operation. This always requires an ophthalmologist who’s specialized in pediatric treatment. Whether or not surgery is needed will depend on the severity of the condition. The eye doctor will advise on the right course of treatment and determine the right time to operate, should it be deemed necessary.

Contact the Modern Cataract Clinic at the WBEC for the Ultimate Cataract Surgery

At the Modern Cataract clinic, we specialize in every type of cataract. This is thanks to the man behind this purpose-built, academic-grade facility—Brent Bellotte MD. 

Not only is he one of the world’s foremost experts in cataracts and their treatment, but he leads a wider team of experts who offer the ultimate treatment surrounding every element of eye care. 

Discover more about the cataract treatments on offer at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com or call the clinic today to discuss any other areas of visual health. Our friendly team is waiting to take your call

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