Risks of Cataract Surgery for an Eldery Person Aged 70 Years?

Great questions. The average age of my cataract patient is 71 so I don't consider a healthy 70 year old elderly. 1) The surgery takes about 7-8 minutes in my hands. The whole experience from signing in to going home is about 90-120 minutes.2) Posterior Capsule Opacity is a common and is a slow opacification of the lens capsule. It's easily treated by Yag Laser when bothersome. 3) No 4) Usually the vision is good enough to drive by the next day or two. 5) You should know the risks and benefits of the way your doctor does it. %Bettter, % same,% worse. You should ask what their percentage with results within +/- 1/2 diopter and with 1/2 D of astigmatism is. 

1. The surgery last about ten minutes. 

2. There are typically no side effects other than improved vision. 

 

3. The original cataract will not return, but a secondary cataract can sometimes grown called a posterior sub-capsular opacity.  If this happens, you will not need a second surgery as it can usually be treated in the office with a laser.

 

4. After the surgery your vision should begin to improve the next day.  You will need to take drops for a week or more and wear protective goggles to sleep.  You will also be asked to avoid heavy lifting and exercise for a week or more.

 

5. Before the surgery you need to be clear on your post op instructions and give yourself the day of surgery to rest. Also, no heavy lifting and exercise for a week or so.

Everyone who lives long enough will eventually develop cataracts.  A cataract is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.  I tell patients that the time for cataract surgery is when you cannot see to do what you want to do.  Cataract surgery, in competent hands, is quick, painless and has an extremely high success rate.  Age is not a factor, but your surgeon should be aware of your medical history.

The surgery lasts about 15 minutes, and the lens is made of plastic that should lasts the rest of your life.  You still need to check for other eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. The surgery is painless and has the benefit of a rapid recovery and excellent vision results.  The surgeon should offer lots of educational and instructive material.  Looks like you have already begun to do your homework.  Good luck!

Cataract surgery is safer and more effective than ever before. The success rate is extremely high. The equipment used to remove cataracts has steadily improved over the years. In fact, I had the opportunity to be the second surgeon in the US to remove cataracts using a femtosecond laser. I'm not prepared to say that this new technology is superior as of yet, but we are gathering data and if it truly is safer and more effective than the excellent methods we have currently, laser assisted cataract removal will become prevalent.

Steven J. Dell M.D.