When Is the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?

Understanding the Timing, Risks, and Benefits—Including Options With a Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision change as we age. They occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, leading to symptoms such as glare, blurry vision, difficulty driving at night, or trouble reading. While cataracts are not dangerous, they do gradually worsen—and many patients wonder: “When is the right time to have cataract surgery?”

This article explains how cataract surgery timing is determined, the risks and benefits of surgery, and the specific advantages of working with a vitreoretinal surgeon, like Mr Benson, especially when floaters or retinal issues are also present.

When Is It Time for Cataract Surgery?

There is no single “perfect” time for cataract surgery, because the decision is based on both visual needs and clinical findings.

You may be ready for surgery if:

• Your vision no longer allows you to comfortably perform daily activities (driving, reading, computer work).

• Glare from headlights or sunlight makes driving difficult especially at night or in the winter.

• Your prescription changes frequently or glasses no longer provide clear vision.

• The cataract is progressing and affecting eye health or preventing clear evaluation of the retina.

If you're not ready yet:

• Early cataracts can be monitored with routine check-ups.

• Updated glasses or brighter lighting may temporarily help.

• Surgery is usually elective—meaning it’s based on your quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures in medicine. Benefits include:

✔ Clearer vision

Removing the cloudy lens restores clarity and contrast.

✔ Improved night driving

Patients often notice dramatic improvement in glare and halos.

✔ More vibrant colours

Cataracts wash out colour—after surgery, many patients are surprised by how bright things look.

✔ Reduced dependence on glasses

Advanced/Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism, and even presbyopia (problems with reading vision due to age).

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Though complications are uncommon, all surgery carries risk. Potential risks include:

• Infection (rare but the most devastating complication) - 1 in 3000 people can lose vision

• Inflammation

• Swelling of the retina (especially but not limited to diabetic patients)

• Elevated eye pressure

• Posterior capsule opacification (“after-cataract,” treatable with YAG laser)

• Retinal tears or detachment (slightly higher risk in highly nearsighted/myopic patients)

• Ending up either more short sighted or longsighted than planned (especially if previous LASER refractive surgery has been performed)

Mr Benson will review which risks apply most to your situation.

Why Have Cataract Surgery With a Vitreoretinal Surgeon?

While cataract surgery is commonly performed by anterior-segment (cataract) specialists, there are specific reasons some patients may benefit from having surgery performed by a vitreoretinal surgeon like Mr Benson:

1. Expertise in the Retina

Patients with any of the following may benefit from vitreoretinal care during cataract surgery:

• High myopia (increased risk of retinal problems)

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Macular degeneration

• Epiretinal membrane or macular hole

• Prior retinal tears, detachments, or surgery

A vitreoretinal surgeon understands the structure and health of the retina and can anticipate or prevent complications that may affect vision long-term.

2. Ability to address complex cataracts

Vitreoretinal surgeons are trained to manage challenging surgical situations, such as:

• Weak zonules

• Posterior capsule issues

• Dense or traumatic cataracts

3. Seamless coordination of care

If you need retinal treatment, injections, or monitoring, combining cataract and retinal care can reduce the number of visits and improve continuity. When cataracts go wrong in the hands of any other surgeon they have to be sent to a vitreoretinal surgeon in many cases. With Mr Benson you are in safe hands from start to finish!

Benefits of Combined Cataract Surgery and Vitrectomy for Floaters

For patients with visually significant floaters—especially long-standing or dense vitreous opacities—a combined cataract surgery + vitrectomy can be an excellent option.

Why consider a combined procedure?

✔ One surgery, one recovery

You avoid two separate operations, reducing time off work and overall healing time.

✔ Better visualization and outcomes

Removing the cataract allows perfect clarity during vitrectomy, leading to more precise removal of floaters.

✔ Floaters eliminated at the same time as the cataract

Floaters often worsen after cataract surgery alone. Combining the procedures prevents this and leaves the eye “cleaner” visually.

✔ Lower overall risk

When performed together, you avoid the added surgical risk of having two separate procedures.

Who is a good candidate?

• Patients with dense, symptomatic floaters that interfere with daily life

• Patients already planning cataract surgery

• Individuals with concurrent retinal disease that requires vitrectomy

• Highly myopic patients with both cataract and vitreous changes

Your surgeon will evaluate your retina, lifestyle needs, and visual symptoms to determine if combined surgery is appropriate.

Summary

Cataract surgery is a safe, effective procedure that can significantly improve vision and quality of life. Working with a vitreoretinal surgeon offers added expertise—particularly for patients with retinal problems, high myopia, complications, or bothersome floaters.

For some patients, combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery provides the best visual outcome by treating both the cataract and floaters in a single step.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time for cataract surgery or whether you would benefit from combined care, schedule a comprehensive examination with Mr Benson. He will help tailor the safest and most effective plan for your eyes and visual goals.