What are the Options?

Once a cataract has formed, there are no medications, diets, glasses or exercises that can reverse the process. Surgical removal of the clouded lens is the only way to completely restore lost vision.

A cataract can progress very slowly, and, in some cases, the eye's lens will simply thicken without clouding, causing only loss in distance vision. In those earlier stages, or when clouding of the lens isn't present, symptoms can often be addressed with stronger glasses or contact lenses, brighter lighting, or the use of a magnifying glass.

When vision loss progresses to the point where it affects your daily life and/or safety, surgery to remove the lens will likely be necessary. In situations where a cataract is in combination with one or more diseases or conditions, your doctor also may recommend surgery even if your vision is only mildly impaired. This could happen if your cataract is interfering with the examination or treatment of other parts of your eye.

When a cataract is the only disease present, surgery is, in the vast majority of cases, very successful. In fact, millions of people in the U.S. undergo this vision-saving procedure each year.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor may recommend surgery on the eye with the poorer vision first. The second procedure will be completed after the first eye has healed.

Unlike other diseases or conditions, where the eye care professional often dictates when surgery or treatments are necessary, cataract surgery is a decision arrived at by both patient and physician. See What is Cataract Surgery? to learn more. And when it's time, your primary eye care provider – whether that's an optometrist or ophthalmologist – will refer you to a qualified cataract surgeon, who will help you understand your options for treatment. See Choices to Be Made to understand more.

Ultimately, only you know how your vision is affected and how much your cataract interferes with your quality of life.