Diseases & Conditions
Ask the doctor: I have a cataract but can still see well enough to drive. Should I have surgery?
I'm 82 and a landscape painter. Lately the sight in my right eye seems to be affecting my painting, although I can still see well enough to read small print and drive. I have a cataract in that eye. Should I have cataract surgery?These days, cataract surgery is very low risk and takes only about 30 minutes or so. As long as you don't have other eye diseases like macular degeneration or glaucoma that are also affecting your vision, replacing your clouded lens should enable you to see better. You'll have to put drops in your eye and wear a patch or darkened lens for a week or so, but then you will be healed and you can return to painting. There is no reason to put this surgery off.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
