A medical eye exam by an ophthalmologist is necessary to determine whether you have a cataract that should be removed. The existence of a cataract does not mean it must be removed. Surgery is generally recommended when a person suffers loss of vision which interferes with normal activities and can't be improved by a change in eyeglasses. In addition to the ophthalmologist's recommendations, when considering cataract surgery, you should trust your common sense. Seek a second opinion if there are remaining doubts or questions about whether surgery is appropriate.
Cataract surgery involves more than simply the operation.
Your surgeon should personally evaluate you and answer all related questions before the operation. It is also best to discuss post-operative care before surgery, because proper treatment for your eye as it heals is critical to a successful outcome. The operation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, without the necessity of a hospital admission. After the eye is anesthetized, the surgeon uses micro surgical instruments to remove the cataract from the eye through a small incision. To restore the eye's ability to focus, an artificial lens is usually inserted into the eye.