[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/cataract-surgery\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/cataract-surgery\/","headline":"Cataract Surgery: When Do You Need It?","name":"Cataract Surgery: When Do You Need It?","description":"<p><\/p>","datePublished":"2025-02-14","dateModified":"2026-01-13","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","name":"UPMC Vision Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-vision-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/GettyImages-2118024278.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/GettyImages-2118024278.jpg","height":868,"width":1999},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/cataract-surgery\/","about":["Eye Health","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":900,"articleBody":"Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the United StatesMore than half of all Americans over the age of 80 have had cataracts or cataract surgery. That\u2019s according to the National Eye Institute.Over time, cataracts can lead to vision loss. But cataract surgery can remove cataracts and correct associated vision problems.Here\u2019s what to know about cataracts and surgery to remove them.What Are Cataracts?A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye, or the part of the eye that helps focus light.Cataracts are very common as you get older, according to the National Eye Institute.The primary cause of cataracts is natural aging.As you age, your eyes&#8217; lenses become thicker and less flexible. This leads to a gradual buildup of proteins and other substances that cause the lenses to become cloudy. This affects vision by scattering light.Other factors that can lead to cataracts include:Eye injuries.Family history and genetics.Medical conditions, such as diabetes., genetic disorders, and metabolic diseases.Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.Smoking and excessive alcohol use.Some medications, such as long-term use of corticosteroids.What Are Symptoms of Cataracts?At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract. Over time, cataracts can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful, according to the National Eye Institute.You may have trouble reading, driving, and completing everyday tasks. Without proper treatment, cataracts can lead to vision loss over time.Signs of cataracts include:Blurred vision: Objects might appear fuzzy or less sharp, especially in low-light conditions.Difficulty with night vision: Straining to see clearly at night or in dimly lit settings.Double vision: Seeing multiple images of a single object or having difficulty focusing on one image.Faded colors: Colors may seem less vibrant.Glare and halos: Increased sensitivity to bright lights, such as headlights while driving at night and seeing halos around lights.If you notice these changes, consult an eye doctor for a complete eye exam. Early detection can help you effectively manage cataracts.When Do I Need Cataract Surgery?Cataracts that dramatically impact your daily life and activities may require surgery.If cataracts interfere with your ability to enjoy activities or if you find routine tasks difficult, you may want to consider cataract surgery.Cataract surgery is highly successful for most adults.It involves removing the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. It\u2019s often an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour \u2014 and sometimes just minutes \u2014 to complete.People who have cataract surgery usually have improved vision and increased independence within days or weeks.Types of cataract surgery include:Phacoemulsification: The most common type of cataract surgery. A doctor makes a small cut in your eye and uses an ultrasound tool to break your cloudy lens apart. They remove small pieces of the lens and replace them with an artificial lens.Extracapsular extraction: This uses a larger cut to remove the lens in one piece and replace it with an artificial lens.Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: This uses laser technology to replace the natural lens with an artificial lens.Before surgery, you may receive medicine to help you relax. Medicine will also numb your eye. After surgery, you may have a bandage or shield on your eye.Your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon will help you determine the right time for surgery. They&#8217;ll base this on the severity of your cataracts and how they\u2019re affecting your vision and daily activities.How Often Should I Have Eye Exams?Adults under 65 years of age should have routine eye exams every one to two years if they don\u2019t have vision problems. That&#8217;s according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.If you have a health condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye diseases, you may need more frequent checkups.As you age, vision changes become more noticeable. They can include issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.If you\u2019re age 60 or older, you should have annual dilated eye exams. These exams are simple and painless \u2014 your doctor will give you eye drops to dilate your pupils. They&#8217;ll also check your eyes for cataracts and other issues.How Can I Prevent Cataracts?After they start, cataracts are irreversible without surgery. But there are some things you can do to prevent or slow their progression, including:Control health conditions: Manage diabetes and other health conditions that can contribute to cataract development to better protect your eyes.Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and maintain overall health to support eye health. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can worsen cataracts.Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and hats with brims to protect your eyes from sunlight, which can contribute to cataracts. Wear protective eyewear while using power tools or playing certain sports to protect your eyes from injury.Regular eye exams: Regular checkups with an eye doctor can help monitor for cataracts and determine the best time for treatment.Use proper lighting: Good lighting, especially when reading or working, can reduce eye strain.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 14, 2025, and was last reviewed on January 13, 2026.SourcesNational Eye Institute. Cataracts. LinkAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2025","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cataract Surgery: When Do You Need It?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/cataract-surgery\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]