If you have cataract in both eyes, your eye surgeon will discuss whether you would benefit from having surgery in both eyes. For many people, having cataract surgery in one eye is enough to improve vision. If your eye surgeon thinks you may need operations on both eyes, the options include:
- Having surgery on the second eye weeks or months after the first eye has recovered from surgery
- Having surgery on the second eye on the same day as the first eye or the day afterwards.
The option most suitable for you will depend on a number of factors. Some of the factors you should take into account include:
- How your overall vision is expected to change after surgery in the first eye – if one eye is very different from the other (for example, much more short-sighted), it may be hard to see clearly
- The risks of an infection or another complication. Although the risk of complications is small, having complications in both eyes could be very serious. If you are at high risk of complications or have other eye problems, having operations on both eyes at the same time may not be recommended
- Your general health, any other eye problems, and your personal circumstances and preferences.
Discussing these issues with your eye surgeon, and understanding the potential harms and benefits will help you decide if and when you want to arrange surgery for your second eye, and how to go about doing so.