Cataract in one eye: Should you get both eyes treated?

Cataracts are a common eye condition that can affect one or both eyes. If you have a cataract in one eye, you might wonder if you should get both eyes treated. This is an important decision that can impact your vision and overall quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why treating both eyes, even if only one has a cataract, can be beneficial. We’ll also explain the advantages of refractive lens exchange in the other eye.

Understanding Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which leads to decreased vision. It typically develops due to oxidative changes associated with ageing, but other factors like diabetes, eye injury, and previous retinal surgery can also contribute. Symptoms include blurred vision, glare, difficulty seeing artificial lights at night, and faded colours.

Why Consider Treatment for Both Eyes?

Even if you have a cataract in just one eye, treating both eyes can offer several advantages:

Balanced Vision

When you have a cataract in one eye, your vision becomes imbalanced. This imbalance can affect depth perception and coordination, making daily activities more challenging. By treating both eyes, you achieve more balanced vision.

Preventing Future Issues

If you have a cataract in one eye, chances are the other eye may develop one eventually. Opting for refractive lens exchange in the other eye can prevent future vision problems and maintain consistent visual clarity.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Better vision in both eyes can significantly improve your quality of life. Activities like reading, driving, and watching TV become easier and more enjoyable. You’ll also reduce the need and costs associated with glasses or contact lenses.

The Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure. Here are some benefits:

  • The cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens implant, restoring sharp vision.
  • Colours appear more vibrant and bright.

Quick Recovery

  • Most patients notice improved vision within a few days.
  • Full recovery typically occurs within a few weeks.

Increased Independence

  • Clearer vision helps you perform daily activities without assistance.
  • Reduced risk of falls and accidents.

Long-Term Results

  • Modern lens implants are durable (biocompatible and not biodegradable) and provide lasting results.
  • Many patients experience minimal need for glasses after surgery.

How to Decide

Deciding whether to treat both eyes can be complex. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Consult Your Eye Surgeon

Discuss your vision needs and lifestyle with your eye surgeon. They can provide personalised advice based on your eye health and the specific characteristics of your cataract.

2. Evaluate Your Symptoms

Consider how your cataract symptoms affect your daily life. If you find tasks difficult due to imbalanced vision, treating both eyes might be beneficial.

3. Think Long-Term

Consider the long-term benefits of having clear and balanced vision in both eyes. It’s not just about immediate improvement but also about maintaining good vision for decades and years to come.

If you are unsure about whether to treat both eyes, taking a suitability self-test can be a helpful first step. This self-assessment will help you understand your options and determine if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange.

In conclusion, while it may seem logical to treat only the eye with the cataract, there are compelling reasons to consider treatment for both eyes. Balanced vision, prevention of future issues, and an enhanced quality of life are significant benefits. Cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange are safe, effective, and can dramatically improve your vision. If you are experiencing cataract symptoms or have questions about your treatment options, take a suitability self-test today to learn more about how you can achieve the best possible vision.

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What our patients say…

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Had cataract surgery on both eyes simultaneously last week and, 7 days later, the vision is brilliant. I can see to read as well, including small print smaller than I expected! I can see car number plates at the end of the road. Everything was excellent, and I could not have wished for anything better.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My cataract surgery was a great experience. My vision is now brighter; overall, I felt informed and secure throughout, and I am glad I did it and definitely recommend Sharmina Khan. Everyone at the hospital was great, very professional, friendly, and treated me very nicely. During the surgery, I didn’t feel any pain at any time. The recovery was very easy and smooth.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was very nervous about having cataract surgery, as I have other medical conditions in both eyes. Ms. Khan allayed all of my fears and explained everything in detail to me. Now that both surgeries are completed, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I’m seeing things I’ve not been able to see properly in years. Amazing!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ms. Sharmina Khan is an outstanding eye consultant. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and provided thoughtful, easy-to-understand explanations. Her depth of knowledge and ability to address my questions left me thoroughly satisfied with her services. I highly recommend Ms. Sharmina Khan to anyone seeking expert eye care and guidance.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had cataract surgery in both eyes. The procedure was painless, easy to understand, and swift. My anxiety levels were very low, and recovery was quick and easy. I was just so relaxed. My vision was like being Wonder Woman. It was so clear, and it was like someone had cleaned a window. Now, my vision is fine for reading, computer use, and using a sewing machine.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Extremely happy with vision following cataract surgery. I wish I had it done sooner. The colors I am experiencing, I didn’t know existed. The experience was really good; it wasn’t much painful. I really enjoyed the sandwiches afterward. When I got home, I saw every little mark on the walls and now am cleaning up!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

6/5. Incredibly impressed with Miss Khan’s bedside manner and operation and consultation. I have had the Synergy toric lens and have experienced a dramatic increase in distance vision. Now, I am able to read stuff on the television perfectly, and reading small print, I can now read the back of a tin of beans!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Miss Khan was very professional, and both my eyes had trifocal intra-ocular lens implants (toric in the left). The risks and benefits were explained to my satisfaction, and I was very nervous. However, the procedure and the recovery were painless. I now have perfect unaided vision in both eyes and would recommend Miss Khan, 10 out of 10.

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I’m so pleased I sought Sharmina Khan’s help. My dry eye problem was debilitating. I turned up to my appointment in a very worried state and left reassured. My eyes are now vastly better. I feel in good hands. Thank you!

Verified patient on Doctify

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have had Lipiflow a few times now, and I couldn’t do without it because it really gets rid of my gritty and sore eyes for months at a time. Lipiflow has helped me go back to doing normal things without getting frustrated, like driving, tolerating air conditioning, generally tolerating different humidity levels, and not feeling like I need to use eye drops all the time. I would highly recommend it.

Verified patient on Doctify

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Turn back time: Can you say goodbye to your reading glasses?

Step into a life where reading glasses are a memory. Take the first step to experiencing the joy of youthful vision once again with a free assessment.

Turn Back Time: Can You Say Goodbye to Your Reading Glasses?

Step into a life where reading glasses are a memory. Take the first step to experiencing the joy of youthful vision once again with a free assessment.

Sharmina Khan

MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon

Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan

I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.

I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.

In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.