Do I need cataract surgery if I can still see well?

Visual acuity alone is insufficient. If glare, contrast loss or light‑dependent vision limit daily life, surgery may be indicated.

What symptoms suggest it’s time for surgery?

Night‑time glare and halos, loss of contrast, frequent refraction changes, and vision that worsens with lighting conditions.

Cataract surgery

I have cataracts, but I can still see well: when should I really have surgery?

Q: When is a cataract truly surgical?

When it limits everyday activities. Active lifestyles (night driving, sports, high visual demands) often justify earlier intervention.

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December 20, 2025

On December 22, 2025

One of the most common questions is: “I have cataracts but still see quite well. Do I need surgery now?” The short answer: visual acuity is not the only criterion to indicate #cataract surgery; in many cases, it’s not even the most important one.

Visual acuity is not everything

Eye charts measure how you read letters under ideal lighting. Real‑world vision depends on quality of vision, contrast and glare sensitivity.

Typical cataract symptoms include:

• Glare while driving at night.
• Reduced vision in very sunny conditions.
• Loss of contrast.
• Vision that fluctuates with lighting.

If you recognise these symptoms, a #preoperative assessment is advisable.

Public vs. private criteria

Public systems and some insurance providers apply stricter thresholds to prioritise advanced cases. Medically, a cataract can be surgical before visual acuity drops significantly.

In private practice, the decision is individualised and based on how cataracts impact your daily life.

When is a cataract truly surgical?

Clinically, surgery is indicated when cataracts limit everyday activities.

Different lifestyles, different thresholds

• A sedentary person who does not drive and reads comfortably,
versus
• An active patient who frequently drives (especially at night), plays sports, or needs precise vision under varied lighting.

For active patients, even an early cataract can be significantly limiting despite good chart acuity.

Key symptoms that justify surgery

• Night‑time glare and halos around lights.
• A duller, lower‑contrast visual experience.
• Frequent changes in refraction.
• Vision worsening depending on lighting.

When these affect your daily life, there is a surgical criterion—even if you “still see well”. Soleyes can also discuss #premium intraocular lenses if lifestyle demands.

Bottom line: timing matters

There is no universal acuity number for cataract surgery. The right time is when your cataract starts to limit your quality of life.

Decisions should rely on a #comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, cataract type, visual needs and expectations.

If unsure, #book an appointment for a personalised assessment at Soleyes.