“Which eye is first for cataract surgery?”
I am a 45 year old male. I want to know which eye is first for cataract surgery?
10 Answers
OphthalmologistOphthalmologist
Your doctor will determine which eye needs surgery first.
I usually do the right eye first.
Usually the worst eye, all other things being normal.
The eye that bothers you most. Usually, we don’t do it until they become significant enough to blur your vision even with glasses.
Dr. LMJ
Dr. LMJ
In general, the eye with the weaker vision, but there is no absolute; choosing the sequence of surgeries generally calls for a discussion between patient and surgeon discussing the pros and cons for each specific patient – in many cases the sequence is of little to no consequence.
The decision of which eye to remove the cataract from first is highly individualized to the patient’s condition and visual potential. You certainly should ask your doctor to discuss with you the options.
Best Regards,
David J. Pinhas, M.D.
Best Regards,
David J. Pinhas, M.D.
Usually the worse goes first unless some significant underlying pathology that would appreciably limit visual potential in that eye. If cataracts equal (and no significant asymmetric underlying pathology as above), then I operate on dominant eye first
If both eyes are planned for cataract surgery, and are otherwise similar in health, most of the time it doesn't matter. That being said, if we are planning on monofocal implants, I like to operate on the non-dominant eye first. If one eye has been more nearsighted than the other, I will operate on that eye first. If we are planning on multifocal/EDOF implants, I may operate on the dominant or less-nearsighted eye first. If one eye has significant astigmatism compared to the other eye, I will operate on the non-astigmatism eye first. My reasons are multifactorial, and too difficult to explain here. Good luck!
Age 45 is a bit young for cataract surgery, but if you have a visually significant cataract and an ophthalmologist has recommended surgery, they will tell you which eye they recommend to be done first. Usually it is the worse seeing eye, or if both are similar then the dominant eye should usually be done first. Often we proceed with the other eye in 1-4 weeks after the first eye is done, so order of surgery is not that significant in the long run. Remember that whenever surgery is recommended, you have a choice and should have your questions answered to your satisfaction by the surgeon or their staff before the procedure.
Sincerely,
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Sincerely,
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
This depends on many things and is usually decided mutually by patient and doctor. Typically the eye with worse vision is done first but not always.
