Cataract Surgery for Seniors: Risks, Benefits, and Hospital Options in Taiwan

Cataract surgery issues in elderly patients?

My mother is currently 96 years old.
Many years ago, she was diagnosed with significant cataracts, but the doctor said they were not yet mature enough for surgery.
However, she is now experiencing noticeable blurred vision.
We visited a hospital clinic, and they confirmed it is indeed cataracts but did not provide a clear recommendation regarding surgery.
Although she is relatively mobile for her age, it is not very convenient for her.
Our family hopes she can undergo surgery.

Could you please advise on the potential for improvement if she undergoes cataract surgery? Are there any risks or side effects associated with cataract surgery for elderly patients? Thank you for your patience in reading this and for your response.

P.S.
Since we live in Chiayi City, it seems that the hospitals we visited are hesitant to directly recommend surgery.
Could you suggest a hospital that performs cataract surgery?

Miss He, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/14

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, there are many factors to consider regarding cataract surgery; it is not that simple.
"The hospitals you visit may not dare to directly recommend surgery," which could also be due to their considerations.
A careful evaluation is still necessary.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/09/14

More Info

Cataract surgery is a common procedure, especially among seniors, and it can significantly improve vision and quality of life. Given your mother's age of 96 and her current condition with cataracts, it is understandable that you are seeking more information about the risks, benefits, and hospital options available in Taiwan.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery:
The primary benefit of cataract surgery is the restoration of clear vision. Cataracts can cause blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to glare, which can severely impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision shortly after the procedure, often within a few days.

Risks and Considerations:
While cataract surgery is generally safe and effective, especially in older adults, there are some risks involved, particularly for seniors who may have other health issues. Potential complications include:
1. Infection: Though rare, there is a risk of infection post-surgery.

2. Inflammation: Some patients may experience inflammation inside the eye, which can usually be managed with medication.

3. Retinal Detachment: This is a rare but serious complication that can occur after cataract surgery.

4. Vision Changes: Some patients may experience glare, halos around lights, or changes in vision that may require further correction.

For elderly patients, the overall health status and the presence of other medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease) should be evaluated before proceeding with surgery. It is essential to have a thorough pre-operative assessment by an ophthalmologist who can determine the suitability of surgery based on your mother's specific health conditions.

Hospital Options in Taiwan:
In Taiwan, many hospitals and clinics offer cataract surgery. Since you mentioned living in Chiayi City, you may consider the following options:
1. Chiayi Christian Hospital: This hospital has a good reputation for eye care and may have experienced ophthalmologists who can perform cataract surgery.

2. National Cheng Kung University Hospital: Located in Tainan, this hospital is known for its advanced medical services and may provide specialized eye care.

3. Taiwan Adventist Hospital: This hospital also offers ophthalmology services and may have the necessary facilities for cataract surgery.

It is advisable to consult with an ophthalmologist at one of these facilities to discuss your mother's condition and the potential for surgery. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help you understand the risks and benefits specific to her case.

Conclusion:
Cataract surgery can significantly improve your mother's quality of life by restoring her vision, but it is crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks, especially considering her age. Consulting with a qualified ophthalmologist will provide you with the best guidance tailored to her health needs. If surgery is deemed appropriate, the ophthalmologist will explain the procedure, recovery process, and any necessary follow-up care. It is also essential to ensure that the chosen hospital has a good track record with cataract surgeries and can provide the necessary post-operative care.

Similar Q&A

Cataract Surgery for Seniors: Risks, Benefits, and Local Options in Taiwan

Hello Doctor: My grandfather is currently 90 years old and has been diagnosed with significant cataracts in his left eye. After measuring his vision and prescribing glasses, he still experiences blurred vision regardless of the prescription strength. Due to his advanced age, he h...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello CW: Cataract surgery is generally not age-restricted; as long as the patient can follow the instructions during the procedure, the surgery can usually be performed successfully. If there are no other eye issues, such as retinal diseases, there will be a certain degree of im...

Cataract Surgery: Ultrasound vs. Laser - Risks and Considerations for Seniors

Hello Doctor, my grandmother was recently diagnosed with cataracts and has not addressed it for some time. What are the differences between ultrasound and laser surgery? What are the risks associated with each? Given that my grandmother is 78 years old and has mild heart disease ...

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
Thank you very much for your question. The misunderstanding regarding cataract laser surgery has persisted in Taiwan for nearly a decade, and this concept is deeply ingrained in patients' minds. Sometimes, doctors are concerned that patients may misunderstand the hospital&#x...

Cataract Surgery Options for Seniors with Hyperopia and Astigmatism

Hello Doctor: My father is in his seventies and has hyperopia of +100 and astigmatism of around 200 degrees. He is scheduled for cataract surgery. I have heard that for myopic patients who can only afford the lens materials covered by health insurance, they can use the method of ...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, is it possible to alleviate or delay the troubles of presbyopia through a specially designed surgical method without opting for out-of-pocket expenses? The single-focus intraocular lens covered by health insurance can only address either distance or near vision, but not bo...

Risks and Benefits of Artificial Lens Replacement for High Myopia

Due to my high myopia, the data for laser vision correction is not very promising, so I chose to undergo artificial intraocular lens replacement. At such a young age, what potential side effects or drawbacks could there be from this procedure?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The development of cataract surgery is very advanced now, and there is a wide variety of intraocular lenses available. If the surgery is performed in a timely manner and goes smoothly, there should not be any significant complications. At the E-Hospital in Puzi, Taiwan, th...