When to have cataract surgery?
“You can have surgery when your vision decreases to the point that it interferes with your normal life,” is what I always say. But this does not apply to everyone. There are individual physicians who operate on patients with cataracts without examining the fundus, and as a result, they have poor vision after surgery and find macular degeneration, macular atrophy, fundus hemorrhage and other diseases, especially in diabetic patients. It is irresponsible to perform cataract surgery if the fundus is not checked. If your eyesight decreases, besides cataract, you should first check the fundus to see if there is diabetic retinopathy (fundus hemorrhage), if there is macular edema, and if you need laser treatment. Cataract surgery should be considered only after controlling the fundus lesions. If there are serious complications such as vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment, it is recommended that cataract and fundus surgery be completed together.
Can I have surgery if my blood sugar is high?
Depending on the physician’s mastery of the surgery, the blood sugar requirements vary slightly depending on the patient’s own condition and needs. Generally, blood sugar control below 10 mmol/L is sufficient, and preferably normal or around 7 mmol/L.
The purpose of cataract surgery for diabetic patients is different from that of non-diabetic patients. In addition to improving vision, observing the progress of fundus lesions and treating them is another important purpose. Find the right doctor and weigh the pros and cons in order to make the right decision.
One check and two questions before deciding.
Cataracts in diabetic patients are relatively complex issues. For physicians, they need to examine the fundus in detail and combine their experience to help patients make a decision; surgery too early or too late is not beneficial. For the patient, it is worth asking a few questions: Is my vision loss affecting me? How is my fundus? Can my body withstand the surgery?
Cataracts are simple, and the surgery is short. Cataracts can be complex, and there are many factors that affect the prognosis of surgery and require a comprehensive evaluation.