When is surgery for cataracts typically performed?

Surgery for cataracts is typically performed when the cataract interferes with the patient's daily activities, such as reading, driving, or other essential tasks that require clear vision. This approach ensures that the surgery is justified by the impact the cataract has on the patient's quality of life.

Cataracts develop gradually and may not require immediate intervention upon diagnosis, as some patients can manage their lifestyle with corrective lenses or other non-surgical methods initially. Although a patient may express a desire for surgery, the decisions are usually guided by clinical indicators rather than solely on patient request. Preventive surgery is not performed in the case of cataracts because waiting for surgery until vision impairment affects daily living is standard practice; the procedure is meant to restore function rather than be conducted before symptoms arise.

Thus, the timing of cataract surgery is primarily based on its impact on the patient's functionality, making this the most appropriate reason for surgical intervention.