What are the risks of having a cataract operation done?

I have bad eyesight from my younger days. Recently I have been diagnosed with Glaucoma (responding to treatment). Dr. says getting a cataract operation will improve my sight. I do not have any cataracts in my eyes. I am 45 years old, female. I have Type 2 Diabetes (though taking Insulin) but no retinopathy. I am short sighted as well as have astigmatism. Is it true that getting a cataract done - replacing lenses has some risks and the operation can go wrong?

Risks of cataract surgery
As in any surgical procedure, a small element of risk exists. Occasional unavoidable complications may occur during surgery such as infection, retinal detachment, macular swelling, hemorrhage, etc. While these complications are extremely rare, they may occur. In some cases, vision does not improve because of a preexisting condition such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or other diseases of the optic nerve and retina. It is impossible to predict in which patients these complications will occur.

In some cases, there is a possibility that your vision may not improve as much as you would have liked. A very rare complication is the possibility that the intraocular lens will require removal or repositioning. No operation of any sort can ever be performed without risk. However, 95% of all patients having cataract surgery will see significantly better without complication. If patients with abnormal retinas are excluded from this group, the success rate becomes even higher.

Blindness

The benefits outweigh the risks

There are risks with every surgery; but, the risks are minimal compared to losing your sight.

yes but the risks are very small i work for an OD and we send people all the time to get it and they love it after my father n law had it now he can see the banners on the bottom of CNN without glasses so the benifits out weigh the risks but i have never heard of getting cataract sx without cataracts

As was previously mentioned, any surgery has risks associated with it. If you're concerned about the surgery because you have diabetes, don't be. I have type 1 diabetes and had cataract surgery a little over a year ago. I have had no complications and am completely enjoying vision with no contacts or glasses. (I had been wearing glasses since I was 6.) Good luck and best of health.

I just had this surgery done 5 months ago. The greatest risk is retinal detachment but it doesn't happen that often.