Is surgery an only option to treat cataract?

Q: My 47 years old brother has ankylosis, which is affecting his eye (iritis) now. He is taking eye drops regularly. Now he has developed cataract. Should he go for an operation and would a lens be suitable in such a condition? Please advise.

A:Complicated cataract often develops as part of the disease process/steroid use in iritis and requires surgery when impacting the vision.

An intra ocular lens such as the Acrysof IQ is an excellent lens and can be used in this situation. IOLs (single piece lenses of appropriate design) will not cause any side effects to the eye or exacerbate the iritis in any way.