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My ophthalmologist told me last year that I needed cataract surgery in my *RIGHT* eye, the following week my vision went wavy in that eye! I had macular degeneration! I went to a retina doc and it has been stable since (had to have treatments). My next appt. with my ophthalmologist (8 moths later), he says I need cataract surgery in my *LEFT* eye. My left eye gives me no problem and I can read tiny print (prescription bottles!) with it. He said it is a LARGE cataract. I am confused because, how is it I can read tiny print? He made no mention of a left eye problem earlier. Well, I am 80 years old, and have no caregiver! My mind is good (sort of) however, following all the directions he has given, before and after surgery, scares me. They are detailed...all kinds of different drops to do with when/how, lots of follow up! At 80...do I want to take this chance of infection, mishap in the surgery process, etc.? Also, I have two sweet old cats and a beloved dog to take care of. I don't drive anymore because of the right eye...better, after treatments, but still somewhat wavy. I don't trust my reaction time. I can get a ride to and from doc visits, but no help with physical well being.

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Do it. Not a big deal. The directions are as simple as putting in eye drops on a schedule and not bending over till doctor says it is okay. Infection isn't a big risk. My parents had this operation in their late 80s. I've had it in one eye and it was amazing how much better I could (and can) see. I'm going to have it in the other eye soon, and this is 7 years later. (And I also have an incurable corneal condition, and will be just fine.) The cats and dog will be better off if you're not stumbling over them. So will you. You want to fall and break a hip because you didn't see that broom handle in front of you? I didn't think so. Because then you really will be in trouble and so will your pets.
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These are two very very different conditions and it is crucial you know the difference and your options for treatment.
There is no reason to get cataract treatment if your vision is fine for you; in fact my doctor said I will know when I want to have it. That it is "ripe and ready" but that it may not or may deteriorate further year by year. At 80 it is up to me.
Now macular degeneration is a different thing entirely and if this is WET rather than dry there is medication that is injectable directly into the eye (not nearly as bad as you can imagine; I know that it sounds like a horror movie, but I have two friends currently getting this monthly treatment and glad of the option. That can help stop the degeneration. This will eventually lead to blindness for some without treatment, and--again--it progresses more quickly for some than for others.
You need to get to your eye doctor regularly and tell him you aren't fully understanding the difference in the two conditions you have; it is important you understand your options fully and make your informed choices as there will be consequences.
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Winnie, I think you need a 2nd opinion from a different ophthalmologist.

My husband and I are only in out 60s and our regular eye doc checks our retinas, maculae, optic nerves and everything at each visit.

The thing with cataracts is that they get worse over time. The risk of complications/infection is very low if you use a good surgeon. The regimen of drops isn't that complicated; you can ask the office to give you a chart.
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"Eye doctors recommend having cataract surgery before your cataracts start seriously affecting your vision. If you wait too long, your cataracts can become “hyper-mature”, which makes them more difficult to remove, and can cause surgery complications."

I am 73 and have had friends, who at the time were younger, have cateracts removed. The worst part was the drops. I am developing them but as of yet Dr has said nothing about removing them. Maybe for your peace of mind you should see another doctor. Me, I can't wait to have them done. I have worn contacts for 53 years. Would be nice not to anymore.
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My mom had her cataracts done at 88. No problem at all. Nursing service had a nurse who came to put the drops in her eyes. She had no infections. Her lens implants worked well. She later developed macular degeneration and went blind.
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