The primary goal of treatment is
surgical removal and placement of an intraocular lens.
Typically, perioperative topical or intracameral antibiotics are given to prevent postoperative infection. Perioperative management also includes topical steroids and sometimes topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Although a cataract may be present on objective examination, surgical intervention is almost always elective and based on the patient's visual symptoms and desire to pursue surgery. In the United States, there is immense social and public health value in cataract surgery, as patients do not require general anesthesia or hospital admission and are able to regain functional visual acuity shortly following surgery.