I am 53 years old. Within 2 months I’m scheduled for cataract removal on both eyes.  With my situation as described below, do you think the risks associated with removing my cataracts are significant or above-normal?  Am I being overly concerned?

12 years ago – diagnosed with hyperthyroidism;  4 years ago received radiation treatment – now have hypothyroidism.  Left eye – 8 years ago – vitreous detachment; there were no retinal detachment issues.  At present I have double and blurred vision; difficulty with glare; increased nearsightedness; no longer need reading glasses.  My prescription is currently -5.50.  Right eye – 11 months ago – retinal detachment; successful reattachment; vitrectomy and scleral buckle, but have lost some peripheral vision and central vision acuity.  There was optic nerve damage during surgery; swinging-light-test indicates a RAPD.  I have moderate low vision at about 20/70.  Both eyes – experiencing up and down IOP – Right eye is presently 28; now taking Xalatan drops in right eye only.  I still wear contacts lenses because my vision just seems to be better than with my eyeglasses; I use lens drops to help from feeling that my eyes are dry all the time. All of this makes me quite nervous about the cataract surgery, but I do need to see better!  My work involves using the computer all day. I also need to decide between monofocal or multifocal IOLs and don’t know where to start.  Any comments would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks so much.