What Happens If You Delay Cataract Surgery? Risks of Waiting Too Long

Because cataracts are, generally, slow to form, there’s usually a good window of opportunity during which to schedule surgery. But what happens if you delay the procedure? 

Ultimately, if you leave it too long, there’s a very real risk to your vision. Indeed, cataracts remain the leading cause of vision loss around the world. The following delves into what is meant by the term, “too long”, and what you will be risking if you do.

Cataract Timing: The Optimal Time for Surgery and Risks of Extended Delay

• Understanding cataract progression
• What happens if you delay cataract surgery?
• What is a significant delay? (and the risks of waiting too long)

Understanding cataract progression 

Cataracts generally form over many years. There are exceptions, such as genetic (pediatric) cataracts or those that evolve far quicker than normal (perhaps taking months). 

However, by far the most common type of cataracts are those that are related to advancing age. These are generally diagnosed during a regular eye examination and tend to appear after the age of 60. They are asymptomatic at first, gradually causing problems over the following years or decades. 

What happens if you delay cataract surgery? 

The first symptoms of cataracts are usually very subtle. It’s only when they progress that they start to impact your vision. Typical signs include:

• Blurred vision.
• Double vision.
• Seeing halos around lights.
• Difficulty seeing in low light.
• Colors appearing muted or yellowed,
• Problems driving at night.
• Increasingly changing prescriptions.

At first, cataracts will be treated with external visual aids—such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. You’ll also be monitored by your eye doctor, who will inform you when your cataracts are approaching the time for removal.

What is a significant delay? (and the risks of waiting too long)

Because cataract progression is generally very slow, you may not have noticed quite how much it’s impacting your life. Your ophthalmologist will have noticed though, and once it’s decided that the cataract/s are “ripe” for removal, you’ll be able to schedule the operation at a convenient time.

Delaying a cataract operation by a few weeks or months isn’t a significant delay. However, if this extends to more than six months, then the risk factors begin to increase.

These include:

• Reduced quality of life: Reduced vision impacts every area of your life. You might not be able to drive at night or to easily carry out activities that require intricate eyesight. You might also become more reliant on other people, something that can further restrict your enjoyment of life.
• Increased risk of falls: In turn, this can cause other injuries. One of the most common results of a fall is a fractured hip. While this is treatable, the older you are the less likely you are to fully recover, which can lead to loss of mobility and the progression of other medical conditions.
• Increased risk during cataract surgery: if not removed and allowed to continue evolving, cataracts become harder. This makes them more difficult to successfully remove, leading to increased recovery times and higher incidences of complications.

Ultimately, untreated cataracts lead to blindness. But there’s absolutely no need for this to happen. Cataract surgery is a simple, quick procedure with a quick recovery time. The key to a successful operation is to schedule it as per your eye doctor’s advice. That way you’ll be sure of the highest chance of a speedy recovery and a return to great vision, allowing you to enjoy your best possible life.

Considering Delaying Cataract Surgery? Speak to the West Boca Eye Center for the Best Advice

Cataract surgery is an elective procedure. This means that it’s not life-threatening and can be scheduled according to need and the patient’s decision. However, determining when the cataract is at the optimal time for removal is something that should be decided in conjunction with a cataract surgeon.

Cataract care doesn’t come any better than the West Boca Eye Center—our global reputation is second to none. If you’re thinking of potentially delaying your cataract operation and want to know the risks, then we’re here to help. Ultimately, untreated cataracts will lead to blindness, making it essential to get the very best advice as to how long you can safely push back the procedure.

Find out more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/