Why You Should Not Delay Your Cataract Surgery

Many health issues increase with age, including problems with eyesight. Cataracts are a common problem with older adults and are easily treated with surgery, but some people are nervous about it. People may worry: What if my doctor finds cataracts? Should I go through with the surgery? Read on to find out what could happen if you delay this life-changing surgery.

What Are Cataracts?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “A cataract is when your eye's natural lens becomes cloudy. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy, or less colorful.” Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. The lens bends, or refracts, light rays that come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear, but if you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Mild cataracts may not cause any symptoms but as they grow, cataracts can cause changes in your vision.

Should You Delay Cataract Surgery?

Delaying treatment for cataracts is rarely an option. Unfortunately, if left untreated altogether, cataracts can cause serious damage and impairment to your vision. If your cataracts are slow-growing, you may be able to put off surgery, but most doctors will not recommend this approach. Without surgery, some factors may exacerbate the problem and speed up degradation.

If you delay treatment, you may experience side effects such as:

·        Cloudy, hazy, or blurred vision

·        Streaks or glare around lights

·        Poor night vision

·        Impaired color vision

·        Sensitivity to bright light

Can I Wait Too Long to Have Surgery?

Cataract surgery has restored the vision of millions of people. When you face the question of how soon to have your cataract removed, consider these facts:

Cataracts are a degenerative condition. Unfortunately, with cataracts, your vision will never improve. The only solution is to remove the lens of the eye(s) and replace them with an artificial lens. Having this procedure done soon after diagnosis can stop the degeneration. 

Untreated cataracts result in vision loss. If left untreated, the cataract impairs vision completely. This can result in serious risks to your life. 

Cataracts interfere with daily activities. As time goes on, your cataracts can prevent you from most of the tasks you enjoy. This can include taking walks, watching tv, reading, and more. Losing your eyesight can also result in losing your license or may result in an accident. 

Cataracts make night driving a safety hazard. Blurred vision from cataracts can make your eyes sensitive to light. Normal light sources, like street lights, headlights from oncoming traffic, and neon signs can impair your visual performance and put you and other drivers at risk.

Learn More About Cataracts and Surgery to Remove Them

At BASS Medical Group, we see many families and individuals who are looking for another chance to see the world differently. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, but a simple, fifteen-minute outpatient surgery can restore clear vision. Give us a call today at (925) 350-4044. Our amazing doctors can restore your eyes.