If you are suffering from cataracts you may be wondering what happens if you don’t get cataract surgery. In this article, we will provide some insight into this question.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure used to treat cataracts, a condition that occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly.

The surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. While surgery can effectively restore vision, it is not always the best option for some patients.

Deciding whether to undergo cataract surgery requires careful consideration of a patient’s health, lifestyle, and preferences.

Surgery is typically recommended when the cataract has significantly adversely impacted upon a patient’s vision and the potential benefits outweigh any risks associated with the procedure.

Consulting with an ophthalmic surgeon can help patients decide whether cataract surgery is the correct option for them.

what happens if you don't get cataract surgery
Age-related cataracts may require surgery if alternative treatments no longer manage the condition and if cataract interferes with vision and makes sight worse.

What happens if cataracts are left untreated?

If cataracts are left untreated, the condition will gradually worsen over time, resulting in decreased quality of vision.

Cataracts can cause the following symptoms:

  • Vision becomes blurry and cloudy
  • Colours become less vibrant
  • Cataracts can cause glare, light sensitivity, difficulty with depth perception, and difficulty driving and participating in daily activities.

Untreated cataracts may lead to eventual blindness if allowed to progress.

If cataracts are diagnosed early and treated promptly, vision can be preserved and the condition can be managed effectively. In many cases, the quality of vision can be significantly improved, and glasses may not be required after surgery.

what happens if you don't get cataract surgery
Most cataracts impair vision. Undergoing surgery is in many cases necessary.

Is surgery for cataracts my only treatment option?

Surgery is not the only treatment option for cataracts. In the initial stages, there are several non-surgical treatments to help improve vision such as:

  • Corrective glasses
  • Magnifying lenses, and
  • Bright lighting

However, once these treatments are not effective, surgery will become necessary.

Vision Clinic Sydney

At Vision Clinic Sydney, ophthalmologists are subspecialist cataract surgeons. They can provide a comprehensive eye examination to determine the degree of cataracts and the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may decide to monitor or proceed to vision correction options such as surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find our most frequently asked questions:

What happens if I choose not to have cataract surgery?

If you choose not to have cataract surgery, the cataract will continue to worsen and cause the vision to become increasingly blurred. It is important to have cataract surgery at an appropriate time to prevent further vision loss and to prevent the second-order consequences of poor vision, such as falls.

What happens if you wait too long to have cataract surgery?

If you wait too long to have cataract surgery, you may experience vision loss, as well as other health problems related to cataracts. This can include an increased risk of falls, difficulty driving, and even depression. In severe cases, waiting too long can cause permanent vision loss.

Can you delay cataract surgery for too long?

You can wait too long for cataract surgery. If left untreated, cataracts can cause an increase in vision problems and potentially cause permanent vision loss. Therefore, it is best to have cataract surgery promptly.

It is important to consult an eye care professional if you have any signs of cataracts. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to obtain an excellent outcome.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Nikhil Kumar is a highly qualified ophthalmologist with a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle, which he obtained in 1998. Following his graduation, he completed his ophthalmology specialty training at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008.

His expertise in the field of ophthalmology includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and laser vision correction. His passion for the eye and its intricacies inspired him to pursue Ophthalmology as a specialty.

How to book an appointment

For your first appointment, you must have a referral letter from your General Practitioner or Optometrist in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures you may have performed at the clinic.

If you don't have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you won't be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.