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 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.
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.