Some people can manage their cataracts in the early and moderate stages and are able to put off surgery temporarily. However, even with early and moderate cataracts, it is highly recommended to see an eye doctor regularly. Sometimes cataracts can mask other conditions of the eye that are not discovered until later.
These opaque spots blur vision and cause people to require new glasses prescriptions regularly as cataracts progress. It's possible for people to live with cataracts for a very long time without needing any treatment other than prescription eyeglasses.
What happens if cataracts are left untreated? Untreated cataracts will eventually block light from entering the eye and result in a loss of vision. Worldwide, they are the leading cause of blindness.
You may have trouble reading or doing other everyday activities. Over time, cataracts can lead to vision loss. The good news is that surgery can get rid of cataracts. Cataract surgery is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts.
When left untreated, cataracts become denser and further impair vision. If a cataract is left untreated for too long, it becomes what is sometimes called “hyper-mature.” When this occurs, the cataract has become more dense, more difficult to remove, and more likely to cause complications during surgery.
Even though surgery is the only treatment for removing cataracts, this doesn't mean everyone with cataracts requires surgery. Some people with mild cataracts can correct their vision with prescription glasses and contact lenses. They can also manage with brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, and magnifying lenses.
For the vast majority, cataract surgery is not urgent, and can be safely delayed until the person wishes to pursue surgery. Delaying surgery does not cause harm to the eye, however the vision just gets worse over time until the cataract is removed.
The operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. There is no need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” before removing it. Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life.
What is the average age for cataract surgery? While many people are diagnosed with cataracts in their 40s, the average age for cataract surgery is 65. That said, there is no one age that's better for cataract surgery than others. In fact, the average age for cataract surgery has been decreasing over the past few years.
A cataract can make objects appear blurry. It can also make colors seem less bright. Cataracts are a common condition, especially for older people. Cataracts typically begin developing in people age 40 years and older but don't usually begin to impair vision until after age 60.
Although it's never too late to have a cataract removed, it is better to have cataracts removed while they are immature, as this reduces the length of surgery and the recovery time. Earlier removal also means that you avoid the significant visual impairment associated with very mature (hypermature) cataracts.
In general, cataract surgery is not an emergency surgery but an elective procedure.
Prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can enhance cataract progression. During sunny days when you must be outside, try to wear sunglasses. For the same reasons as stated above, reducing the amount of ultraviolet light that reaches your eyes will help keep cataracts at bay.
Over time, cataracts become worse and start to interfere with vision. Important skills can be affected, such as driving, and loss of vision can affect the overall quality of life in many ways including reading, working, hobbies and sports. If left untreated, cataracts will eventually cause total blindness.
Cataracts are a progressive condition which means that without treatment, your vision will get worse over time. In the case of age-related cataracts, the condition usually progresses slowly over a number of months or years.
Researchers say 30% to 50% of people who had cataract surgery need glasses after cataract surgery. Whether you'll be one of them is based on several factors.
There is no single recommended age to get refractive cataract surgery. Cataracts normally develop after age 40, and some people elect for early intervention to restore their vision sooner.
Some Don'ts: Things to Avoid
Avoiding eating and drinking before your surgery. Don't wear makeup to the surgery appointment, and avoid wearing makeup until your ophthalmologist allows it so that you can better prevent infection. Avoid getting irritants in your eyes.
Your view may look foggy, filmy, or cloudy. Over time, as the cataracts get worse, less light reaches the retina. People with cataracts may have an especially hard time seeing and driving at night.
Increasing difficulty with vision at night. Sensitivity to light and glare. Need for brighter light for reading and other activities. Seeing "halos" around lights.
Patients who have undergone Cataract surgery in one eye will have clearer vision compared to the affected eye which increases the pressure on the treated eye. The increased pressure on a single eye can be stressful.
Most people do exceedingly well with cataract surgery. Its success rate is about 99 percent. Complications from cataract surgery are rare but may include corneal swelling and/or inflammation in the eyes.
Cataracts are a natural part of growing older. However, repeated exposure to UV radiation without eye protection can amplify and speed up this process. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, so it's important to protect yourself however you can.
Stage 3: The 'Clear' Cataract
This type of blur cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Contrast goes down, and glare becomes noticeable. You may find yourself changing glasses more often, even several times in a year, as the lens changes. You may become more nearsighted.
Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts. Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts.