When can cataract surgery wait?

Dear Mayo Clinic, I've been diagnosed with cataracts, but it does not bother me at all. Is it a good idea to have a cataract surgery now or can I wait? How is this operation going?

A: It is not uncommon for a cataract to develop slowly, so you may not immediately notice vision problems or these problems are minimal. Eventually, the cataract will begin to obscure your view, making the images blurry, darkened or dimmed. But if your vision has not been affected yet, there is no harm in delaying cataract surgery yet.

A cataract occurs when the naturally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens is placed behind the colored part of your eye, called the iris. It concentrates the light that pbades in your eyes, producing clear and sharp images on the retina. Normally, the lens is transparent and clear. Once the symptoms develop, having a cataract comes back to look through a dirty or fogged windshield: you can still drive, but the more your vision is compromised, the greater the risk of an accident. Fortunately, surgery to remove cataracts is usually safe and very effective. In almost all cases, cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that lasts about 20 minutes. During the procedure, an ophthalmic surgeon removes the opaque lens and replaces it with a plastic implant. The replacement lens is in the same location as your natural lens. This artificial lens is durable and should never be replaced in most cases. Cataract surgery clears vision in approximately 95% of cases. In addition to correcting cataracts, the artificial lens placed during cataract surgery can often correct distance or near vision, if necessary. However, you may still need a vision correction with glbades or contact lenses for close-up, distance work, or both.

After the operation, your surgeon puts a shield and patch on your eye. These must remain in place less than 24 hours. Once the patch and shield are removed, most people can resume most of their usual activities. One of the common reasons why people are considering cataract surgery is to improve their vision so they can always drive safely. A study conducted in 2018 on people with cataract in both eyes revealed that participants operated with one eye reduced their risk of car accident by 61% compared to the year before the outbreak. # 39; s response. But car accidents are not the only risk. Research shows that cataracts increase the risk of falling. Surgery improves clarity, color perception and brightness and helps with night vision. If you think that cataracts limit your vision or your ability to perform normal activities, such as reading or driving at night, talk to your health care provider. He or she can discuss with you the benefits and risks of the procedure. To keep your eyes healthy, consult your eye care professional regularly. Detecting cataracts and other eye problems at an early stage often ensures the most effective treatment. Ask your health care provider to help you determine an appropriate schedule for eye exams.

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