Cataracts grow slowly, meaning you’ve usually got some time to consider whether or not to have cataract surgery. It’s easy to focus on the potential risks of surgery but there are risks in declining it too.
What is a cataract?
A cataract happens when your eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy. It may cause symptoms such as:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to glare
- Reduced colour perception
- Difficulties driving at night.
Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment in over-55s. They can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is the only evidence-based treatment for cataracts. It’s one of the most frequently performed operations in Australia, helping to restore sight to countless people.
During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed through a small incision and a new artificial lens is put in its place. It’s a same-day surgery that takes about 30 minutes. Some people also take the opportunity to correct other vision problems such as improving their eyesight through lifestyle or refractive cataract surgery.
Vision usually improves within a few days of cataract surgery though full healing can take 4-6 weeks. Cataract surgery has a high success rate, enabling you to resume activities like driving or reading and improving your quality of life.
Why do people decline cataract surgery?
Given its sight-restoring reputation, why would anyone decline cataract surgery? Well, you might:
- Still have fairly good vision and prefer to wait – cataracts develop slowly but they do worsen as time goes on, meaning you’ll need to consider surgery eventually
- Have other, more pressing health needs to attend to first – that’s sometimes advisable and we can talk to you (and your wider healthcare team) about it
- Dislike the thought of someone operating on your eye – we understand that and provide plenty of reassurance and support to help you feel in control
- Be concerned about the potential risks of cataract surgery – like all surgery, cataract surgery does involve some possible risks, though we take care to minimise or manage these.
How long can cataract surgery be postponed?
While there may be good reasons for delaying cataract surgery, it should not be postponed for too long because:
- The cataract will worsen and reduce your quality of life
As the cataract worsens, you may find it becomes harder to read, sew, make jewellery or drive at night. The bright glare of the morning sun may be problematic too. As a result, you might find yourself staying home more often rather than joining friends and family on outings. - The risk of a fall increases
If you already have other underlying health conditions affecting your mobility, then vision difficulties caused by an untreated cataract may increase the risk of a potentially bone-breaking fall. That can be painful and debilitating. - The risk of angle closure glaucoma increases
As a cataract grows, it takes up more space in your eye and blocks its natural drainage channels. That’s a problem because of another eye condition called glaucoma. This causes the fluid pressure in your eye to increase and damages the optic nerve, which is essential to vision. So, at this point, glaucoma is increasing fluid pressure in your eye and a growing cataract is blocking the drainage channel, causing fluid pressure to rise even further. This is known as angle closure glaucoma. When it occurs suddenly (acutely), it’s a medical emergency, requiring urgent surgery to relieve pressure and protect sight. - Surgery becomes more complicated
Larger, dense, hyper-mature cataracts can be harder to remove, increasing the risk of surgical complications. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, if you’re concerned about the risks of surgery, you’re probably better to have it as soon as possible while your cataract is still comparatively small.
How can we help?
The OKKO Eye Specialist team includes highly skilled specialists with extensive experience in cataract surgery.
For us, though, outstanding care isn’t only a question of surgical skill. It requires great personal skills too. That’s why we spend time explaining what’s involved in cataract surgery, answering your questions and reassuring you each step of the way.
You’re bound to feel a little nervous before surgery – that’s quite normal. Once it’s done though, you’ll hopefully be able to see more clearly and enjoy an active life again.
If you’re concerned about cataracts or now feel ready to consider cataract surgery, please book a consultation at OKKO Eye Specialists.
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
- NHS UK, Recovery: cataract surgery, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/recovery/, [Accessed 29 October 2024]
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Cataract surgery: risks, recovery, costs, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery#risks, [Accessed 29 October 2024]
- Cleveland Clinic, Angle closure glaucoma, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/angle-closure-glaucoma, [Accessed 29 October 2024]
