Why do doctors delay cataract surgery?

With that said, cataracts often advance slowly — and during their early stages, they may cause very little disruption. In these cases, busy schedules, fear of needles, or other healthcare problems make it easy to hit the “snooze button” and postpone surgery.

Is it better to have cataract surgery sooner or later?

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.

Why do you have to wait so long for cataract surgery?

In most cases, there is no harm in delaying cataract surgery for a while. But don't wait too long. As a cataract matures, it hardens and can be more difficult to remove.

What stage should cataracts be 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.

Is there any harm in delaying cataract surgery?

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.

What happens if you delay or don't have cataract surgery?

What is the most frequent complication of cataract surgery?

A long-term consequence of cataract surgery is posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery. PCO can begin to form at any point following cataract surgery.

How long is too long for cataract surgery?

Interpretation. Patients who wait more than 6 months for cataract surgery may experience negative outcomes during the wait period, including vision loss, a reduced quality of life and an increased rate of falls.

What I wish I knew before cataract surgery?

Here are some things that you may want to avoid before and after cataract surgery to ensure that you heal properly. 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.

What time of year is best for cataract surgery?

Doctors suggest winter as a good time to get the surgery done as the season can help you recover quickly. But it is not really stringent, all you need to keep in mind is if the vision is getting excessively blurred and your daily activities are getting hampered, then get the cataract removed as soon as possible.

What is average age for cataract surgery?

In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73. However, changes in the lenses of our eyes start to affect us in our 40's.

What happens if you don't get cataract surgery when you need it?

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.

Will high blood pressure affect cataract surgery?

Patients with SBP <180 mm Hg and/or DBP <110 mm Hg can proceed to elective cataract surgery even if they do not have a documented long-term blood pressure measurement from the primary care physician.

How long do you have to wear sunglasses after cataract surgery?

Wear sunglasses outdoors for one week after surgery. It is optional to wear them indoors.

How often will I need new glasses after cataract surgery?

Research shows vision stabilizes within two weeks.

It can be tough for patients to wait for a new spectacle prescription after cataract surgery, especially those whose uncorrected near vision affects their quality of life. Luckily, new data suggests they only need to wait two weeks.

What happens if you blink during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery patients often worry about what may happen if they blink during the procedure. Although this is an understandable concern, there is no need to worry. You will be given an oral medication prior to the procedure to help you relax during your surgery.

Why can't you drink water before cataract surgery?

Don't: Eat or Drink Right Before the Surgery

While under sedation, there is a chance of stomach acid going into your lungs, which can cause damage. You will need to fast for about 12 hours before surgery to ensure you are safe from this effect.

What is the most important thing to do after cataract surgery?

Keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion out of your eye, especially for the first week. Do not rub or put pressure on your eye for at least 1 week. Do not wear eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks. You may also want to avoid face cream or lotion.

Which cataract affects vision the most?

A posterior subcapsular cataract often interferes with your reading vision, reduces your vision in bright light, and causes glare or halos around lights at night. These types of cataracts tend to progress faster than other types do.

Are most people happy after cataract surgery?

The average satisfaction score was 4.2 ± 0.9; 83.4% of patients were satisfied with the surgery (very satisfied, n = 108; satisfied, n = 98).

Do you need dark glasses after cataract surgery?

Yes, after cataract surgery, you need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. After surgery, your eyes are healing and are more sensitive to the sun's rays than usual.

Do you get a free pair of glasses after cataract surgery?

Medicare will pay for one pair of post-cataract surgery glasses per lifetime per eye after cataract surgery.

What medications interfere with cataract surgery?

Researchers have found that medications called alpha-blockers used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate – such as Flomax, Hytrin, Cardura and Uroxatral — can create a risk of complications during cataract surgery.

What medications can make cataracts worse?

Purpose: Corticosteroids are known to cause cataracts, but the effects of other medications on the lens are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between cataracts and a range of medications, including allopurinol, aspirin, chloroquine, diuretics, phenothiazines, and simvastatin.

Is it OK to sleep on side after cataract surgery?

In addition to wearing your eye shield at night, you will also want to avoid sleeping on the side that has been operated on. By reducing irritation, you can decrease your risk of infection and speed your recovery process. This is why your doctor tells you not to sleep on your side after cataract surgery.

What percentage of cataract surgery is successful?

High success rates

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.