Risks of Postponing Cataract Eye Surgery: A Complete Guide

Eyes, being one of the crucial sensory organs, play an important role in how we see and experience the world throughout our lives. Certain conditions can impact their proper functioning; one such condition is cataract. Various factors may lead to the development of cataracts, including trauma, ageing, medical conditions, or prolonged use of certain medications. Cataracts can develop in different locations within the lens and are classified accordingly. Each type of cataract affects vision in a distinct way.

In this blog, we will explore the different types of cataracts and the range of risks associated with delaying cataract surgery.

Types of Cataracts

• Nuclear Cataracts: This type of cataract is common in older adults and forms in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens. A temporary improvement in reading vision, known as “second sight”, may be experienced. However, the lens eventually becomes yellow and hardens, leading to impaired vision.
• Cortical Cataracts: Cortical cataracts affect the outer layer of the lens, called the cortex. In this type of cataract, white, wedge-shaped opacities, or streaks, start to appear at the lens periphery and gradually progress inwards toward the centre. These cataracts can scatter light, leading to issues such as glare and blurred vision, especially in bright light conditions.
  To gain a deeper understanding, explore our detailed guide on cortical cataract, covering risks, causes, treatment, and more.
• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: Such cataracts develop at the back of the lens, in the path of light entering the eye. This type of cataract progresses more rapidly compared to other types, often affecting reading vision. It also leads to sensitivity to bright light and creates a vision of halos around light sources. Younger individuals with a history of eye injury or inflammation are more likely to experience this type of cataract.
• Congenital Cataracts: They are present at birth or may develop during infancy. The causes could be hereditary or result from trauma during pregnancy, infections (e.g., rubella), or metabolic disorders. Early diagnosis is crucial in congenital cataracts to prevent vision impairment and amblyopia (lazy eye) in children.

Risk of Delaying Cataract Surgery

If you are wondering, “Is it safe to delay cataract surgery?” The answer is no. There are a range of risks associated with postponing cataract surgery. Few of them are as listed below.

• Progressive Vision Loss

Cataracts are among the conditions that progress and worsen with time. In the early stages, individuals may experience vision changes, including slightly blurred or dimmed vision. However, with the maturing of the cataract, the lens becomes increasingly opaque, significantly impacting visual clarity. This deterioration makes basic tasks such as reading, driving, or recognising faces more difficult. Night vision often deteriorates first, with individuals experiencing halos around light and similar challenges. These visual impairments require timely surgery to preserve the ability to function independently.

• Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries

Delaying cataract surgery also increases the risk of falls and physical injuries. This is among the most concerning consequences, especially in older adults. Progressing cataracts can often cause vision impairment, which can lead to head injuries, hip fractures, and hospitalisation. Timely surgical intervention is essential to regain balance and improve spatial awareness.

If you’re facing such challenges, seeking expert cataract treatment in Mumbai can help you rediscover the joy of clear vision.

• Reduced Quality of Life

Quality of life is heavily dependent on vision. With the deterioration in vision due to the progression of cataracts, people often struggle to engage in their hobbies or everyday activities that they once enjoyed. Social interactions may be disrupted, driving becomes unsafe, and reading becomes strenuous. Such limitations can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression. Studies show that people with untreated cataracts generally report a lower level of life satisfaction and reduced freedom of action.

• Complicated Surgery and Hard Recovery

In cases where cataracts remain untreated for too long, they can become hypermature and more difficult to extract. At such an advanced stage, surgery becomes more complex and has a higher risk of complications.

Additionally, recovery may also take longer, and visual outcomes can become less predictable. In some cases, the degenerated lens tissue may leak and cause secondary inflammation, a condition known as phacolytic glaucoma

Educating yourself about cataract surgery safety can be helpful in making informed decisions and reducing anxiety about the procedure.

To ensure proper healing and avoid complications, follow essential cataract surgery aftercare tips provided by your surgeon.

• Permanent Vision Impairment

Generally, cataract-related vision loss is reversible; however, in rare cases, extended delays in treatment may lead to permanent damage. For instance, a dense cataract can obstruct an ophthalmologist’s view of the back of the eye. This makes it difficult to detect other serious conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. When such conditions progress and go unchecked, they may result in irreversible damage to the retina or optic nerve.

• Difficulty Managing Other Eye Conditions

Patients who have existing eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, may face challenges in accurate monitoring and effective management. A cloudy lens caused by cataracts can obstruct the ophthalmologist’s view of the retina, making it even more difficult to detect changes. To administer essential treatments like laser therapy or injections also becomes more challenging. As a result, the underlying disease may progress and lead to a poorer overall prognosis.

• Increased Dependence on Others

The impact of vision loss goes beyond the individual, extending to their support network. Daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and navigating public places, which were once performed independently, may now require assistance. This can place emotional or physical strain on the family members or caretakers. It may also lower a person’s sense of dignity and self-worth. When such conditions are given timely attention, it significantly helps the patient maintain independence and reduces the burden on others, contributing to a more stable and healthier home environment.

Conclusion

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective procedures in ophthalmology. It is not only advisable but also essential for long-term visual and overall health. Although cataracts are highly treatable, they can cause significant damage to vision if left unaddressed. Timely intervention can not only help restore sight but also prevent a range of complications, including falls, injuries, and emotional distress. It can even hinder the management of other serious eye conditions.

Do you experience slight blurriness or other symptoms of cataracts? Get in touch with Arohi Eye Hospital, a leading eye hospital in Mumbai. With highly skilled doctors and state-of-the-art technology, our personalised eye care treatments are designed to restore your vision and safeguard your eye health, all delivered with deep, compassionate care.

FAQs

1. How safe is cataract surgery operation?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures, which has minimal complications and a high success rate.

2. What are the risks associated with cataract surgery?

Although risks are rare, they may include infection, retinal detachment, and vision changes. In most cases, these complications can be successfully managed, especially with timely professional intervention.

3. What are the disadvantages of cataract surgery?

While cataract surgery is a highly effective treatment option, some patients may experience temporary side effects. These may include light sensitivity, discomfort, or the need for glasses after the surgery. Severe complications are rare, and in most cases, side effects subside during the recovery process.

4. What are the benefits of cataract surgery?

The benefits of cataract surgery include providing clear vision, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving the quality of life.