What happens if you don treat cataracts

Serious problems aren't common Out of people who have this surgery, fewer than 10 have serious problems. Serious problems that can happen include: Swelling of the retina or cornea.

This may cause blurry vision that often goes away on its own. If it doesn't, more treatment may be needed. New or different astigmatism, which can usually be treated with glasses or contact lenses. Infection in the eye.

A very serious infection called endophthalmitis can lead to blindness. This type of infection is rare. Other eye infections, such as uveitis , may affect your vision until you get treatment.

Problems caused by bits of the cataract left behind. Your doctor may need to do surgery to remove these bits and improve your vision. Retinal detachment. After you have had cataract surgery, your risk for retinal detachment is higher than normal.

What are the risks of not having cataract surgery? Usually, a cataract that isn't removed will slowly get worse and make your eyesight worse: You may no longer be able to do your usual daily activities. You may not be able to drive safely, especially at night. You may be more likely to fall or hurt yourself.

Why might your doctor recommend cataract surgery? Your doctor might recommend surgery if: Poor eyesight is affecting your ability to do your job or take part in some leisure or social activities.

Surgery would help your doctor keep track of another eye problem, such as a problem with your retina. You do not have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration. Surgery may not improve eyesight in people who also have these eye problems. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Have cataract surgery Wait and see. Compare Option 2 Have cataract surgery Wait and see. Have cataract surgery Have cataract surgery You will probably be awake during the operation.

You may feel pressure, but you shouldn't feel pain. You will go home the same day. Surgery works well to restore poor eyesight caused by cataracts. Cataract surgery also improves eyesight for people who are nearsighted, are farsighted, or have astigmatism. Your vision may be cloudy for up to 3 months. This will go away as your eye heals. You may need laser surgery a few months or years later if your vision clouds up again.

Serious problems are not common but include: Swelling of the retina. New or different astigmatism. Infection of the eye tissues. You may still need glasses or contact lenses after surgery. Wait and see Wait and see You will decide when the cataract is affecting your vision and your life enough to have surgery. Your eyesight will continue to slowly get worse.

You may have a slightly higher risk of problems from surgery if you wait to have surgery until your cataract is severe. Personal stories about cataract surgery These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have cataract surgery Reasons to wait and see.

My poor eyesight is affecting my ability to do my job. My work isn't affected by my poor eyesight. The glare from the sun or headlights bothers me when I drive. I don't notice glare from the sun or headlights when I drive. I am able to take part in activities well enough.

The lens is a crystalline structure that sits just behind the pupil — the black circle in the center of the eye through which light enters. The light is focused by the cornea and the lens on the retina, a layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye which creates electrical impulses of the image then transmitted to the brain, enabling us to see.

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. You may notice our processes take slightly longer than usual, and we apologise if this causes any inconvenience.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. Cataracts usually form very slowly over many years, and symptoms appear gradually, though cataracts can also be unpredictable. They normally occur as a natural side-effect of ageing, though other elements can play a part, such as exposure to sunlight, certain medical conditions, or genetics. You should talk to your doctor or optician as soon as you start to experience cataract symptoms. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery, but when this should happen can be down to different factors.

The right time for treatment would be advised by your ophthalmologist, based on your personal circumstances. For example, if your cataracts are age-related and developing very slowly, you might be able to delay surgery until your problems with vision have worsened.

An intraocular lens IOL is used to replace the lens of the eye. The artificial lens implant generally improves and restores vision. In and beyond, cataract surgery is considered very safe and effective. Your ophthalmologist can help you to determine if cataract surgery is right for you.

We offer laser-assisted cataract surgery and lifestyle lenses as options for our patients. Learn More about Cataract Surgery. Eye Health Statistics. American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Are Cataracts? September Facts About Cataracts. August National Eye Institute. June Mayo Clinic.