According to several studies, cataract is one of the main causes of blindness in people over 40 years of age in India. The researchers also suggest that proper and timely eye care can prevent such a phenomenon. Unfortunately, eye drops and other non-surgical options can improve the vision. The only way to remove cataracts is surgery. But what happens when the surgery is not considered at the appropriate time? Read this article to know more.
Is it okay to delay cataract surgery?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends patients suffering from vision problems to ask themselves the following questions to know if they should consider cataract surgery.
- Is the cataract posing some problems in the daily activities the patient undertakes, especially at work?
- Is the patient able to drive safely in low light conditions, including at night?
- Is the patient able to engage in outdoor activities properly?
- Can the cataract be managed in some other way?
The patient can try to answer the questions on their own in order to get a vague idea pertaining to their decision of considering surgery as a treatment option.
Why you should not delay cataract surgery?
The following are the primary concerns that individuals come across when the cataract surgery is delayed-
- Interferes with daily routine- Cataracts with every stage prevent the patient from doing any daily activities properly such as reading books, watching television, house cleaning, or even hobbies including knitting, woodworking, playing cards, etc. Cataracts don’t allow such activities that leave the patient inactive and unproductive.
- Results in loss of vision permanently- Patients with cloudy lens may suffer from vision loss on a permanent basis. Evidence suggests that leaving a cataract untreated for long is the leading cause of blindness around the globe.
- Degenerative in nature- Cataract is an eye condition that is progressive in nature which means it simply deteriorates with time if proper treatment is not availed. As the clouding of the lens occurs, it hardens making it more difficult for the surgeon to remove. With every stage of maturity, the vision keeps on worsening.
For how long cataract surgery can be delayed?
Cataract surgery is an elective procedure which means the patient makes the choice of undergoing the surgery on their own. Although it is ultimately the patient’s decision, it is better to make the decision only after consulting and a thorough diagnosis with the doctor. Here are some factors that the doctors suggest to consider for making your decision-
● Any pre-existing eye problem that the patient is suffering from-
If there are eye problems such as inflammation or infection of the eye or eyelids or any other eye problems in addition to a cataract, the doctor first treats the former problems and then follows with the surgery. Or else, treating a cataract becomes difficult as it can cause several post-operative side effects and complications such as infection in the eye. The infection in the eye increases the risk of side effects by manifold. Therefore, the doctor suggests treating the pre-existing eye problem first and then undergoing the surgery. Sometimes there can be the coexistence of cataract and retinal ailment together inside the eye. Under such circumstances, cataract surgery should be completed first in order to diagnose the retinal disease.
● Physical health of the eye-
It is of utmost importance that the patient doesn’t suffer from any medical condition. Some important body parameters that the patient needs to consider are blood sugar or blood pressure. Patients with elevated blood pressure or high blood sugar should delay their decision of undergoing cataract surgery. Under such circumstances, waiting is the only option to consider is waiting for the blood pressure or blood sugar to get normal. In addition to diabetes and high blood pressure, there are other illnesses that need to be taken care of before undergoing cataract surgery.
● Age factor
Several babies are born with the condition, amblyopia. This is a congenital condition in which an infant is born with a cataract that can lead to permanent blindness if the surgery is not done immediately. This occurs when there is a lack of visual development when the baby is growing inside the womb as there is not sufficient stimulation inside the eye. However, if the cataract develops in their young or pre-teenage years, the decision of delaying cataract surgery can be considered.
● Type of cataract that the patient is suffering from-
The type of cataract- nuclear sclerosis or posterior sub-capsular- the patient has developed is another point to consider while making the decision if it is wise to postpone the surgery. In case the patient has developed the nuclear sclerosis type (also known as cortical), then the patient can postpone the surgery by relying on wearing minus lenses. This is the most common type of cataract the person develops. However, there should not be any delay in removing the posterior sub-capsular type of cataract as the vision cannot be created with corrective glasses. The ophthalmologist can let the patient know which type of cataract the person is suffering from.
● The patient’s profession and the lifestyle they lead-
The nature of the profession and the use of eye during work is another aspect that needs to be factored in. People who have to spend a lot of time looking at the objects near as possible for precision needs to get operated without any further delay. In addition to this, if the cataract is restricting performing any daily activities should consider the surgery right away.
Conclusion
Experts believe that delaying cataract surgery beyond a particular stage is not a viable option. It is best to choose the surgery when the patient has a moderate stage of vision problem. Delaying the surgery unnecessarily for too long makes it more difficult for the surgeon to remove the cataract as it hardens. This can lead to undesirable side effects and complications during the surgery. Experts suggest that removing the cataract when they are soft offers more promising results. Even there is statistical evidence to back such statements. It is more effective to consult with an ophthalmologist in order to make the final decision.
