As we age, our eyes weaken and cataracts can begin to form on the lenses. This cloudy, flim-like material causes a number of vision problems, from worsening nearsightedness to the inability to see well in dim light–or in some cases, double vision and faded colors. Most people get cataract surgery to resolve these concerns and are able to see well, sometimes even better than 20/20 vision, and improve their quality of life. But what happens when cataracts are left untreated?
Untreated Cataracts–What Eye Concerns Will Be Caused?
Cataracts won’t improve on their own. Once they appear, only a surgical procedure can resolve them. Left untreated, cataracts will continue to worsen over time. As they get worse and worse, the vision becomes more and more impaired, affecting skills such as driving, reading, and work
skills. Enjoyment of life is also diminished, as TV can no longer be enjoyed, outdoor activities can become almost impossible as the eyes become more sensitive to light, and hobbies and sports are things that can’t be personally enjoyed or even watched.
The deteriorating loss of vision and worsening vision distortion has a significant negative effect on a person’s quality of life. Ultimately, the worst case will occur with untreated cataracts–total blindness.
On the Bright Side
While the above sounds bleak, and it is, the good news is that cataracts are easily treated. Cataract surgery is a simple procedure that is performed to remove and replace the cloudy lens. With experienced surgeon, it takes only about 15 minutes to complete, is very low risk, and provides an astounding success rate.
We recommend that you don’t wait when it comes to getting your cataract surgery. If you suffer from blurred, worsening vision and your cataracts are beginning to affect you negatively, get the surgery before serious vision impairment begins to set in. Left untreated, cataracts can become hyper-mature. This makes them more difficult to remove and can even cause surgery complications.
Once vision problems develop, patients are generally able to get cataract surgery, and these early cases result in the best outcomes. At Pacific Vision Institute, we are happy to consult with you to discuss when the best time is for your cataract surgery.