personalEYES BLOG

When should I get my cataracts treated?

Severe cataracts can cause loss of independence for older adults as decreased vision may affect driving, working, reading, or hobbies.

While cataracts can cause blindness, this is rare. Surgery is usually done before a cataract progresses far enough to cause blindness.

A rare type of cataract can lead to glaucoma.

As a cataract progresses, more of the lens becomes cloudy. When the entire lens is white, the cataract is called a ‘ripe’ or ‘mature’ cataract and causes severe vision problems. Delaying surgery until cataracts are ripe or mature is neither recommended nor necessary.

Painless, quick and simple surgery can be the answer.

Most people who have a cataract recover from surgery with no problems, and improved vision. In fact, serious complications are not common with modern cataract surgery. This type of surgery has a success rate of 98 percent in patients with otherwise healthy eyes.

The benefits are enormous. Including improvements in everyday activities such as driving, reading, working, hobbies and safety, as well as improving self-confidence and independence.