Fear, cost and recovery are among many reasons people cite to avoid surgery. In some cases, surgery is a means of last resort when other interventions have proven unsuccessful or when no other option is available to cure the issue. When it comes to cataracts, cataract surgery is inevitable. Despite this truth, patients may wonder if maybe they are exempt and there may be an option to avoid surgery. What happens if I don’t get cataract surgery?
Untreated cataracts will progress to the point where eventually light will be blocked from entering the eye and result in serious vision impairment or total vision loss. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide but avoiding this life-altering status can be avoided with cataract surgery. A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye that gradually affects one’s ability to carry out daily activities such as reading and driving. When this happens, surgery is necessary to remove the cataract, replacing it with an intraocular lens to permanently correct vision. While a small number of patients may never need cataract surgery, the majority will require surgery to have cataracts removed. Although cataract progression is often slow, cataracts can be unpredictable. Some people develop them in their 40s or 50s but do not experience noticeable symptoms until their 60s. Others will see a drastic impairment to their vision with the onset of cataracts. Cataracts development may be delayed with a nutrient rich diet and protecting the eyes from ultraviolet light.
The primary danger in avoiding cataract surgery is significant vision loss or complete blindness. The risk to your eyesight is simply not worth it. Cataract surgery is regarded as a safe procedure with an excellent recovery and satisfaction rate. If you are concerned that you may have a cataract or have noticed changes to your vision, contact Pendleton Eye for a thorough eye exam. If you are diagnosed with cataracts, we can work on a treatment plan and monitor the development of the cataract to know when surgery will be the best option for you. Call today at 760-758-2008 or visit WEBSITE.
