Cataracts occur when the eye lens becomes cloudy, affecting vision. The condition is usually age-related, but other factors can contribute to the development of cataracts. Various diseases, trauma, and certain medications can contribute to the development of cataracts. 

In their mild form, cataracts do not cause too much trouble. When cataracts interfere with an individual’s daily activities, the eye doctor will recommend surgery. 

Do You Have Cataracts? 

In most cases, cataracts develop slowly and do not cause noticeable eyesight problems in the early stages. Without an eye exam, you may not know you have cataracts until a later stage. Over time, your vision becomes cloudy, and you may have difficulty reading in low lighting. 

You may experience glare or halos around lights. If you suspect you may have cataracts, visit an ophthalmologist. A dilated eye exam will help detect cataracts and determine their density.  

Treatment for Cataracts 

There is no way to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts, but you can slow their progression. Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight can help delay their growth. 

If you have diabetes, managing your condition will help slow the progression of cataracts. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove them. If cataracts interfere with your daily activities, you need surgery to restore your lost vision. 

What Happens If You Do Not Treat Cataracts?

When cataracts form over the eye lens, it feels like trying to see through a cloudy or dirty window. During the early stages, stronger lenses can manage the situation. But over time, cataracts usually worsen, affecting your ability to drive, read, or perform other tasks effectively. 

When this happens, you need cataract surgery. Failing to get cataract surgery will lead to vision loss as light entering the eye is blocked. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. 

Removing Cataracts in Both Eyes 

In most cases, cataracts affect both eyes. However, vision is usually worse in one eye than the other. If the cataract is due to injury or disease, it may affect just one eye. The surgeon performs the surgery on one eye at a time to remove the cataract.

The eye that is worse off will receive the first treatment, followed by the other a week or two later. It allows one eye to recover vision before the other is operated on. 

Cataract Surgery Procedure 

During surgery, the ophthalmologist makes a small incision on the side of the cornea before removing the clouded lens. A clear artificial lens is inserted to replace the clouded lens. The incision does not require stitches, and it heals on its own. 

The surgery requires a thin blade to make the incision, or the surgeon may use a laser. While traditional surgery is covered by insurance, laser-assisted cataract surgery is usually not covered. 

Cataract surgery is a low-risk outpatient procedure usually completed in about 15 minutes. Patients often spend two to three hours at the clinic or surgery center, making time for prep and post-op care. Most people experience improved vision the same day and can return to normal duties the next day. Complete healing can take four to six weeks.

To know what happens if you do not get cataract surgery, call Reeve Woods Eye Center at (530) 317-3937 
 to reach our office in Chico, California.