Cataracts are one of the most common age-related health conditions. They often develop slowly, as a person ages, and many individuals are diagnosed with the condition before they start to notice any symptoms.
While the only effective way to treat cataracts is with surgery, it is understandable to be hesitant about scheduling the procedure if you haven’t experienced any notable changes to your vision. Keep reading to learn more about the stages of cataracts and about what could happen if you delay cataract surgery!
The Basics of Cataracts
Cataracts occur when proteins and fibers from the lens of the eye break off and form clumps on the naturally clear surface of the lens. As more and more clumps collect, they prevent light from entering the eye and reaching the retina, the structure of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain.
While there are several types of cataracts, age-related cataracts are by far the most common. The symptoms of cataracts include clouded or blurry vision, night blindness, difficulty seeing in low light, sensitivity to bright light and glare, seeing halos around lights, changes to the appearance of the pupils, and lenses that appear yellow or white.
Not everyone’s cataracts develop along the same timeline, but for many people, it can take many years for symptoms to cause significant vision impairment. If left untreated, cataracts gradually worsen and can eventually lead to blindness.
What are the Stages of Cataracts?
Cataracts develop in four main stages: early (nuclear), immature, mature, and hypermature. Here’s what you can expect at each stage:
Early: In the early stage, symptoms are often mild, and you may notice only slight changes to the quality and clarity of your vision. Early-stage cataracts are often not visible to the naked eye and are typically diagnosed during a routine comprehensive eye exam.
Immature: As cataracts progress to the immature stage, symptoms usually start to become noticeable, and the lens of the eye may begin to appear cloudy. While symptoms like blurry vision and impaired night vision can be bothersome, they might not limit your normal activities.
Mature: If cataracts have not been treated by the mature stage, they can start to cause significant vision impairment. The lens of your eye may appear yellow or milky white, and engaging in day-to-day activities, such as watching TV or driving a car, might become challenging.
Hypermature: By the time cataracts have reached the Hypermature stage, they have completely covered the lens of your eye, impairing most, if not all, of your vision. At this stage, the lens has become rigid and may have developed white spots.
Cataract Surgery
The standard treatment for cataracts is surgery. It is an extremely safe procedure with high rates of success and patient satisfaction.
During surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Once implanted, the IOL restores clear vision and prevents cataracts from ever returning.
The standard IOL is a monofocal lens. It can correct distance vision and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans.
Premium lens options, which include multifocal, extended depth-of-focus, and light-adjustable IOLs, can improve your vision at multiple distances. Opting for a premium lens can allow cataract surgery to restore the quality, as well as the clarity, of your vision.
What’s the Right Time to Treat Cataracts?
There are two main factors in deciding the right time to treat cataracts: the stage at which they are diagnosed and the extent to which they have impacted your vision.
If your cataracts have been diagnosed early and you are not bothered by any symptoms, you may be able to wait to have cataract surgery. As long as your ophthalmologist approves, delaying surgery won’t compromise the long-term health of your eyes.
On the other hand, if your cataracts are diagnosed in the Mature stage or later and you are experiencing vision impairment, consider scheduling surgery as soon as possible. At this point, the only way to restore the clarity of your vision is by undergoing cataract surgery.
Reasons Not to Delay Cataract Surgery
There are several compelling reasons why you might not want to delay cataract surgery. These reasons include:
Better Surgical Outcomes
Removing cataracts before they have progressed significantly is more likely to reduce the length of surgery, shorten recovery time, and lead to more successful outcomes. Cataract surgery becomes more difficult and complex in the later stages of the condition.
Prevent Further Vision Impairment
Having cataract surgery early can prevent you from ever having to deal with the hassles and frustrations that come with vision impairment. It can ensure your clear, crisp vision is reliable and long-lasting.
Reduced Dependence on Glasses
Premium multifocal or extended depth-of-focus IOLs can make cataract surgery an opportunity to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear.
Improved Quality of Life
Vision affected by the symptoms of cataracts can compromise your overall quality of life, especially if it prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities. Restoring your vision with cataract surgery can help you regain your confidence, independence, and satisfaction with life.
While you may be able to safely delay cataract surgery if it’s caught early, there are no real benefits to be gained from waiting. Opting for surgery before it advances protects the health of your eyes and the lasting clarity of your vision.
Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Eye Center of Texas in Houston, TX, today!
