10 Reasons to Consider Cataract Surgery Earlier Rather Than Later
July 11, 2024
If you have recently been diagnosed with cataracts but are not experiencing significant changes to your vision, you might consider putting off cataract surgery. Undergoing a surgical procedure may seem unnecessary if you can still see clearly.
While many people delay cataract surgery until their vision becomes noticeably impaired, there are compelling reasons why it’s better not to wait. Keep reading to learn ten reasons why you should consider cataract surgery earlier rather than later!
1. Better Surgical Outcomes
The best time to have cataracts removed is when they are in the immature stage. At the immature stage, the eye’s natural lens is more clouded, and vision changes become noticeable.
Removing cataracts in the immature stage often reduces the length of cataract surgery and leads to shorter recovery times. Cataract surgery at this early stage is more likely to lead to better surgical outcomes.
2. Prevention of Further Vision Impairment
The most common symptoms of cataracts include hazy vision, poor night vision, and increased sensitivity to light and glare. These symptoms gradually worsen over time, slowly causing increased vision impairment.
You can prevent further impairment and maintain a higher quality of vision by opting for cataract surgery earlier. Removing cataracts early ensures that your eyesight remains sharp and clear.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life
Vision impaired by the symptoms of cataracts can significantly impact your quality of life. They can make activities you enjoy, like reading, watching television, and driving, more difficult as they worsen.
Early cataract surgery can restore your ability to perform these activities with ease, enhancing your overall quality of life. The clear vision you have after cataract surgery can restore your
confidence in your independence and boost your overall sense of well-being.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
4. Prevention of Falls and Accidents
Cataracts can impair your depth perception and contrast sensitivity, increasing your risk of falls and accidents, especially in low-light conditions. Older adults with mobility issues are particularly vulnerable to falls, which can lead to serious injuries.
By addressing cataracts early, you can restore your visual acuity and depth perception, significantly reducing your risk of injuries from falls and accidents. After cataract surgery, you’ll feel safer and steadier on your feet.
5. Improved Color Perception
Cataracts can cause colors to appear faded and less vibrant. This may affect your ability to accurately see your surroundings or enjoy activities that involve color perception, such as painting or gardening.
After cataract surgery, many cataract patients report a dramatic improvement in color perception, reporting that colors appear more vivid and true to life. Early surgery can help you regain this aspect of your vision sooner and allow you to see your world in its true colors.
6. Elimination of Glare and Halos
Two of the common symptoms of cataracts are sensitivity to glare and seeing halos around lights, particularly at night. These symptoms can cause discomfort and make activities such as driving at night potentially dangerous.
Cataract surgery can eliminate these visual disturbances and reduce discomfort in bright light conditions. Eliminating glare and halos with early cataract surgery makes your vision more comfortable and night driving safer.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
7. Reduced Dependence on Corrective Eyewear
One of the additional benefits of cataract surgery is the potential to correct other vision problems, like nearsightedness or farsightedness and astigmatism. Depending on the intraocular lens (IOL) you choose, cataract surgery can restore both the clarity and the quality of your vision.
When you have cataract surgery earlier, you might be able to reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective visual aids. With the right IOL, you could see clearly at near, middle, and far distances glasses-free!
8. Maintenance of Cognitive Function
Studies among older adults suggest that poor vision can contribute to cognitive decline. The effects of vision impairment from cataracts can lead to decreased engagement in stimulating activities and avoidance of social interactions, which can result in a decline in cognition.
Restoring your clear vision with cataract surgery allows you to remain active and engaged, helping to maintain cognitive function and boost overall brain health. With early cataract surgery, your mind can stay as sharp as your vision.
9. Remaining Active and Fit
Good vision is essential for staying active and maintaining physical fitness throughout life. Common fitness activities, like walking or jogging, playing sports, and practicing yoga, are more enjoyable with clear vision.
Visual impairments caused by cataracts could prevent you from participating in your favorite activities and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Correcting cataracts early can help you maintain an active and fit lifestyle, increasing your overall health and well-being.
10. Extending Your Professional Life
Clear vision is a requirement for optimal job performance for those still in the workforce. Whether you work with computers, drive a truck or delivery van, or engage in work-related tasks that require detailed vision, cataracts can impede your ability to perform effectively in your professional life.
With more and more people opting to stay in the workforce longer, cataracts should not be the reason you have to retire. With early cataract surgery, you can extend your professional life on your terms.
While you may hesitate to schedule cataract surgery when your vision seems fine, there are numerous advantages to early treatment. With benefits like better surgical outcomes, prevention of vision deterioration, and reduced dependence on corrective eyewear, it’s clear why you should consider cataract surgery earlier rather than later!
Do you want to learn if it might be time to have cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Maryland Vision Institute in Hagerstown, Frederick, or Hancock, MD, today!