Postponing cataract surgery may seem like a harmless decision, but delaying treatment can have serious consequences for your vision and eye health.
Postponing cataract surgery may seem like a harmless decision, but delaying treatment can have serious consequences for your vision and eye health. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Marcelo Guedes, from Advanced eye clinicthe natural evolution of the disease not only progressively reduces visual acuity, but makes the procedure more complex and the post-operative period more delicate.
Cataracts are a condition characterized by clouding of the lens, the natural lens of the eye, which makes it difficult for light to pass to the retina. The problem is frequent after the age of 60, but can also appear in diabetic patients, following trauma or prolonged use of certain drugs.
Below the ophthalmologist Dr. Marcelo warns about the risks of postponing cataract surgery:
1. Increased surgical risk
As time passes, the lens becomes harder and the cataract becomes denser, which makes the surgery technically more difficult.
This hardening increases the risk of complications such as posterior capsule rupture, corneal edema, and postoperative inflammation.
2. Greater risk of falls and accidents
The loss of sharpness and decreased depth perception significantly increase the chances of falls, trips and fractures, especially among the elderly.
Studies indicate that patients who undergo cataract surgery have a significant reduction in the risk of home and traffic accidents.
3. Loss of independence and worsening of quality of life
Vision limitations resulting from cataracts interfere with daily activities, such as reading, cooking, driving, or recognizing faces.
As a result, many patients become dependent on family members and caregivers, which can cause social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Performing surgery early helps preserve autonomy and emotional well-being.
4. Increased intraocular pressure – Phacomorphic glaucoma
When the cataract becomes too large, it can block the flow of aqueous humor, increasing pressure inside the eye.
This condition, known as phacomorphic glaucoma, is an ophthalmological emergency that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not treated in time.
5. Higher costs and recovery times
Surgeries in advanced stages of the disease tend to be longer and more complex, requiring greater use of technology and additional post-operative care.
Visual recovery time is also longer and the results may be less predictable than in cases operated on early.
According to Dr. Marcelo Guedes, the ideal is not to wait until the cataract is in an advanced stage before carrying out surgery: “The decision should be made as soon as vision begins to interfere with daily activities. The sooner it is done, the better the visual results will be and the lower the risk of complications,” advises the specialist.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.