3 Reasons to Have Cataracts Removed Early
If you've recently found out that you have cataracts, then your optometrist and doctor will have filled you in on how to have them removed. If you have an early diagnosis, then you may not be in a rush to have surgery. However, there are benefits to removing cataracts before they fully develop and mature.
Why should you opt for early surgery?
1. Get an Easier Procedure
Surgery on a mature cataract is typically straightforward. However, the procedure itself may take a little more time. You'll also take a bit longer to recover afterwards.
If you have surgery early when a cataract is relatively new, then things get easier. The surgery itself may be quicker and you'll get over it more easily.
2. Avoid Vision Problems
While an early cataract may affect your vision slightly, this is an incremental process. Things get worse as the cataract matures.
So, at an early stage, you may just have some clouding. You can still see OK but things are sometimes a little fuzzy.
You probably weren't even aware that you had this problem. Your optometrist may have picked up on it when you had a scheduled eye test. At this stage, the problem probably won't affect your everyday life too much to start with.
However, as the cataract develops, your vision will get worse. The clouding will become more intrusive. You may get double vision, lose the ability to see some colours accurately and see halos around lights a lot more.
You'll need more light to do certain things, like reading. Plus, your night vision may deteriorate significantly. This can affect your ability to drive safely.
If you have early surgery, then you avoid these more serious vision problems. The sooner the cataract is out, the fewer symptoms you'll have.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Vision Correction Costs
Your optometrist can help you manage early cataract symptoms. For example, if you currently wear glasses, then a stronger prescription helps manage cloudiness and blurred vision.
However, this is a short-term fix. As the cataract gets worse, your vision will deteriorate and you may need to switch prescriptions more frequently than usual.
You could end up spending more money than you need to on new glasses or lenses. Early surgery gets your eyes back on track again.
To find out more about cataract surgery and the optimum time to have it, ask your optometrist or doctor for advice.