Is It Risky to Leave Cataracts Untreated?

Cataracts are a common condition that can cloud your vision; they typically develop as part of aging. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cataracts, you might wonder about the risks of leaving them untreated. In this blog, Dr. John Kirk, a talented ophthalmologist with over 30 years of experience performing cataract surgery, discusses some of the potential consequences of ignoring cataracts.

What Are Cataracts ?

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, usually due to age-related changes. This cloudiness can decrease vision quality and is often described as looking through a foggy window. Symptoms can include blurred vision, difficulty with vision at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights.

Cataracts typically progress slowly and might not disturb vision early on. However, as they develop, they can significantly impair your ability to perform daily tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. In severe cases, cataracts can lead to legal blindness if left untreated.

Risks of Delaying Treatment

The primary risk of not treating cataracts is a gradual, progressive loss of vision. Delaying treatment can lead to the following complications:

• Reduced Quality of Life: As vision worsens, it can become difficult to maintain an independent lifestyle and perform routine activities.
• Safety Concerns: Poor vision increases the risk of accidents and falls, particularly among the elderly.
• Complicated Surgery: The harder and more mature a cataract becomes, the more difficult it can be to remove surgically. This can result in longer recovery times and a higher risk of complications during surgery.

When to Seek Treatment

There is no universal right time to seek treatment for cataracts, as it largely depends on how much they affect your daily life. Dr. Kirk recommends regular eye examinations so that the progression of cataracts can be monitored and treated at the right time. Early detection and timely surgery are key to preventing severe vision loss. Since cataracts will only worsen with time, it can make sense to resolve the problem sooner than later.

Luckily, cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure to restore vision. The cloudy lens is removed during the surgery and replaced with a clear artificial lens. This surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States, with most patients experiencing a significant improvement in vision.

Meet with One of Colorado’s Best Ophthalmologists

The bottom line is that leaving cataracts untreated can significantly decrease your vision and quality of life. At Kirk Eye Center, we are committed to providing expert care in our state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that your vision needs are met with the highest standards. To learn more about cataract treatment options, call us today at (970) 669-1107.