When Is the Right Time to Have Cataract Surgery?

Nearly half of all people aged 75 and older have cataracts. Although this condition is common, cataracts eventually require treatment. The good news is that cataract surgery is an easy and highly successful procedure for eliminating hazy vision. Below, Dr. Rafael Trespalacios of TRES VISION Group offers his advice about when it is appropriate to seek cataract surgery.

Don’t Feel Rushed

Rarely is cataract surgery scheduled immediately after your cataracts have been diagnosed. Chances are if you just received a cataract diagnosis, your vision is only mildly to moderately impaired; otherwise it would have been discovered sooner. After being diagnosed, you and your doctor can monitor for symptoms (light sensitivity, hazy vision, light halos) and determine when you should correct the problem with surgery.

But Don’t Wait Forever, Either

Cataracts are a progressive condition, which means that your vision gets worse with time. If the main reason you are procrastinating on scheduling surgery is that you hope the problem resolves on its own, that is not going to happen. There is no incentive to struggle with your vision now when you know you will have to have cataract surgery eventually. The sooner you schedule, the sooner you retain crisp, clear vision.

Furthermore, you do not need to worry about having cataract surgery “too soon.” New cataracts cannot form on intraocular lenses (IOLs), the artificial lenses used to replace your natural lenses. That means you only need cataract surgery once in your life.

Pay Attention to When Cataracts Significantly Downgrade Your Vision

The ideal time to schedule cataract surgery is after your vision has declined significantly, but before it has started causing serious problems in your everyday life like when driving and reading. If you discover that cataracts interfere with your ability to be safe or live an independent life, then you are overdue on scheduling surgery.

Unfortunately, the timetable for cataracts is impossible to pinpoint. Some patients’ cataracts progress more quickly than others, so a doctor cannot say with certainty when mid- to late-stage cataracts will manifest.

Schedule a Consultation

Whenever you are ready for cataract surgery, make sure you choose an outstanding ophthalmologist to perform the surgery for great, safe results. At TRES VISION Group, Dr. Trespalacios uses the advanced CataLaze™ surgical equipment to create a customized experience with minimal risks of complications. Our practice has multiple types of premium IOLs to further improve your vision and reduce your dependence on prescription eyewear like glasses and contacts. To schedule a consultation, please call (321) 984-3200.