Being diagnosed with a vision-threatening condition can not only be upsetting and alarming, but also lead to lots of difficult questions. Fortunately, cataracts, although vision threatening, are a slower to progress condition that allows time to consider and weigh questions such how much are my cataracts affecting my daily life and as when is the right time to have cataract surgery. So for this Cataract Awareness Month, we’re considering the question, “Is it time for cataract surgery?” |
There are a couple of signs that it’s time to start considering for cataract surgery more seriously, each of which we’ll examine below.
Interference with Everyday Activities
If the symptoms of cataracts can no longer be managed conservatively and vision loss is interfering with everyday activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Everyday activities are those things we need to do to function and live normally, such as reading, driving, watching TV, cooking, and getting around safely.
Cataract surgery can improve one’s quality of life, as well as make it safer. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), benefits of cataract surgery include:
- 40% lower mortality risk for patients who had cataract surgery
- 16% decrease in odds of hip fractures after cataract surgery
- 13% decrease in odds of car crashes after cataract surgery
- 21% gain in quality of life after cataract surgery in one eye
- 36% gain in quality of life after cataract surgery in two eyes
Because of the benefits, safety, and effectiveness associated with cataract surgery, more people are having cataract surgery each year and at a younger age, according to AAO.
Limitations in Eye Examinations or Other Eye Treatment
Cataract Surgery Safety & Effectiveness
In the last post in this Cataract Awareness Month series, we’ll talk about cataract surgery further and take a detailed look at small incision cataract surgery and whether it’s right for you.
Consult with a Cataract Surgeon