Delaying Cataract Surgery - Any associated dangers?

[ravip]

Should cataract surgery be done immediately on diagnosis?

Are there any 'stages' of cataracts and what are the time lines, if there are?

Any information is much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[scubascuba3]

I thought I'd ask Deep Seek, usually get good answers

[camper star]

Thank you for posting this.

[transam]

In my case, it just got worse, I left it to a time when I really couldn't do anything, even driving, so it was over many years.

I had both eyes done, after I thought, I should have had this done years ago, a new life.

 

I had worn glasses all my life, from the age of around 10, which I hated, after the new lenses were installed, I now only use glasses for reading and PC work.........

[unblocktheplanet]

Trouble is if you have concomitant eye conditions. I have open-angle glaucoma & AMD as well as cataracts. Trying to decide if it's worth it.

[camper star]

me, my eyes are always watery and at the night the bicycle nights really blind me that as i pass them up i slow down

 

[Sheryl]

Cataracts should be removed once they impair your vision enough to interfere with daily life. This is often many, many years after first  diagnosis. 

[jas007]

Eight years ago, I had cataract surgery, First one eye, and then one moth later, the other eye.  At the time, one eye was most definitely worse than the other, but somehow the doctor was able to get authorization from Medicare (I was in the USA) to do both eyes.  

 

Anyway, I think each person is different. Some people might be better doing it sooner, rather than later. I was extremely myopic in both eyes. I developed a retinal tear in my right eye, six or seven moths later. right eye, so I needed surgery to repair that.  That surgery went well, but then last spring, I needed more surgery, as the entire lens bag had become detached and was floating around in my eye.  So I needed surgery for that, under general anesthesia.  I'm now fully recovered from that and I have a follow up appointment next month in Bangkok.

 

Bottom line: I might have been better off doing the original surgery sooner, rather than waiting as long as I did.  The older you get, the more possible complications with any additional surgeries that might be necessary. 

[KhunLA]

@ravip  This obviously depends on your stage of cataract progression, but you can delay, possibly even reverse cataract progression with drops.   Strangely, that option isn't available in the USA, as banned for human use, but allowed for pets ... go figure.  

 

Hate to stop the money maker of cataract surgery.

 

My experience, and I'm not a doc or endorse or recommend this for anyone, just my experience.

 

Couple years now, during check up, left eye showed cataract, and I did not noticed, unless doing the lettered eye test, then obvious, blurred.   TBH, i barely noticed it, as my right eye is my power eye, and I'm an avid photographer, and edit photos.  Already had floaties, and why I had the exam to begin with, make sure no tears elsewhere.

 

To the drops, when getting a 2nd opinion (in TH), 2nd optometrist when asked how to prolong it worsening, gave me eye drops, stating might works, or not.   Brand 'Kary Uni', which has done exactly as I hoped, stopped the progression.   

 

Really don't like the idea of someone doing surgery on my eye, especially while I'm awake.   Right eye seems fine, and all I care about.  though if lost left eye, that would mess with my depth perception and safe driving ability.

 

At 70 years old, if drops continue to work, and cheap enough, I'll pass on eye surgery to remove cataract.  Don't have to worry about a surgery oops, as routine as it is, sh!t happens, and I get to save money.  Hate to have surgery, then crap out in a year 

 

The drops do dissolve the cataract, whether old or new growth, it hasn't progressed.   When I wake in the morning, the left eye has considerably more crusties in the corners, than the right eye.  Proof for me, it works .... for me.

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Cataracts should be removed once they impair your vision enough to interfere with daily life. This is often many, many years after first  diagnosis. 

Thanks for that. I was about to post something similar. I assisted at many cataract operations and nothing I saw indicates necessity to be done soon as possible.

If it was me, I'd put it off as long as possible.

[Lorry]

Apart from the symptoms,  a cataract should be operated when it's "ripe". If you wait too long it gets calcified and hard, that makes it more difficult to operate. Too early, is difficult,  too.

(explanation from my eye doctor)

 

This is relevant if cataract on one side, like Kh LA, and you can function very well with your healthy eye. 

[ignis]

 have worn glasses all my life, from the age of around 12, most of this time always had Varifocals' 

2012 Dr said have Cataracts in both eyes  - + have the opp when it interferes with your daily life

 

2021 had more new glasses, Dr said waste of money to have Varifocals, so have Bifocals  HATE them  + 4 years on still hate them..

 

Last December Eye Dr said maybe time to have the Surgery, as yet still in 2 minds about it.

 

So at 74 sure eyes change over the years, but at moment long distance see much better without glasses  !!

the bottom glasses are reading = difficult as cannot see my feet or were I am walking very clear..

My vision problem is 1 - 2 meters away [PC and TV}  my PC Monitor is 32" had 32" for many years, wear glasses is a bit better but get neck pain holding my head so high to see out of the bottom of glasses.

 

Question - has anyone tried or have them ??  Looks a good idea, but do they work ?

 

Adjustable Magnifier Wearable Glasses

 

New 2025 Adjustable Strength Lens Eyewear Variable Focus Distance Vision Zoom Glasses  - https://www.lazada.co.th/products/new-adjustable-strength-lens-eyewear-variable-focus-distance-vision-zoom-glasses-protective-yijei-i5391073810.html?spm=a2o4m.searchList.list.133.755e7f80CVQMrk

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

7 hours ago, Lorry said:

a cataract should be operated when it's "ripe".

That would be when one can't see out of that eye properly.

[thaibeachlovers]

5 hours ago, ignis said:

Dr said waste of money to have Varifocals,

He's talking rubbish. I have varifocals and they are brilliant. Worth every cent.

[ignis]

4 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

He's talking rubbish. I have varifocals and they are brilliant. Worth every cent.

in 21 years of living here + a few different eye Drs never seen a He eye Dr..

 

The older Lady 4 years ago, more or less said until I had Surgery would need new glasses every year or 2 so that maybe the reason  ?

 

The slip of a girl eye Dr in December said lenses in new glasses would do very little

 

As different days + times in a day my eyes can change, [earlier today both about the same, now the left eye in much worse].. reason was wondering about these Adjustable lenses

 

 

[newbee2022]

On 3/19/2025 at 11:10 AM, ravip said:

Should cataract surgery be done immediately on diagnosis?

Are there any 'stages' of cataracts and what are the time lines, if there are?

Any information is much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

You can delay it. It's not life threatening. 

If you feel comfortable do it.

[ELBE1]

Not necessarily.  I lived with it for some time before I decided to have surgery. I had it on one eye first and 6 months later on the other one . Highly recommend to opt also for a multifocal surgery.

[BKKBike09]

There are various different types of cataract and they can all progress at different rates, so there's no hard and fast answer other than the 'wait till they impact everyday life'. What that means will also be different for different people. If you don't need to drive, for instance, maybe you can wait longer than someone who is reliant on driving to get around.

 

Opthalmologist I saw in UK said that generally speaking the longer you can wait (the older you are) the better. Something to do with viscosity of fluid inside the eye and the risk of it tugging on the retina and causing a tear when removing the old lens, I think.

 

Eye morphology is also a factor: people who are very myopic may have a greater risk of retinal or other damage, although statistically it's still quite rare.

 

Opthalmologist also said that people who expect return of perfect 20/20 distance vision without glasses after cataract surgery are more likely to be disappointed than people who expect greatly improved clarity of vision, but possibly only getting 20/20 still with glasses.

 

He also said that while nowadays you can get varifocal implant lenses, he usually recommends simple fixed power implants, especially if the degree of correction required is substantial. 

[PeterA]

On 3/19/2025 at 11:10 AM, ravip said:

Should cataract surgery be done immediately on diagnosis?

Are there any 'stages' of cataracts and what are the time lines, if there are?

Any information is much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

There is always the chance you can't see well enough and walk in front of a car. If it is effecting your sight, it is a very simple and common operation. If you don't do it, it will continue to grow until you just can't see anymore. 

 

[jippytum]

your sight impairment from cataracts will only get worse. Improve the quality of your life and have the painless procedure now. 

[PETERTHEEATER]

A post above raises a more important consideration, that of glaucoma. Another 'silent' disease that can go unrecognised but lead to serious consequences later.

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, it must be treated and brought under control before any cataract surgery.

Five years ago, in Thailand, I went to see an othamologist due to deteriorrating vision. When he told me I had glaucoma I was surprised and then concerned when he explained the likley outcome if it had not been diagnosed in time. He also told me I had cataracts in both eyes and that was what was affecting my vision. Pressure was 35 in RE and 31 in LE.

I went through the pressure reduction treatment until they stabilised after a year and then had the cataract removed from my RE which was the worst affected. Recovered comfortably in a few days. Then, continuing the glaucoma drops I returned to live in UK and, last year had cataract removal LE. Took much longer to recover but eventually vision stabilised and synchonised. I now have good unaided distant vision, improved close-up vision occassionally using specs for small print.

I am in a Glaucoma Screening Programme at a local hospital with bi-annual appointments. Only use glaucoma drops in RE daily.

If you suffer from dry-eye along with cataracts, there is an additional procedure that can be carried out during cataract surgery which can restore thhe eyes natural lubrication and drainage. Adds about 10 minutes to the cataract removal. Fixed my problem and avoids separate surgery. Worth mentioning this at your preop if you have dry-eye.

I encourage all readers over 60, even if they are not currently having vision problem to get a pressure  check regularly. It could save you grief later.

[dantho]

On 3/19/2025 at 5:24 AM, unblocktheplanet said:

Trouble is if you have concomitant eye conditions. I have open-angle glaucoma & AMD as well as cataracts. Trying to decide if it's worth it.

I am in a similar situation. I have ARMD, already lost the central vision in my right eye but treatment on my left eye is keeping it at bay for now. I also have cataracts but the Ophthalmology specialist has advised against treating it for now just to be on the safe side.

[fredwiggy]

On 3/19/2025 at 11:58 AM, transam said:

In my case, it just got worse, I left it to a time when I really couldn't do anything, even driving, so it was over many years.

I had both eyes done, after I thought, I should have had this done years ago, a new life.

 

I had worn glasses all my life, from the age of around 10, which I hated, after the new lenses were installed, I now only use glasses for reading and PC work.........

My eye doctor back in Texas said the same thing. I never imagined I could see 20/20 after wearing glasses, contacts since age 7. One eye has one forming so he said whenever I move back there he would schedule the surgery for me. My mom had perfect vision all her life until her 60's and had surgery for cataracts and her eyesight went back to perfect besides reading. My brother had his done and complained about night vision being a problem with bright lights, so I'm guessing the surgeon could have done a better job?

[statman78]

I had cataracts along with glaucoma and dry eyes.  I waited to have the surgery done since I am partially blind in one eye due to nerve damage from glaucoma.  My site got to the point where I trouble seeing things in shadows and seeing differences in shades of the same color.  I lived with my cataracts for a number of years without any issues but then my site went downhill quickly.  Once I had the surgery I felt stupid for waiting so long.  I still have glaucoma and the nerve damage but the dry eyes disappeared.  

[transam]

24 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

My eye doctor back in Texas said the same thing. I never imagined I could see 20/20 after wearing glasses, contacts since age 7. One eye has one forming so he said whenever I move back there he would schedule the surgery for me. My mom had perfect vision all her life until her 60's and had surgery for cataracts and her eyesight went back to perfect besides reading. My brother had his done and complained about night vision being a problem with bright lights, so I'm guessing the surgeon could have done a better job?

As for your brother, as we age everything including eyes degrade. Perhaps the new crystal clear lenses show this in his case, which probably a slightly tinted pair of sunglasses may fix.

 

Before I had my cataracts done, every headlight was a circle of a bout ten headlights. After the op, I did have to wear mild sunglasses at night, the headlight glare was painful, all history now..🤗

[fredwiggy]

9 minutes ago, transam said:

As for your brother, as we age everything including eyes degrade. Perhaps the new crystal clear lenses show this in his case, which probably a slightly tinted pair of sunglasses may fix.

 

Before I had my cataracts done, every headlight was a circle of a bout ten headlights. After the op, I did have to wear mild sunglasses at night, the headlight glare was painful, all history now..🤗

He passed a few years ago but it was maybe back in the early 2000's when he had his surgery. I think he did wear light sunglasses if I remember him correctly, as the lights were like you mentioned.

[riclag]

On 3/19/2025 at 12:46 PM, Sheryl said:

Cataracts should be removed once they impair your vision enough to interfere with daily life. This is often many, many years after first  diagnosis. 

I had  both eyes done !The halo’s & spikes from the lights were brutal!

 

The Thai doctor mentioned the defect in terms of percentages . My right eye

was about 5 % affected as a result of the cataract! He said it wasn’t critical to have it done , most Thai’s wait till 20 %.

 

I don’t know how they can tolerate waiting until it gets 20%.

[sandyf]

20 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

He's talking rubbish. I have varifocals and they are brilliant. Worth every cent.

Your entitled to your opinion but i would suggest that is biased as it worked out for you.

I wore variofocal glasses for decades and a couple of times they didn't get it right and had to have the glasses  replaced.

When i was measured for the lens i was offered monofocal or variofocal and had no hesitation on rejecting the variofocal. Changing glasses is relatively easy.

My opinion is no doubt biased from historical experience, it is up to each to make a judgement call.

It is coming up  for 6 years now since I had mine done and have only ever needed glasses for labels in the supermarket, can't see that I have lost a great deal in rejecting the variofocal.

[sandyf]

On 3/19/2025 at 11:10 AM, ravip said:

Should cataract surgery be done immediately on diagnosis?

 

When I had the initial consultation, the consultant said that I would probably be ok for a few more years but he went on to explain that the longer it was left the less effective the procedure would be. I decided to go ahead straight away and the results were far better than I could have imagined, I have only ever need glasses for very small print.

I paid same price as Thais, came to about 40K overall for both eyes. That included 5K per eye to have the operation done by the CEO.

I can hear the skeptics polishing the keyboards but with a 10 week waiting list he hardly needed to promote the service.

The consultant I saw and carried out the procedures is the CEO of this hospital Dr Pornthep Pongtawigorn.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30357531

[Letseng]

On 3/19/2025 at 11:10 AM, ravip said:

Should cataract surgery be done immediately on diagnosis?

Are there any 'stages' of cataracts and what are the time lines, if there are?

Any information is much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

Doctor told me to get it done when I feel I  can't see comfortably anymore.