Cataracts usually develop gradually, so many people adapt to changes in their vision without immediately realising how much their vision has deteriorated. They may start using brighter light for reading, avoid driving at night, sit closer to the television or update their glasses more frequently.
One common misconception is that you should wait until a cataract is fully “mature” before considering surgery. But with modern cataract surgery, this is no longer the case.
According to Vaidas Vilda, ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Lirema Eye Clinic, the right time for cataract surgery depends less on how long the cataract has been present and more on how much it affects your vision and everyday life.
“Today, the decision to perform cataract surgery is usually based on the degree of clouding of the natural lens and, most importantly, on how the resulting changes in vision affect the patient’s quality of life,” says V. Vilda.
Do You Need to Wait Until a Cataract Is “Mature”?
The belief that cataracts should be allowed to “mature” before surgery dates back to older surgical techniques. Decades ago, patients were often advised to wait until the cataract had progressed significantly before undergoing an operation.
Modern cataract surgery has changed this approach.
“Advances in diagnostics, surgical equipment and intraocular lens technology mean that we no longer need to wait simply for a cataract to reach a particular stage. If deteriorating vision is already interfering with a patient’s everyday life, it may be appropriate to consider surgery,” explains V. Vilda.
Waiting longer does not necessarily provide any benefit. In some cases, a very advanced cataract may make surgery more technically challenging. More importantly, postponing treatment can mean spending months or even years living with unnecessarily impaired vision.
“If poor vision is already affecting a person’s independence or everyday comfort, there is little reason to postpone surgery simply because cataracts were treated differently in the past,” the eye surgeon says.
What Are the Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts do not usually cause a sudden loss of vision. Instead, symptoms tend to appear gradually, making them easy to overlook.
One of the most common cataract symptoms is increasingly blurred or cloudy vision. Some people describe it as looking through a foggy or dirty window.
“Patients sometimes feel as though their glasses are constantly dirty, but cleaning them does not improve their vision. Others notice increasing glare from bright lights or find driving at night more difficult, particularly because of oncoming headlights,” V. Vilda explains.
Common signs and symptoms of cataracts may also include blurred, cloudy or hazy vision; increased sensitivity to bright light and glare; difficulty seeing or driving at night; needing brighter light when reading; colours appearing duller or less vivid; frequent changes to your glasses prescription; increasing difficulty reading small print.
The impact on everyday activities is particularly important.
“If you start avoiding driving, reading, hobbies or other activities because you no longer feel confident in your vision, it is worth having your eyes examined. You do not need to wait until your eyesight becomes severely impaired,” says V. Vilda.
How Can Cataracts Affect Everyday Life?
Cataracts affect more than visual acuity on an eye chart. Gradually deteriorating vision can influence independence, mobility and confidence in everyday situations.
A person may begin to avoid driving at night, go out less often, or give up activities that previously felt effortless. Reduced vision may also make navigating stairs, uneven surfaces and unfamiliar environments more difficult.
Because cataracts usually progress slowly, these changes can become part of everyday life without the person fully recognising how much they have adapted.
“After cataract surgery, patients sometimes tell us they had not realised how much their vision had deteriorated until they could see clearly again. Because the changes happen gradually, people learn to compensate for them,” says the eye surgeon.
This is why the decision about cataract surgery should not be based solely on a vision test. How your eyesight affects your work, driving, hobbies and independence is equally important.
When Is the Best Time to Have Cataract Surgery?
There is no specific age or single level of visual acuity that determines the best time for cataract surgery.
For someone who drives frequently, performs detailed work, or leads an active lifestyle, relatively modest changes in vision can already have a significant impact. Another person with a similar degree of cataract may experience fewer difficulties.
“The most important question is not simply how advanced the cataract looks, but how much it affects the individual patient. We consider the condition of the eyes alongside the person’s occupation, lifestyle, hobbies and expectations,” V. Vilda explains.
A comprehensive eye examination can determine whether a cataract is responsible for the deterioration in vision and whether cataract surgery is an appropriate option.
“The key question is whether your vision is beginning to limit your life. If cataracts are preventing you from doing things you previously enjoyed or making everyday activities increasingly difficult, it may be time to discuss cataract surgery rather than simply waiting for your vision to become worse,” concludes V. Vilda.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During cataract surgery, the eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The aim is to restore clearer vision by selecting a lens appropriate for the individual patient’s eyes and visual needs.
Different types of intraocular lenses are available, and the most suitable option depends on factors such as the condition of the eyes, lifestyle and desired visual outcome. These options are discussed during the pre-operative consultation.
Modern diagnostics allow precise measurement of the eye before surgery, enabling the surgeon to plan the procedure and select an appropriate artificial lens.
If you have noticed increasingly cloudy vision, glare, difficulty driving at night, or other changes that may be associated with cataracts, an eye examination can help determine the cause and whether cataract surgery is appropriate.
If your vision feels cloudy, contact Lirema Eye Clinic.