Our eyes normally have clear lenses that facilitate clear vision by focusing light on the retina. Unfortunately, as we age, one or both of the lenses can become cloudy. This can occur when the proteins inside the eye’s lens lump together. Over time this buildup of proteins clouds the lens. This is known as a cataract.
There are a number of risks you face by not treating your cataracts, all of which the Mack Eye Center team will discuss below.
Cataracts Do Not Get Better Over Time
An important fact to keep in mind when discussing cataracts is that cataracts do not get better over time. In fact, cataracts tend to worsen over time. This means that the longer you let your cataracts go without treatment, the worse they can get.
Cataracts Impact Your Vision
One of the most significant risks of not treating cataracts is the impact on vision. Cataracts cause a number of vision issues, including the following:
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Colors appear faded
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Lights appear too bright
- Halos appear around lights
- The need for more light to see properly for everyday tasks
- Double vision (this can actually go away as the cataract develops)
- Changes in your eyeglass prescription
If you notice any of the above cataract symptoms, you should contact an eye specialist immediately. The doctors at Mack Eye Center are skilled at diagnosing and treating cataracts.
Untreated Cataracts Can Lead to Hypermature Cataracts
The longer that cataracts go untreated, the more risks patients potentially face. One risk of untreated cataracts is hypermature cataracts. A hypermature cataract is a cataract that has been left untreated and has become dense and hard. When a cataract develops into a hypermature cataract, surgery becomes risky.
Cataracts Cause Blindness
Perhaps the most significant risk of not treating cataracts is blindness. Untreated cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness across the globe.
Cataract Treatment
The good news for anyone experiencing cataract symptoms is that cataracts can be treated with cataract surgery. The ophthalmologists at Mack Eye Center offer patients bladeless cataract surgery. Bladeless cataract surgery utilizes a laser to provide patients with even better results than traditional cataract removal. During the procedure, an artificial intraocular lens implant replaces the clouded eye lens.
Learn About Your Cataract Treatment Options
Don’t delay treating your cataracts. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, contact Mack Eye Center today to discuss your cataract treatment options.
