What Will Happen If a Cataract Is Left Untreated?

One of the most frequent questions asked of our team at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania is: “What will happen if my cataract is left untreated?” Cataracts are a natural part of aging and can begin forming in your 40s. If you are experiencing significant vision issues, don’t leave your cataract untreated.

More about Cataracts

Usually by age 75, about half of all Americans will have cataracts. The condition is very common and is not a disease but a natural part of aging. In fact, cataracts affect approximately 25 million Americans over the age of 40. As people age, the eye’s natural proteins begin to break down and gather as deposits on the lens, which becomes blurred and discolored, thus affecting vision.

Cataracts do worsen over time, and the progression has clear signs. With an early-stage cataract, you may not even notice any symptoms because the cataract is not significant enough to affect vision. Many patients first notice issues during night driving; they see halos form around oncoming headlights. As the cataract becomes more prominent, daytime vision can be affected; many of our patients describe it as if they are looking through a waterfall.

Cataracts have other early signs, like cloudy or blurred vision, or noticeable spots in your vision. You may become more sensitive to bright lights. However, it can often take years to notice cataract symptoms, and this explains why regular eye exams are so important. The experts at our Cataract Eye Center use a specialized comprehensive eye exam designed for early cataract detection. We often notice issues before the patient even notices any vision problems.

Cataract Treatment

Cataracts do not go away on their own, so they should not be left untreated. There are several remedies we can use to slow the progression of the cataract. There are steps you can take as well, such as wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun exposure, and taking plenty of vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids to provide eye nutrients. We are often successful helping people by changing their eyeglasses or contact lens prescription more frequently to help with vision as the cataract progresses. Surgery is ultimately needed to remove the cataract, and our expert surgeons can answer all your questions about it.

What will happen if your cataract is left untreated? Unfortunately, untreated cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the world today, Without any surgical intervention, the cataract continues to grow and affect vision, so let us help preserve your precious eyesight.

Whether you have been experiencing symptoms of cataracts or whether you are just curious if you have a cataract, give us a call at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. We will provide you with a thorough eye exam, accurate cataract diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Come see us! We want you to be our next new patient.