In
general, cataract surgery is an elective treatment rather than an emergency surgery. This does not minimise the importance of completing it on schedule. The question then becomes: When is it appropriate? The right time is when the patient's vision begins to blur, when they are unable to perform daily tasks or professional duties effectively due to their blurred vision, when their vision does not improve with a change in eyewear, when their perception of colour changes noticeably, and when they cannot recognise familiar faces until they are very close to them. Even with these symptoms, one can wait for cataract surgery and schedule it with their cataract surgeon for a convenient time.
What Risks come with Postponing Cataract Surgery?
Delaying cataract surgery might lead to various dangers:
- Delaying cataract surgery causes the grade of the cataract to progress. Delaying cataract surgery might be a dangerous treatment, depending on the type and degree of the cataract. In order to emulsify the hard lens, more energy is required, which could harm the nearby structures. Other intraoperative issues such as wound burns, lens bag rupture, longer surgical duration, loss of lens support, etc. are more likely to occur. Additionally, surgical problems like elevated eye pressure and corneal edoema can occur.
- Increased pressure and inflammation inside the eye might result from a cataract's progression. Both can result in a total, irreversible loss of vision if not treated right away.
- The vision of many elderly adults with severe cataracts is impaired in low light. They run the risk of falling or being injured as a result when using the restroom at night. It was discovered that the cataract and ensuing poor vision were to blame for 60% of fractures in elderly adults.
How are patients with Extensive Cataracts managed by Eye Surgeons?
In cases with severe or advanced cataracts, certain pre-operative evaluations are required. Or cataract treatment in Indore gives you the best surgery.
Ultrasound-B scan:-
Informative sonography about retinal health (screen present on the back surface of eyes). An ultrasound scan is necessary to confirm that the retina is in its proper position because the advanced condition of the cataract frequently obscures the retina during a routine eye exam.
Test Using Corneal Specular Microscopy:
To guarantee the cornea's utmost health, a test called corneal specular microscopy is performed. The cornea may be harmed during cataract surgery because hard cataracts demand more effort. Therefore, maintaining excellent corneal health is crucial.
What outcome should a patient anticipate from Postponing Cataract Surgery?
For visual rehabilitation, the patient should plan on a 2 to 3 week longer recovery period than for standard cataract surgery. A guarded visual prognosis may also exist based on additional related issues like excessive eye pressure etc. With their cataract surgeon, the patient should go over in detail what to expect in these situations.
In short, there are no benefits to postponing cataract surgery. You are depriving yourself of a clearer eyesight while simultaneously raising the chance of complications. If it is suggested, it is best to discuss it with your cataract surgeon in Indore and schedule it as soon as possible.