If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, chances are you’d prefer to wait until you absolutely need cataract surgery. Cataracts are treatable at any stage of development, so this may seem harmless. However, the longer you leave your cataracts untreated, the more they can affect your life negatively. Here at Stahl Eyecare Experts, we encourage our patients to get their cataracts removed as soon as possible. This way, you can get back to living your life to the fullest. If you plan to put your cataract surgery off, here are some of the possible impacts.
You’re More at Risk for Falls and Fractures
Multiple studies have shown that living with cataracts makes you more likely to experience falls and the resulting injuries. As you age, falls become more dangerous and fractures more likely. One study found that having cataracts makes you 23% more likely to experience a hip fracture. Fractures are no fun, and neither is losing your vision. That is why we always recommend cataract surgery.
You May Have a Shorter Life Expectancy
Having cataracts could shorten your lifespan. This is because having cataracts and low vision make you more susceptible to accidents and disease as a result of reduced alertness and independence. You may need to depend on a family member to navigate or maintain overall health. Having cataract surgery may help you live longer.
Your Independence Can Be Reduced
As cataracts continue to worsen, they can lead to blindness. When blindness occurs, you will need to depend on others to get around and take care of yourself. For those who do not get cataract surgery, learning to live with low vision and blindness is the next best option. The reduced independence that comes along with cataract development is associated with greater risk of depression, physical injury, and more. Enjoying daily activities and hobbies become much more difficult.
Social Situations May Be More Difficult
Not being able to see the faces of the people you are talking to can be difficult. It is hard to understand how much we rely on social cues to get through our daily lives until that ability is gone. It can become difficult to recognize the faces of your family and friends. This can severely affect your social life, as well as work life if you are still working.
Cataracts Are Harder to Remove the Longer You Leave Them
Cataracts can be removed at any point, luckily. However, the longer you put off cataract surgery, the more difficult it becomes to remove them. This can increase your risk of complications, some of which can cause vision loss, such as glaucoma. We recommend getting cataract surgery as soon as they start affecting your ability to read, drive, or complete daily tasks.
Cataract surgery is quick, painless, and can get you back to living your life. Don’t wait for your cataracts to get worse! You can avoid all of the negative effects that cataracts can have on your life by scheduling you cataract consultation with Stahl Eyecare Experts. To schedule your cataract surgery with a skilled Long Island cataract surgeon, call us today!
