Cataracts are a normal aging condition in which the lens within the eyes becomes cloudy, and the cloudiness can progress to the point where vision becomes blurry or distorted. Cataracts can occur at any age, but more commonly start after the age of 50; by age 80, over half of the people in the U.S. will have it or had surgery for it.

Dr. Laura Fine, a clinical ophthalmology professor and cataract specialist at Harvard Medical School, says that cataracts usually advance slowly and can be safely monitored. With certain types of cataracts, a very common early symptom is poor night vision, particularly when driving and in the rain. Starbursts or glare from headlights is a common complaint. People also complain about difficulty reading and seeing from a distance.

5 Actions to Take When You’re Not Ready for Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery involves substituting a clear acrylic or silicone lens for the eye’s clouded lens. The procedure is quick, safe, and effective, but it may not be needed right away.

In cataracts’ early stages, vision may decline slightly, but not enough to affect daily function. Instead of becoming opaque, the lens may simply thicken and cause nearsightedness. At this early stage, experts recommend certain steps to help delay cataracts progression:

1. Consider a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
2. Install brighter lightbulbs, especially in lamps used for close-up work such as reading.
3. Shine lights from behind you, directly onto books and all other tasks to reduce glare.
4. Enlarge text and other work with magnifying lenses or devices such as smartphones or tablet readers.
5. Use contrasting colors wherever possible to see more easily.

Many are able to safely delay cataract surgery for years, and some may never need it.

What to Know When Considering Cataract Surgery

There are several points to keep in mind if and when the time comes to consider surgery:

• The eye with the more advanced cataract will usually be corrected first. If the other eye is minimal, surgery on the second eye may be delayed for years. In age-related cataracts, most people will have equal disease in both eyes and undergo surgery on the second eye within a month of the first eye.
• At least three follow-up visits are required if all goes smoothly, one day and one week post-surgery. The eye is usually ready for discharge, around four to six weeks. As Dr. Fine says, the entire process for both eyes takes about two months, planning surgery around other medical procedures or life events is important.
• Figuring out logistics ahead of time is equally important (who will drive you home after surgery, be with you during follow-up appointments if you’ll need someone, and who could assist with eye drops should help be needed, etc.).
• Some doctors say that no lifting of objects heavier than 10-15 lbs is the rule for the first week following surgery, and no eye makeup, swimming, baths, or hot tubs for at least two to four weeks.

See the Light

People often remark that things are brighter and clearer after cataract surgery, says Fine, though vision may be blurry for the first few days.

Glasses when reading or driving may still be needed.  Around 95% of patients have visual acuity of at least 20/40 following cataract surgery.

*Corliss, J. (2021, June 23). Not yet ready for cataract surgery? Try these tips. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/not-yet-ready-for-cataract-surgery-try-these-tips-202106232509

This article was reviewed and edited for accuracy by Alan Robin, M.D., a Responsum Health Advisory Council member, ophthalmologist, glaucoma treatment specialist, and leader in the clinical management and scientific study of the disease.