What Happens If You Miss the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?

Hello everyone. Clear vision! Brilliant time! Smile Eye Clinic is here to help you regain your happy smile.

We greet you.

For those of you feeling sleepy from a languid afternoon,

we have news that will surely wake you up.

It has been revealed that the most common surgery in Korea

is cataract surgery!

According to the National Health Insurance Service,

among the surgeries most frequently performed on Koreans in 2018,

cataract surgery ranked first,

and it was particularly common among middle-aged individuals over 50.

It's disheartening that an eye disease once exclusive to the elderly

is no longer their sole preserve.

However, what's even more regrettable is that many people dismiss cataract symptoms

as simply presbyopia (age-related farsightedness),

unintentionally missing the optimal time for cataract surgery.

Today, we'll explain the differences between presbyopia and cataracts,

and why it's crucial to receive treatment at the right time for cataract surgery!

Shall we first learn about the definitions of

cataracts and presbyopia?

When the lens becomes cloudy,

it can no longer properly transmit light.

Since light cannot pass through properly,

the image formed on the retina is also not clear,

resulting in the entire field of vision appearing blurry and hazy,

as if covered in fog. This symptom is a cataract.

There are various causes,

but the majority are largely attributed to

senile cataracts and ultraviolet radiation.

So, what is presbyopia?

The eye adjusts its refractive power according to distance.

When the elasticity of the lens decreases, its accommodative power also diminishes,

leading to difficulty seeing nearby objects or text clearly.

This symptom is presbyopia.

Both conditions tend to develop around similar times,

and their main symptoms,

such as blurry vision

and decreased visual acuity,

are also similar,

making it easy for patients to confuse them.

So, what happens if you miss the optimal time

for cataract surgery?

If cataract symptoms are detected early,

surgery is not immediately performed.

Instead, medication, such as eye drops and oral drugs,

is used to slow down the progression.

※Note: Medication only slows down the progression; it cannot cure the symptoms!

After receiving medication,

if the discomfort affects daily life,

that is considered the appropriate time for cataract surgery,

and surgery is then performed.

The fundamental treatment involves removing the cloudy lens

and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL),

thereby making treatment possible.

If the optimal time for cataract surgery is missed,

the surgery becomes more difficult to perform,

and it can lead to other complications,

potentially rendering the eye irrecoverable.

In such cases, it can even lead to blindness.

Therefore, it is best to consult with experienced medical professionals

and undergo detailed examinations

to ensure treatment is performed at the appropriate time for cataract surgery.

When cataract surgery is performed at the right time,

patients report high satisfaction, particularly with

customized precise diagnosis and treatment tailored to their eyes.

Smile Eye Clinic conducts over 70 types of precise examinations

to thoroughly identify if the patient has any other eye diseases

besides cataracts.

Treatment is then proceeded after analyzing various factors

such as eye condition, lifestyle, and occupation.

Furthermore, Smile Eye Clinic

addresses the limitations of conventional monofocal IOLs

(which can only correct vision for one distance: near, intermediate, or far)

by implanting multifocal IOLs

to perform treatment.

As a result, all distances appear clear, and

astigmatism can also be corrected, leading to high patient satisfaction.

Since there are various types of multifocal IOLs,

we don't simply insist on the 'best' one.

Instead, we identify which multifocal IOL is suitable for the patient

and then select the one that best fits them to proceed with treatment.

Each IOL has different focal lengths,

night vision, and glare characteristics,

so it's important to choose after sufficient consultation and examination, isn't it?

Today, we've learned about the definitions of presbyopia and cataracts,

and what happens if you miss the optimal time for cataract surgery.

For middle-aged individuals aged 40 and above,

it is important to visit an eye clinic at least once a year

for regular eye check-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a condition where the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from passing through properly and forming a clear image on the retina, causing vision to appear blurry and hazy, as if covered in fog. The main causes include aging and exposure to ultraviolet light.

How are cataracts and presbyopia different?

Cataracts cause the entire field of vision to become blurry due to a cloudy lens, whereas presbyopia results from a decrease in the lens's elasticity, reducing its accommodative power and making it difficult to see nearby objects or text clearly. They are often confused due to similar onset times and symptoms.

What happens if I miss the right time for cataract surgery?

Missing the optimal time for cataract surgery can make the procedure more complicated and may lead to other complications, potentially causing irreversible damage to the eye. In severe cases, it can even result in blindness, so timely treatment is crucial.

Do I need immediate surgery for early-stage cataracts?

No, if cataract symptoms are detected early, surgery is not immediately necessary. The progression can be slowed down with medication, such as eye drops or oral drugs. Surgery is typically considered when the discomfort begins to affect daily life.

What type of intraocular lens is used in cataract surgery?

At Smile Eye Clinic, we implant multifocal intraocular lenses that can correct vision for near, intermediate, and far distances. The appropriate type is selected based on the patient's eye condition and lifestyle.