How long does a cataract operation take?

Cataracts are common in many people, especially as they age. Fortunately, surgery is available to remove the cataract and restore your vision. Cataract operations are a quick and pain-free procedure; they typically only take 5-10 minutes. 

What are cataracts?

Aging and diabetes are common causes of cataracts, though there are other causes. When proteins in your natural lens begin to break down, it becomes a cataract. They cause blurry, hazy vision, similar to looking through a foggy window. Cataracts can also make your eyes very sensitive to light or make it difficult to see clearly at night.

What happens during cataract surgery?

The procedure is used to restore vision loss caused by cataracts. Again, the procedure only takes 5-10 minutes, and it doesn’t require an overnight stay. Cataract surgery is a very safe, common procedure.

Before the procedure, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. Then they will go over what to expect, the process, the recovery, etc. During the procedure, the clouded lens inside your eye will be replaced with a clear artificial lens, restoring the vision you had previously lost. 

Expect routine checkups with your eye doctor once your surgery is completed. 

What happens if a cataract is left untreated?

Just like most other conditions, cataracts will continue to worsen over time if they are left untreated. This can eventually cause extreme vision loss, sometimes even blindness. This can affect your daily life, including the ability to drive.

Untreated cataracts can become hyper-mature, a condition that makes cataracts more difficult to remove. For better results, don’t put the procedure off. Your vision is an essential element to your overall health and daily life.