How Long Can Cataract Surgery Be Postponed Safely?

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions and the leading cause of gradual clouding. As cataracts develop slowly in most cases, many people wonder how long cataract surgery can be postponed without risking their vision or overall eye health.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the safe window for postponing cataract surgery, what factors to consider, and how to recognise when it’s the right time to move forward. We’ll also cover how cataracts progress, the role of your overall health, and what to expect when getting your cataract removed.

What Happens When Cataracts Develop?

Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, forming a cloudy area. Over time, this clouded lens can lead to blurry vision, night vision difficulty, light sensitivity, and colour fading. Although the cataract progression rate can vary, they typically worsen gradually.

In the early stages, you might notice minimal changes in your vision. Mild cataracts may not interfere significantly with daily life, and many people manage well with prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, delaying cataract surgery indefinitely isn’t always advisable.

How Long Can Cataract Surgery Be Postponed?

For many, cataract removal surgery can be postponed safely for months or even years, especially when the cataracts are in the early stages. Postponing cataract surgery is often considered safe when:

• Cataract symptoms are mild
• Vision problems are manageable with corrective lenses
• Daily life and independence remain unaffected
• There is no underlying eye condition, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your eye doctor will consider your visual needs, lifestyle, and overall health before advising whether it’s safe to wait.

When Postponing Cataract Surgery May Be Risky

Cataracts can impact your independence. Reading labels, recognising faces, and navigating unfamiliar areas can become more challenging. Vision loss from untreated cataracts can reduce your confidence and may even increase the risk of falls.

Although most cataracts develop slowly, there are times when delaying the removal of cataracts may not be the best choice. If left untreated for too long, cataracts grow and become hypermature, a stage where the clouded lens becomes dense, hardened, and more challenging to remove.

In addition to the technical difficulty of removing a hypermature cataract, the longer it is left to progress, the more it can have a significant impact on your vision, mobility, and even your independence.

Advanced cataracts may also raise the risk of conditions like angle closure glaucoma or lead to inflammation within the eye.

If you’ve noticed your vision worsening or your ability to carry out everyday tasks is decreasing, it’s worth speaking with your eye doctor to determine whether continuing to postpone surgery is fine or if it’s time to consider cataract extraction.

Cataract Types And Their Progression

Not all cataracts behave the same way. The speed at which a cataract progresses and how soon it might require surgical attention often depends on its type. Understanding the different types can help you and your eye care professional make more informed decisions about timing.

• Nuclear Cataracts: Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of age-related cataracts, where a cataract matures in the central zone of the eye’s lens. They progress slowly, and many maintain relatively good vision for a long time.
• Cortical Cataracts: These begin in the outer edges of the lens (the cortex) and gradually move towards the centre. Cortical cataracts can cause issues with glare, light sensitivity, and visual distortion, particularly around bright lights. Because they affect the peripheral areas first, they may interfere with night vision or depth perception earlier than other types.
• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: This type forms at the back of the lens, directly in the path of light as it enters the eye. Posterior subcapsular cataracts often progress more rapidly than other types and can significantly affect near vision, reading ability, and sensitivity to bright light. People with diabetes, those taking steroids, or younger individuals are more likely to develop this type.
• Congenital Cataracts: Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop during early childhood. Genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or metabolic disorders may cause them. These cataracts can affect one or both eyes and vary in size, location, and impact on vision. Not all congenital cataracts require immediate surgery, but if the clouded lens affects vision development, timely intervention is essential to prevent long-term vision impairment or amblyopia (lazy eye).

Medical Conditions That Affect Surgical Timing

Your general health plays an important role in determining the ideal timing for cataract surgery. Some medical conditions may affect how well your body handles the procedure, how efficiently you heal, and whether earlier surgery is recommended to protect your vision.

Here’s how certain conditions can shape your treatment plan:

1. Diabetes

Diabetes can significantly affect both the development of cataracts and the urgency of treatment.

• Cataracts, especially posterior subcapsular cataracts, often progress more rapidly in people with diabetes.
• There’s a higher risk of developing other vision-related conditions, like diabetic retinopathy, which can worsen alongside cataracts.
• Postponing surgery may lead to faster vision decline, making earlier intervention a safer choice in some cases.

2. High Blood Pressure

Managing blood pressure is important before and after cataract surgery.

• Unstable blood pressure can complicate the surgical process and recovery.
• Poorly controlled hypertension may increase the risk of complications, both during surgery and in the healing period.
• When blood pressure is well-managed, surgery can typically proceed more smoothly, supporting better outcomes.

3. Autoimmune Disorders

If you live with an autoimmune disorder, your body’s ability to recover from surgery may be affected.

• These conditions can influence how well your body heals and controls inflammation after the procedure.
• Medications used to manage autoimmune disorders, such as steroids or immunosuppressants, may impact the timing and recovery process.
• In some situations, your eye surgeon may recommend proceeding with surgery sooner, especially if cataracts are interfering with the monitoring or treatment of other eye issues.

Common Signs That It’s Time For Cataract Removal

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time to proceed with cataract removal:

• Blurred vision interfering with daily tasks
• Trouble seeing in low light
• Frequent prescription changes
• Double vision in one eye
• Sensitivity to glare or bright lights

What To Expect From The Cataract Operation

If you’ve been advised to have cataract surgery, you may wonder what the procedure involves. The good news is that cataract removal is an outpatient procedure performed almost every day worldwide.

A Step-By-Step Look At The Procedure

During eye cataract surgery, a local anaesthetic gently numbs your eye so you won’t feel severe discomfort. You’ll remain awake throughout the procedure, but a mild sedative may be offered to help you stay calm and relaxed. Once your eye is fully numb, your cataract surgeon will create a small incision on the eye’s surface.

The clouded natural lens is carefully broken up through this small opening, then gently removed. Once the lens has been removed, it is replaced with a new artificial lens, also known as a lens implant. This implant is designed to restore clearer vision and last a lifetime.

After The Operation

You can go home the same day and begin recovery straight away. Your vision may be blurry initially, but it improves as your eye heals. You’ll be given clear instructions about:

• Caring for your eye during the recovery period
• Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation
• Follow-up visits to monitor healing and minimise surgical complications

Knowing what to expect makes you feel more confident and prepared as you proceed with your cataract treatment.

Can Cataracts Develop Again?

Once a cataract has been removed, it cannot grow back because the natural lens is permanently replaced with a clear artificial one. However, some people may experience cloudy vision months or even years after surgery due to a common condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

If this happens, vision can usually be restored quickly with a simple laser procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. The treatment takes just a few minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure, with no need for incisions or recovery time.

Cataract Symptoms To Monitor While Postponing Surgery

If you and your eye care professional have decided to delay cataract surgery, it’s important to stay mindful of any changes in your vision.

Here are some common cataract symptoms to keep an eye on:

• A blurry or clouded vision that makes reading or recognising faces more difficult
• Poor night vision, including trouble driving or navigating in low-light settings
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare, especially from headlights or sunlight
• Faded or dull colours, where everything starts to look less vibrant or sharp

If these symptoms interfere with your everyday activities, like reading, working, or enjoying hobbies, it may be time to reconsider the timing of your cataract removal. Chatting with your eye doctor regularly ensures your care plan remains tailored to your vision and lifestyle needs.

Tips For Living Well While Delaying Cataract Surgery

If you’ve decided to postpone your cataract surgery, there are simple ways to manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life. These tips can help you feel more comfortable and confident while you monitor your condition:

1. Use Brighter Lighting At Home

Enhance visibility by increasing the brightness in rooms where you spend the most time. This can help reduce strain and make everyday tasks easier.

2. Wear Anti-Glare Glasses

Special glasses designed to reduce glare can improve comfort and safety when you’re out in bright sunlight or driving at night.

3. Keep Regular Appointments With Your Eye Surgeon

Regular check-ups ensure your eye health stays on track and provide opportunities to reassess whether it’s time for surgery.

4. Avoid Driving At Night If Your Vision Is Impaired

Reduced night vision can make driving dangerous. If you notice difficulty seeing clearly in low light, avoiding night driving is best.

5. Stay Active And Adjust Activities To Suit Your Vision

While maintaining your usual activities, adjust to your current vision. Physical activity like walking or gentle exercise can also help keep you active and healthy overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to reverse cataracts without surgery?

Currently, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. Eye drops and lifestyle changes may help in the early stages, but won’t remove cataracts.

Will delaying cataract surgery damage my eyes permanently?

Not necessarily. However, postponing the procedure too long can increase the risk of complications and affect your quality of life due to severe visual impairment. In some cases, having cataract surgery early may help avoid these risks and make the procedure simpler and more effective.

Can I drive after cataract surgery?

You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. The vast majority of people regain functional vision within a few days. Still, your eye doctor will advise you when it’s safe to resume driving based on your specific recovery progress.

How do glaucoma and cataracts affect each other?

Glaucoma and cataracts often occur together, especially as we age. Cataracts can make it harder to monitor glaucoma progression and may worsen symptoms like glare and blurry vision.

Since glaucoma affects the optic nerve, your eye doctor may recommend earlier cataract surgery if the clouded lens interferes with pressure control or optic nerve assessments to avoid the need for a more complex procedure later on. In some cases, cataract surgery can even help lower intraocular pressure, supporting overall eye health.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering, “How long can cataract surgery be postponed?” The answer depends entirely on your unique situation. With proper monitoring and guidance from your eye doctor, many people safely delay surgery until the time feels right. The key is to balance your comfort and lifestyle needs.

Trust in your body’s signals, stay connected with your healthcare team, and remember that cataract surgery is a highly refined procedure that can restore clarity to your world when the time comes.

You don’t need to rush, but you don’t need to wait too long, either. Take the next step when it feels right for you.

If you’ve been wondering how long cataract surgery can be postponed without affecting your vision or well-being, the best next step is a personalised consultation. Every set of eyes and circumstances is different, and the best timeline depends on your unique needs.

Whether you’re in the early stages of cataract development or starting to notice changes in your day-to-day vision, our experienced team is here in Melbourne to support you.

We’ll help you understand your options, monitor your eye health, and guide you in making a confident, informed decision that fits your lifestyle.

Take the first step today. Call Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic at (03) 9070 3580 to book a consultation and explore a clearer future on your terms.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

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Eagle, R. (2021) Cataracts and Diabetes: A Guide. In Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cataracts-and-diabetes (accessed 22 April 2025).

Hersh, E. (2023) Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery? In Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/can-cataracts-come-back (accessed 22 April 2025).

Luse, E. M (2024) Congenital Cataract. In Medscape (ed. H. Roy). Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1210837-overview?form=fpf (accessed 22 April 2025).

McMillen, M. (2025) What to Expect From Cataract Surgery. In WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery (accessed 22 April 2025).