Is it better to have cataract surgery earlier or later?

Cataract surgery is more suitable when performed earlier. Timely surgery is recommended when vision deterioration affects daily activities or corrected vision drops below 0.5, as it can prevent complications caused by disease progression and results in lower surgical difficulty and better recovery. Delaying surgery until the cataract reaches maturity or hypermaturity may trigger problems such as glaucoma. Early medical evaluation is strongly advised.

In early-stage cataracts, lens opacity is mild, allowing for smaller incisions, simpler procedures, reduced risk of intraoperative damage to ocular tissues such as corneal endothelium, faster postoperative visual recovery, and a quicker return to normal life and work.

Delaying surgery leads to increased lens opacity and hardness, not only raising surgical complexity and trauma but also potentially causing secondary glaucoma due to lens swelling, uveitis, or other serious complications. This may result in irreversible vision loss and increase both treatment costs and recovery time.

After surgery, maintain eye cleanliness and avoid letting contaminated water enter the eye; avoid rubbing the eyes or engaging in strenuous exercise in the short term to prevent eye injury; follow medical instructions for using anti-inflammatory eye drops and attend regular follow-up visits; eat a diet rich in vitamins to support eye healing.