Should You Delay Cataract Surgery?

Medically reviewed on 03-June-2025

 

When cataract symptoms are mild, it is natural to question whether surgery is immediately necessary. If your vision continues to support your daily activities, postponing treatment may seem like a reasonable and convenient choice.

If left untreated, cataracts will inevitably worsen, although the speed of progression can vary – some cataracts develop gradually, while others may advance more rapidly. As symptoms become more severe, they can impact not only your vision but also your confidence and independence.

In this guide, we’ll look at how long it’s safe to postpone cataract surgery, what happens if treatment is delayed too long, and why early intervention often leads to the best outcomes.

Cataract surgery is the most performed operation in the UK, with over 400,000 procedures carried out each year (NHS). It is a well-established, safe, and highly effective treatment, Importantly, the timing of surgery can influence outcomes, as waiting longer may increase the risk of a reduction in vision and negatively affect quality of life and independence.

 

Is It OK to Delay Cataract Surgery?

In the early stages of cataract development, you may only notice subtle changes to your vision. These might include:

• Slight blurring
• Difficulty with glare or bright lights
• Reduced clarity in dim settings
• Less vibrant colour perception

Delaying cataract surgery can also raise important safety concerns. According to research from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, even moderate vision loss due to cataracts increases the risk of falls by 76%. When vision impairment becomes severe, the risk of falling more than doubles.

If you’re considering treatment, it’s also worth understanding the different types of cataract surgery available and how they can be tailored to your vision needs.

 

How Long Can Cataract Surgery Be Postponed?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people live with cataracts for years without symptoms, causing major disruption. For others, vision changes happen more quickly and require timely action.

Use our checklist below to help gauge where you stand:

You might be OK to wait if:

• You pass the DVLA eyesight requirement for driving 6/12 as measured by your optometrist
• Your symptoms are mild and not worsening or impacting quality of life
• An eye health check confirms your cataracts have not progressed to the extent that surgery is recommended

It may be time to consider surgery if:

• You’re struggling to see in low light
• Everyday tasks are becoming difficult
• You’re avoiding driving or social events due to vision changes
• Glasses or brighter lighting no longer help

Cataracts tend to harden and become more opaque over time, which can make surgery more complex, lead to a further reduction in vision quality, and slow down recovery. Acting sooner often allows for a simpler procedure and a quicker return to clear vision.

Planning ahead? Our guide on the best time to have cataract surgery might help you decide when to schedule it.

 

What Happens If You Delay Cataract Surgery Too Long?

As cataracts are painless, it’s easy to overlook the effect they may have on your vision. However, if left untreated for too long, their impact can become increasingly significant.

Here’s how delaying too much can affect outcomes:

What Might Change How it Could Affect You Denser cataracts Makes surgery more complex and time-consuming Lower visual quality Greater dependence on glasses or magnifiers Reduced safety Higher risk of falls, accidents or missed steps Slower recovery It may take longer to regain clear vision post-surgery Eye health complications In rare cases, it may cause inflammation or increased eye pressure

To understand more about your options and the procedure itself, explore Optegra’s cataract surgery offering.

 

When Should You Speak to a Consultant?

If your symptoms are progressing, or you’re unsure what’s right for your lifestyle, it’s worth booking an appointment with a consultant.

At Optegra, your journey begins with a virtual consultation to assess your suitability. If appropriate, we’ll then invite you to a face-to-face assessment where your consultant will examine your eyes and recommend the right treatment.

You don’t need to be ready to commit straight away. Many people choose to speak to us early on for reassurance and advice. Check out the differences between private and NHS cataract surgery.

If you’re preparing for surgery, you might also find our guide to what to expect before your cataract operation helpful.

 

Book Your Consultation – Take the First Step Towards Clearer Vision

Cataracts are progressive but highly treatable. If you find that your vision is starting to limit your daily activities, it may be the right time to consider treatment options

Book a free consultation with an Optegra consultant today and find out whether surgery is the right step for you. With expert care and a personalised approach, you can look forward to a clearer, more confident vision.