What Will Happen if Cataracts are Left Untreated?

Posted by: Dakota Eye Institute in Uncategorized on June 4, 2022

Cataracts form when protein builds up over the lens of a normally clear eye causing cloudiness or blurry vision. Light passes through the lens located behind the iris (colored part of the eye) sending a signal to your brain of the image you are trying to see. When cataracts cover the lens, the image is distorted because the eye cannot focus light as it should. 

Initial cataract symptoms are generally mild and usually include light sensitivity in addition to blurred vision. The first course of action is a new prescription for glasses or contacts. If cataract symptoms, such as inability to drive, read, or carry out normal activities, persist beyond a fix of a new prescription, surgery will be recommended. During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded lens and implants a clear artificial lens, perfectly shaped to your eye restoring clear vision.  

Leaving cataracts untreated will cause a decrease in overall quality of life; if you don’t fix cataracts, they will progressively lead to vision loss and eventually blindness. Fortunately, cataract surgery is routine and common. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and recovery time, pain and discomfort are minimal. Most eye doctors will recommend surgery even before vision is significantly impaired as cataracts have been known to progress in four stages: early cataract, immature cataract, mature cataract and hyper-mature cataract. Cataract progression varies with each individual but what will happen if cataracts are left untreated is that they will make it to the hyper-mature stage. When this happens, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the cataract as it has become hardened. If untreated, hyper-mature cataracts can cause inflammation and pressure to the eye resulting in glaucoma. 

If cataracts are left untreated, vision will decrease from mild, blurred vision to the lens becoming either completely white or a deep amber with significant blur and possible loss of vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world but can be cured through surgery. Early treatment is key. Dakota Eye Institute offers testing and treatment options to get you underway to better vision today. Don’t let cataracts interfere with your quality of life when the solution is just an appointment away. Contact our office by 701-222-3937 or WEBSITE for your comprehensive eye examination.


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Bismarck - South Clinic

200 South 5th Street
Bismarck, ND 58504

(701) 222-3937 Or (800) 344-5634
(701) 222-8805
HOURS
Mon: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tue: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wed: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thu: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
*Fri: 7:30AM - 4:00PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
 *Summer Hours (May 24th - Sept 2nd):
   Fri: 7:30AM - 3:00PM

Bismarck - North Clinic

3119 North 14th Street
Bismarck, ND 58503

(701) 222-3937 Or (800) 344-5634
(701) 222-8805
HOURS
Mon: 7:30AM - 8:00PM
Tue: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wed: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thu: 7:30AM - 6:00PM
*Fri: 7:30AM - 4:00PM
*Sat: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Sun: Closed
 *Summer Hours (May 24th - Sept 2nd):
   Fri: 7:30AM - 3:00PM
   1st & 3rd Sat of the month: Closed
   2nd & 4th Sat of the month: Open 8:00AM - 12:00PM

Dakota Eye Surgery Center

430 East Sweet Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58504

(701) 222-4900 Or (800) 344-5634
(701) 222-4999
HOURS
Mon: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
*Fri: 7:30AM - 4:00PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
 *Summer Hours (May 24th - Sept 2nd):
   Fri: 7:30AM - 3:00PM

Linton Clinic

114 Broadway Street North, Suite 1
Linton, ND 58552

(701) 254-4450 Or (800) 344-5634
HOURS
Mon: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed Noon-1pm)
Tue: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed Noon-1pm)
Wed: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed Noon-1pm)
Thu: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed Noon-1pm)
Fri: Closed
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
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