By Dr. Astha Jain | Cataract, Retina & LASIK Surgeon in Chembur, Mumbai
Many patients who visit my clinic in Chembur, Mumbai ask me the same question:
“Doctor, when is the right time for cataract surgery?”
There is still a common belief that cataract should be operated only when it becomes “ripe.” This is no longer true. With modern cataract surgery techniques, waiting for cataract to mature is unnecessary and often delays good vision.
In this article, I will explain the best time to operate cataract, symptoms to watch for, and what happens if cataract surgery is delayed.
What Is Cataract and Why Does It Affect Vision?
A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. As the cataract progresses, light cannot pass clearly through the lens, causing blurred vision.
Common cataract symptoms include:
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Blurry or hazy vision
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Difficulty seeing at night
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Glare from headlights and sunlight
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Frequent change in spectacle number
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Fading or dullness of colours
Cataract develops slowly, so many people adapt to reduced vision without realising how much their daily life is being affected.
Do You Need to Wait for Cataract to Become “Ripe” Before Surgery?
No. Waiting for cataract to become “ripe” is an outdated concept.
Years ago, cataract surgery had higher complication rates. Because of this, surgery was often delayed until the cataract became “ripe.” With today’s advanced cataract surgery techniques and modern machines, cataract can be operated safely even in early stages. There is no medical advantage in waiting for the cataract to mature.
In fact, delaying cataract surgery can:
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Make the surgery technically more difficult
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Prolong visual recovery
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Increase stress on the eye
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Reduce quality of life for the patient
Best Time for Cataract Surgery: When Should You Operate Cataract?
The right time for cataract surgery depends on how much your cataract is affecting your daily activities, not on how advanced the cataract looks.
You should consider cataract surgery when:
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Your vision affects daily tasks like reading, driving, cooking, or using your mobile phone
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You avoid night driving due to glare from lights
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You feel unsafe while walking, especially on stairs
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Changing spectacles does not improve your vision
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Cataract is interfering with the examination or treatment of other eye problems such as retina diseases or glaucoma
If cataract is affecting your independence or confidence, it is usually the right time to operate.
Is Early Cataract Surgery Better?
In most cases, early cataract surgery is better.
Benefits of early cataract surgery include:
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Easier and smoother surgery
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Faster recovery of vision
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More predictable visual results
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Less strain on the eye
From a cataract surgeon’s point of view, operating before the cataract becomes very hard is safer and more comfortable for the patient.
What Happens If You Delay Cataract Surgery?
Delaying cataract surgery for a long time can lead to:
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Severe reduction in vision
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Increased risk of falls and injuries, especially in elderly patients
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Difficulty in examining the retina clearly, which can hide serious retina problems
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Higher surgical complexity and risk in very advanced cataracts
Many patients in Mumbai come for cataract surgery only when their vision is very poor, making the surgery more challenging than it needed to be.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful or Risky?
Modern cataract surgery is:
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Painless
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Usually completed in 10–15 minutes
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Performed under local anaesthesia
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A day-care procedure (you go home the same day)
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the world when done at the right time and by an experienced cataract surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
Can cataract be treated with eye drops or medicines?
No. Cataract cannot be cured with eye drops or medicines. Surgery is the only permanent treatment for cataract.
Can I delay cataract surgery if one eye is still seeing well?
Yes, if cataract is mild and not affecting your daily life. However, regular eye check-ups are important to monitor progression.
Is cataract surgery safe for senior citizens?
Yes. Age is not a limitation. Many patients in their 70s and 80s undergo safe cataract surgery and regain good vision.
Advice from a Cataract, Retina & LASIK Surgeon in Chembur
As a cataract, retina and LASIK surgeon practising in Chembur, Mumbai, I see many patients who delay cataract surgery due to fear or outdated beliefs. Cataract surgery should be planned when vision starts affecting your quality of life — not when cataract becomes “ripe.”
If you or your family members notice blurred vision, glare, or frequent change of spectacles, it is better to get an eye evaluation done early. Timely cataract surgery can restore clear vision and help you remain independent.
About the Author
Dr. Astha Jain is a Cataract, Retina & LASIK Surgeon in Chembur, Mumbai. She specialises in cataract surgery, treatment of retina diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment, and vision correction procedures including LASIK.