Delayed Cataract Treatment Can Be Fatal to Vision
Vision impairment caused by cataracts is often regarded as a minor issue that only affects the elderly. Many people postpone treatment until the eye condition becomes fully blurred. In fact, delaying cataract treatment carries a high risk and can trigger far more dangerous impacts on eye health.
Dr Nina Asrini Noor, ophthalmologist and Head of the Research and Medical Training Division at JEC Group, emphasised that while cataract progression to permanent blindness can take years, the public should not wait until the condition becomes severe. ‘Cataracts can lead to permanent blindness; it takes years, but do not wait until it is badly affected. I often encounter patients who present only when their condition is already advanced,’ she said at a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday (20 May).
According to Nina, the earlier cataract surgery is performed, the faster the recovery. Therefore, she urged the public to be vigilant, especially if a family member or an elderly relative begins to report blurred vision.
Risk factors and symptoms of cataract are not limited to ageing. External factors and medical conditions can worsen and accelerate cataract formation, including diabetes, where metabolic disturbances in diabetics can damage the eye via leakage from blood vessels in the optic nerve, and worsen the cataract with certain risks. Other factors include sun exposure (UV), particularly under extreme UV conditions, which is very dangerous. Eye protection such as UV protection remains mandatory even when the weather is overcast. Additionally, using eye drops that are not prescribed or without a doctor’s prescription may worsen the lens condition.
In addition to blurred vision, other symptoms that often disrupt daily activities include light sensitivity. Cataract patients typically experience much more glare at night, which is particularly dangerous when driving.
An interesting trend today is that cataracts no longer respect age. Many cases are now found in younger people, especially those with high myopia. ‘Cataracts are not only in older people, but also in younger adults, or in younger people with high myopia. High myopia makes cataracts appear a little faster,’ explained Nina.
Even for individuals who have undergone LASIK in their youth but complain of frequent glare at night, cataract surgery can be a long-term solution. After the operation, the patient’s vision and quality of life are expected to be substantially better.
As a preventive measure, standard eye examinations are strongly recommended at least once a year. However, if you or a relative already experiences cataract symptoms or a decline in visual function, do not delay and consult an ophthalmologist promptly.
Globally, cataracts remain one of the biggest challenges in eye health. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that cataracts affected more than 100 million people worldwide in 2020, with around 17 million of them blind. In Indonesia, the urgency of addressing cataracts is no less significant. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia cites the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB 2014–2016) conducted by PERDAMI and the Health Research and Development Agency (Litbangkes) of the Ministry of Health in 15 provinces. The survey showed blindness among those aged 50 and above reaching 3%, with cataracts as the leading cause, accounting for around 81.2% of blindness cases.
In other words, cataracts are not just a clinical issue but also a matter of quality of life, productivity, and independence, especially among adults and the elderly. Cataract cases in Indonesia continue to rise and have entered a backlog phase. Limited access and myths act as barriers, even though the risk of blindness can be prevented. Glaucoma is recorded as the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts. Ocular stroke occurs when blood flow to the retina is blocked and can cause permanent blindness. Recognise the causes, early symptoms, as well as treatment and prevention. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. Moreover, prolonged exposure to devices and computers now contributes to a significant rise in myopia among young people. The Djoko Sarwono Award is PERDAMI’s recognition for non-ophthalmologist individuals or institutions that have contributed to supporting efforts to combat blindness.