When is it Time to Consider Cataract Surgery?
Have you noticed your vision is blurrier, foggier, or worsening as you age? These could be some common signs of cataracts.
Cataracts are a common cause of vision changes. These cloudy patches on the eye’s natural lens can make it harder to see well at night, cause blurry vision, and make colors look dimmer.
Over time, cataracts develop and can negatively impact your ability to see and do typical day-to-day activities. The visual changes they cause can make you feel unsafe doing everyday activities like driving or spending time outdoors.
The only way to treat cataracts is by having cataract surgery. But if you have cataracts, you may not need the procedure immediately.
Keep reading to learn when it could be time for cataract surgery and what to expect from the procedure!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are cloudy or discolored patches that develop on the eye’s naturally clear and transparent lens. The lens sits in front of the retina and helps focus light to translate it into visual images.
If the lens becomes cloudy, less light can reach the retina, causing problems with your vision. Most cataracts are age-related, though they can be congenital or result from an eye injury.
Cataracts are not painful; they can develop slowly, so you may not notice them initially. Many patients start developing cataracts in their forties or fifties but are unaware they have them at first. It can take years to notice symptoms or any issues with your vision.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
Early symptoms of cataracts may be mild, though they can get more significant over time. As cataracts progress, you may notice changes in your vision.
Vision is Cloudy or Blurry
Cataracts are caused when the proteins that make up the eye’s crystalline lens break down and form clumps. The clumps are not clear, so they don’t allow as much light to enter the eye.
As cataracts develop, vision can become blurry, hazy, or out of focus. You may notice your vision dimmer, even in daylight or bright lighting.
Many cataract patients say it feels like looking at the world through a foggy or dirty window.
Colors Seem Dimmer
The clouding on the lens from cataracts can have a brownish or yellowish tinge. This has the same effect as looking through a brown or yellow filter.
It makes colors seem less vibrant, dimmer, or hazy. When you have cataracts, it may feel like colors have lost their vibrance or everything you’re looking at is muddy.
You Notice Glare or Halos Around Lights
Cataracts may cause glare or halos around lights, which can be noticeable when driving at night. You may see halos or bright glares from oncoming headlights or streetlamps, which affects driving safety.
If you feel unsafe while driving at night, find a friend or family member who can drive you until you have cataract surgery.
You Require Brighter Light
Cataracts block light from penetrating the retina, meaning you need more ambient light to see well. In places with low light, you may struggle to see.
For example, you may need help reading restaurant menus in dim lighting, increasing the screen brightness on your computer or phone, or sitting near a strong light to read printed materials.
You Need More Frequent Prescription Changes
Cataracts progress over time, and the changes can lead to frequent vision changes. You may find that your glasses or contact lens prescription needs frequent updates to compensate.
However, if these prescription changes are due to cataracts, you’ll eventually reach a point where changing your prescription will no longer help. The only solution would be cataract surgery.
You Experience Double Vision
Cataracts can distort vision, causing double vision in one eye. However, double vision can also be a sign of serious health conditions, such as a brain tumor, a concussion, or multiple sclerosis. If you’re experiencing double vision, see your ophthalmologist immediately to determine its cause.
Managing Cataracts
You may be able to manage early cataract symptoms with minor accommodations. You should visit your eye doctor regularly to monitor changes to your vision and make any necessary adjustments to your glasses or contacts.
An updated prescription can help with blurry vision from cataracts. You can adjust the lighting in your home or office to help you see if cataracts have obscured your vision.
Increasing your screen brightness can also make using a computer or handheld device easier. Using a magnifying lens may help you read printed materials more easily.
When Cataracts Affect Your Day-to-Day Activities
If cataracts have significantly limited your vision, you may stop doing activities that you typically enjoy. You may be reluctant to drive due to limited vision.
You might hesitate to travel or visit new places if you cannot see well enough to read signs and navigate unfamiliar locations. You may not want to exercise or spend time outside for fear of falling and injuring yourself.
Pulling back from your favorite pastimes can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, or depression. These interruptions of everyday activities usually indicate that it’s time to consider cataract surgery.
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon removes the eye’s clouded natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is transparent and takes the place of your natural lens.
It also ensures that you can see clearly after cataract surgery and corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than an hour.
It is very safe and effective. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, will cover necessary cataract surgery.
Do you think it’s time for cataract surgery? Learn more about cataract surgery and whether it could be the right procedure for you by making an appointment at LA Sight in Los Angeles, CA, today! Why wait if you could experience better vision?