Cataracts are an eye issue that can occur in people of any age. A cataract involves the clouding of the eye’s lens, which is located behind the iris and pupil. This condition results in a decline in vision, making daily activities more challenging. While cataracts can often be managed with prescription eyeglasses during the early stages, surgery becomes necessary as they begin to affect vision. Below are six indicators that it might be time to opt for cataract surgery:
1. Experiencing Blurred or Cloudy Vision
Blurry or cloudy vision could get worse over time, making everyday activities, like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult. Tasks such as reading the print on a medication bottle or seeing road signs clearly while driving might become challenging. As a cataract progresses, this blurriness becomes more noticeable with glasses or contacts. This vision issue has an impact on your life and safety. If you experience blurriness that doesn’t improve with eyewear, it might be a sign that you need cataract surgery.
2. Facing Difficulty With Night Vision
Having trouble seeing clearly at night poses a challenge, especially for drivers when bright headlights from cars coming towards you create blinding halos that make it harder to see and react quickly. It becomes tough to make out objects or people on lit roads, raising the chances of accidents. This issue also affects settings, making tasks such as moving in a dark room or reading in low light quite difficult. An eye doctor may determine surgery is the best option if other treatments do not help.
3. Suffering From Sensitivity To Light
Being sensitive to light results in a heightened reaction to sunlight, causing discomfort during activities without wearing sunglasses. Transitioning from a dark area to a lit room might be hard to adjust to. This sensitivity also impacts night driving as the glare from streetlights and headlights may be blinding. Continuously dealing with challenges in adjusting to light conditions could eventually lead to eye strain and headaches.
4. Dealing With Double Vision in One Eye
Double vision in one eye, which is known as diplopia, could indicate the presence of cataracts. This happens when the cataract alters how light enters the eye. Lines of text may seem like they’re overlapping or repeating themselves, making it hard to concentrate. This continual distortion disrupts tasks, like watching TV or driving, posing health and safety concerns.
5. Noticing Fading or Yellowing of Colors
The loss of color vibrancy or the yellowing of colors happens when the cloudy lens alters how light and colors are seen, resulting in a dimmer or tinged perspective. White objects may take on a different hue, while bold colors, like red or blue, might appear faded and less defined. This shift in color perception impacts tasks where distinguishing colors is needed.
6. Encountering Frequent Prescription Changes
Regularly switching prescriptions can result in modifications to your eyeglasses or contact lenses without achieving the desired level of clarity. You notice that a new prescription initially enhances your vision. After a month, it may not be as effective. This ongoing change in lenses can be expensive, impacting your daily activities.
What To Expect From Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe procedure that aims to improve vision by replacing the lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is often done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home at the end of the day. Prior to the surgery, your eye specialist conducts an examination. They will assess your eye to determine the most suitable type and strength of IOL. You may be advised to discontinue certain medications a day before the procedure. On the day of surgery, you will receive anesthesia to numb your eye and possibly a sedative for relaxation purposes.
During the procedure, the surgeon creates an opening in your eye to remove the cloudy lens. This is often done using ultrasound energy to break up the lens in a process known as phacoemulsification. The broken pieces are then suctioned out. A surgeon places the intraocular lens, and they do not often need to stitch the area as the opening tends to seal on its own.
Schedule a Cataract Surgery Today
Use this list to help determine if cataract surgery is right for you. Watch out for symptoms like trouble seeing at night, sensitivity to light, faded colors, frequent changes in glasses prescription, and difficulty reading. Seeking advice from a reputable eye doctor will help you understand the next steps to take.
