Do you think you could have cataracts or need to have cataract surgery? You’re not alone, as millions of people develop cataracts.
Most cataracts are age-related, making them one of the most common causes of vision changes among older adults. The early symptoms of cataracts can be managed with minor adjustments, like updating your glasses prescription or using brighter lighting at home or work.
Eventually, however, cataracts may limit your vision significantly. When that happens, it’s time to think about cataract surgery. Keep reading to learn about 7 signs it’s time to consider cataract surgery!
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop due to changes in the proteins that make up the eye’s natural lens. The proteins form clumps, which cause cloudy spots on the lens and interfere with your vision.
They can start so small that you don’t even know they’re there. You may only learn you have cataracts when your eye doctor at Bucks-Mont Eye Associates identifies them during a routine exam.
Over time, cataracts start developing and becoming more prominent, causing them to cover more of your natural lens. When this happens, it limits how much light reaches your retina.
This can cause blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to glare, and blank spots in your vision. Eventually, these changes can limit your ability to do basic tasks like reading and driving.
Signs You Should Consider Cataract Surgery
The only treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery. There are no medications that can reverse, slow, or prevent cataracts.
If you receive a diagnosis of cataracts, it doesn’t mean you need the procedure immediately. Most cataract surgeons only recommend cataract surgery if cataracts are making it difficult to complete basic tasks.
Here are seven signs that you should consider cataract surgery:
1. You Experience Significant Visual Changes
Advanced cataracts may make your vision dimmer or darker, even in full light. They can also cause blank or blurry spots that won’t go away.
These vision changes can make it challenging to do things like driving, reading, watching TV, or preparing meals.
2. Sensitivity to Light or Glare Limits Activities
One symptom of cataracts can be increased light sensitivity. The discoloration that cataracts cause on the lens can lead to a scattering effect of light as it enters the eye.
This scattering can make light feel stronger and more glaring. You may see new or worsening glare or halos around lights. Halos, or bright glare from oncoming headlights or streetlamps, may make driving challenging.
3. Your Night Vision Decreases Dramatically
Cataracts reduce the amount of light penetrating the retina, so even bright light can seem dimmer. You may need help seeing in spaces with low light, such as restaurants or movie theaters.
You might have to add lighting to your home to see well after sunset. Driving at night may be more difficult or impossible.
Do you need cataract surgery?
4. You Experience Double Vision
One of the symptoms of cataracts is experiencing double vision in only one eye. However, double vision can also be a sign of serious health issues.
Don’t assume double vision is always related to cataracts, as it can be associated with other health conditions.
5. Colors Seem Significantly Dimmer
Cataracts can have a brownish or yellowish tinge that affects your vision. You might feel like you’re seeing through a brown or yellow filter.
Colors seem dimmer or hazy, and you may be unable to make out subtle differences in color. This can make your vision feel weaker.
You may have difficulty reading if the lettering needs to contrast more with the background color.
6. You are Concerned About Your Safety
Compromised vision from cataracts can increase your risk of accidents or injuries. You may be at a greater risk for falls, which can lead to severe injuries for older adults.
You may also be more prone to cuts or burns while cooking. Your risk of auto accidents may rise, or you may have trouble navigating when you drive to unfamiliar places. You could get lost or disoriented while driving or walking.
7. Your Mental Health is Affected
Vision loss can make it hard to participate in social events or activities you enjoy. It may become challenging to travel to see loved ones.
You may find that you can’t do things like play games and read stories to your grandchildren because you can’t see well. The isolation and limitations of cataract-related vision loss can lead to mental health symptoms such as feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or depression.
What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
If cataract symptoms limit your activities and affect your mood and safety, it’s time to talk to your cataract surgeon at Bucks-Mont Eye Associates about cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that will help you improve your vision and regain your quality of life.
During the procedure, your cataract surgeon will give you numbing eye drops to ensure you’re comfortable. Then, they’ll create a small incision in your eye, allowing them to break up and remove the cataract-affected lens.
They will replace it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL ensures you can see clearly after cataract surgery.
The procedure immediately eliminates all the vision problems from cataracts by removing clouded proteins from the eye. In addition, the IOL can work like a prescription lens to correct other vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, depending on whether you choose a standard, monofocal IOL, or a premium IOL.
Cataract surgery usually takes less than an hour, and you can go home once it’s over. Most patients start noticing visual improvements almost immediately, with recovery taking several weeks.
You’ll be able to return to most activities after only a few days with better vision. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the second procedure will be completed once your first eye finishes healing.
Are you ready to discover what life could be like after cataract surgery? Find out if it’s time for this procedure by requesting an appointment at Bucks-Mont Eye Associates in Sellersville, PA, today!