Is It Time for Cataract Surgery? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Cataracts are a common part of aging. Recognizing the signs early can help you take steps to restore clear vision. Delaying treatment too long can impact your safety, independence and overall quality of life.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a condition where the naturally clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly, especially in certain lighting conditions. Over time, cataracts can interfere with your ability to read, drive and enjoy everyday activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 20.5 million people in the U.S. aged 40 and older have cataracts. June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this time, we focus on the symptoms and treatment of the main cause of vision loss in the U.S.
When to Visit Your Eye Doctor
Changes in your vision can raise the risk of falls, accidents and injuries, especially for older adults. Here are some cataract signs and symptoms that may indicate you need to talk to your eye doctor:
- Cloudy, blurry or dim vision — You may feel like you are constantly looking through a smudged window or foggy glasses.
- Difficulty seeing at night — Driving has become stressful due to low visibility or increased glare.
- Glare or halos around lights — Street lights, headlights or lamps may seem overly bright with halos around them, especially at night.
- Colors look faded or yellow — Cataracts can dull your color perception, making everyday scenes look less vibrant.
- Frequent changes in your prescription — You think you need new glasses/contacts often but still are not seeing clearly.
- Double vision in one eye — This can possibly be an early sign of a cataract forming on the lens.
The Sooner You Act, the Better the Outcome
Early detection and prompt treatment are critical to restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
A comprehensive eye exam can help determine to what degree cataracts are affecting your vision. Your ophthalmologist will check your vision and test for common eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Then, you and your doctor can determine if cataract surgery is right for you.
Cataracts will not go away on their own. Cataract surgery restores clear vision, keeping you safer at home, on the road and in your daily activities. Eye doctors perform about four million cataract surgeries every year in the U.S. This is the most common and one of the safest surgical procedures.
Benefits of cataract surgery may include the following:
- Clearer vision and sharper focus
- Brighter, more vibrant colors
- Improved night vision
- Increased confidence and safety while walking or driving
- A more active and independent lifestyle
Delaying surgery too long may make the cataracts more advanced and harder to remove. This can slightly increase risks or lengthen recovery time. Therefore, it is important to discuss the best treatment schedule with your eye doctor.
Choose a Lens That’s Right for You
During cataract surgery, your doctor removes the cloudy lens of your eye. The lens is replaced with an artificial, permanent intraocular lens (IOL). Depending on your vision needs and budget, IOL choices include the following:
- Monofocal lenses are the most common and are usually covered by insurance. You will likely still need glasses or contacts for some activities.
- Astigmatism-correcting lenses (Toric) can give you sharp distance vision. You may still need reading glasses after surgery.
- Multifocal lenses may reduce your need for glasses altogether, especially for reading. Insurance does not cover these IOLs, so they cost more out of pocket. You may not need to buy glasses or contact lenses again.
Talk with your eye doctor to find the lens that is right for your lifestyle and vision goals.
Focus on Your Eye Health. Schedule an Appointment.
If vision problems are impacting your life, now is a great time to explore treatment options. Our experienced, board-certified eye doctors welcome new patients.
When you and your eye doctor determine you need cataract surgery, our ambulatory surgery center is …
- Convenient and efficient.
- Often lower in cost than hospitals.
- Focused on patient comfort and personalized care.
If you have met your health insurance deductible, your out-of-pocket costs for cataract surgery may be lower. Scheduling your procedure before the end of the year can help you make the most of your health plan benefits.
A better quality of life begins with clearer vision. Do not delay getting the eye care you need. Call today to schedule an appointment.