Cataract Awareness: Symptoms and When Surgery Is Necessary

Imagine looking through a foggy window all the time. Sounds frustrating, right? Well, that is what having cataracts can feel like. Cataracts make the eye lens cloudy for millions of people worldwide as they age. It would help to discuss how cataracts affect your vision and when to consider surgery. 

Symptoms

• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is often an early symptom of cataracts. You may notice that objects appear hazy or less sharp than usual. This blurriness can interfere with your ability to read, drive, or identify faces
   

• Sensitivity to Light: Another symptom is increased light sensitivity. You may find yourself squinting or feeling uncomfortable in bright environments. This sensitivity can make activities like driving at night or being outside on sunny days challenging
   

• Poor Night Vision: Cataracts can affect your ability to see clearly in low-light conditions. You may struggle with night vision and navigating dimly lit areas. This can be particularly troublesome when moving around your home or driving after sunset
   

• Color Distortion: Cataracts can cause colors to appear faded or dull. You may notice that once vibrant hues now look washed out or yellowish. This color distortion can make it difficult to enjoy activities like painting, photography, or appreciating beautiful scenery
   

• Seeing Double: Cataracts can make you see more than one image of the same thing. This can blur your vision and make reading or watching TV challenging. If you have double vision and other signs of cataracts, you should see an eye specialist for a checkup
   

When Surgery Is Necessary

• When Cataracts Affect Your Daily Life: Cataract surgery may be necessary if your vision problems prevent you from doing what you need or enjoy. For example, if you have trouble reading, working, or driving safely because of cataracts, you may want to consider surgery
   

• Vision Loss: Surgery becomes the best option when cataracts cause significant vision loss that does not improve with glasses or contact lenses. You should see an eye specialist if cataracts stop you from enjoying your hobbies or endanger your safety
   

• Difficulty With Everyday Tasks: Are you struggling to perform everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal grooming due to cataracts? If so, cataract surgery can help restore your independence and make these activities more manageable and safer
   

• Personal Choice: Ultimately, the decision to undergo cataract surgery is personal. Do you feel that your vision significantly affects your overall well-being, and do you desire a clearer vision? Discussing surgery with an eye care professional can provide valuable guidance

How to Prevent or Delay Cataracts

You cannot completely prevent cataracts, but you can take some steps to lower your chances or delay their growth. Some of these include quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins also lowers your risk of developing cataracts. Other practices are wearing sunglasses with UV protection and having regular eye exams. 

Conclusion

Anyone can get cataracts, but they are easy to treat. Knowing the signs and options for cataracts can help you take control of your eye health and vision. Do not hesitate to consult with an eye professional with questions or concerns about cataracts. 
 

Your eye doctor will check your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may involve cataract surgery. Clear vision is within reach, and cataract surgery can be a life-changing solution.
 

For more information on cataracts, visit Eye Care North at our Cave Creek, Arizona office. Call 480-781-4446 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule an appointment today.