Cataracts are one of the most common causes of age-related vision changes, affecting millions of people worldwide. Because the symptoms of cataracts can develop slowly and may not impact your vision very much at first, it can be hard to know when or if you should seek treatment.
However, eventually, they become more severe and limit your ability to do daily activities. At this point, cataract surgery is the only way to improve your vision and regain your independence.
Keep reading to learn more about 3 signs it’s time to consider cataract surgery.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye develops cloudy patches that impair your vision. The natural lens is a clear, flexible disc that helps focus light as it passes through your eye to the retina.
As you age, the proteins that make up the natural lens can deteriorate and clump together, forming cataracts. Early cataracts may not cause any symptoms, but as they continue to develop, they can cause symptoms including:
- Blurry vision
- Needing frequent prescription changes
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Colors seem muted or hazy
- Double vision
When symptoms are mild, you can sometimes manage them with changes like increasing the lighting in your home or office, increasing the font size on digital devices, and keeping your glasses or contact prescription up to date. However, the only treatment that can stop the progression of cataracts and restore clear vision is cataract surgery.
When Should I Consider Cataract Surgery?
If vision changes from cataracts start to affect your ability to do daily activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Stay diligent about these 3 signs that you may be ready for the procedure:
1. You Can’t Do Things You Enjoy with Confidence
Vision changes from cataracts can become significant enough to limit your normal activities. You may find that you can’t see well enough to do things you typically enjoy, such as reading, crafting, playing with your kids and grandkids, or gardening.
You also may have difficulty with daily tasks like cooking and household chores, which can significantly impact your independence.
2. You’re Concerned for Your Safety
The vision changes from cataracts can limit your depth perception or reduce your ability to see contrasting colors and differentiate light and shadows. This can affect your mobility because you can’t see well enough to safely navigate stairs and uneven sidewalks, increasing your risk of falling or injury.
3. You Feel Lonely or Isolated
You may not feel comfortable driving, particularly at night or in inclement weather because of your cataract symptoms. This can limit your opportunities for social interaction and prevent you from attending classes, gatherings, or religious services within your community.
You may not be able to visit family and friends as often as you like if you’re not confident traveling. This leads to many patients with cataracts feeling lonely or isolated.
How Does Cataract Surgery Improve Your Vision?
Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract-affected natural lens of your eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens, or IOL. This restores your vision to how it was before cataracts.
Your new IOL cannot develop cataracts and can even correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia to give you better vision than you ever had before. The IOLs offered at Metro Eye Care include monofocal lens implants, toric lens implants, multifocal lens implants, and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens implants.
At your cataract surgery consultation with your eye doctor, they can discuss which IOL best fits your lifestyle and vision needs and help you determine the right time to undergo cataract surgery.
Are you ready to learn more about restoring your vision with cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today!
