Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery

Health & Medical Blog

If your vision has been getting cloudy over the years and you are progressively having trouble seeing, especially at night, you might be diagnosed with cataracts. Cataracts occur when the proteins inside the lens of your eye begin to degrade, which makes it difficult for your eyes to focus. Typically, surgery is the best option to eliminate cataracts. Here are a few of the most telltale signs you might require cataract surgery.

Your Cloudy Vision Is Progressively Getting Worse

For many people with cataracts, one of the first signs of the condition is cloudy vision. Typically, this cloudy vision is often unnoticeable in the beginning and becomes progressively worse as the patient ages. This increased cloudiness and trouble seeing occur as the proteins in the lens break down more.

If your cloudy vision was something that you could previously live with but is now making it difficult to perform everyday tasks, it is time for you to discuss cataract treatment options with your doctor, including surgery.

Trouble Reading When You Are Wearing Glasses

Cataracts make it difficult for light to reach past the lens, which leads to cloudy vision. In the beginning, you may simply need to get pair of glasses to perform normal tasks, including reading. Unfortunately, as the cataracts become worse, you will find that the glasses that were once sufficient are beginning to not work as well.

If you are having trouble reading, even with a pair of reading glasses, or if you are constantly having to update your eyeglass prescription, chances are you need to talk to your doctor about cataract surgery. Sometimes, after people receive cataract surgery, they will not need to wear glasses anymore or will be able to keep the same prescriptions for much longer.

You Have Trouble Getting Around at Night

People with cataracts have trouble seeing well in dim light or at night. This is because there is not enough light getting past the cloudy lens. Unfortunately, while this can be inconvenient during the evening, driving with advanced cataracts can be dangerous, especially at night.

If you are considering giving up driving at night because your cataracts are making it very difficult to see, contact your doctor. Often, successful cataract surgery will improve your vision so much that you will be able to keep your vehicle and enjoy some nighttime drives.

From having trouble seeing or driving at night to needing to constantly upgrade your eyeglass prescription, there are several signs it is time to talk to your doctor about cataract surgery.

Contact your ophthalmologist for more information about cataract surgery

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