How Do I Know If It’s Time for Cataract Surgery?
Since cataracts are a natural part of the aging process within the eye, everyone will develop them eventually. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, which can obstruct vision.
When cataracts progress enough to interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery may be warranted to restore clear vision. Keep reading to learn some signs cataract surgery may be appropriate and what to expect from the evaluation and procedure!
What Are Common Symptoms of Cataracts?
In the early stages, cataracts may not cause many symptoms. Once you are diagnosed with cataracts, you may notice minor vision changes that can often be corrected with updated glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
However, as cataracts grow denser, your symptoms will worsen. Common symptoms may include:
- Blurry, fuzzy vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
If cataracts make it hard to do everyday tasks like driving, reading, recognizing faces, or working, it may be time to consider surgery. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your eye doctor for a cataract evaluation.
What Happens During a Cataract Evaluation?
During a cataract evaluation, your eye doctor will evaluate your symptoms by conducting a thorough eye exam. This exam will evaluate your eyes, including your natural lenses, where there may be cataracts.
Your eye doctor will determine if you have cataracts and assess their density, location, and overall eye health to determine when and if surgery is appropriate. In order to get a good look at your natural lens and the back of the eye, your eyes will need to be dilated.
This will require instilling eye drops in your eyes to widen your pupils.
Your eye doctor will also test your visual acuity and perform a refraction test to measure your prescription.
If you are diagnosed with cataracts, they will discuss options to help you decide whether it may be time to schedule cataract surgery.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe, effective, and often quick outpatient procedure with a high rate of success. The cloudy natural lens is removed with tiny incisions using microsurgical techniques and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, also known as an IOL, to restore clear vision.
First, your eye doctor will make a small opening in the front surface of your eye, known as the cornea, to access the lens. Then, they will gently break up the cataract and vacuum the tiny fragments out of your eye.
After removing the cloudy lens, they insert and position the clear IOL, close the tiny incisions, and allow them to self-seal. Most IOLs provide better, clearer distance vision and near focus than a cataract-impacted natural lens.
Your eye doctor will help you choose an appropriate IOL based on your lifestyle, budget, and vision goals.
Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Ginsberg Eye in Naples, FL, today!
