How Can I Tell If I May Need Cataract Surgery?

by Admin
April 01, 2022

The lens in your eye plays an important role in your ability to see clearly every day. From driving to reading to playing games on your phone, you put it to work. As you age, the proteins in your eye can clump together and cause the lens in your eye to become foggy, inhibiting your ability to see clearly. But you do not have to live with hazy and unclear vision when the option of cataract surgery exists. Once your cataracts begin interfering with your sight, ability to perform daily tasks, and general quality of life, your ophthalmologist may recommend cataract surgery. Your optometrist can diagnose cataracts with a dilated eye exam as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist works in partnership with an ophthalmologist to continually evaluate and manage your condition. If your optometrist diagnoses cataracts that are impairing your vision, or your symptoms have progressed, you will be referred for cataract surgery.

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Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery

At first, cataracts may not affect your vision very much. There may be times when things look a little bit blurry, but it doesn't worry you. Over time, these infrequent occasions of blurry vision can progress and impair your ability to complete simple tasks like reading, writing, driving and impact your enjoyment of life. Cataract surgery can restore your vision and make it possible to do the things you need to do again. Here are some signs that it be time to consider cataract surgery:

You Can No Longer Perform Up Close Tasks
Cataract formation is a slow process. Typically most age-related cases of cataracts develop over a span of years and only become a problem when they begin interfering with everyday life. If you are having trouble with up-close tasks such as reading or sewing, that could be caused by cataracts and you may require surgery.

Difficulty Driving At Night
Driving with cataracts can be dangerous, especially when driving at night. Cataracts create halos around lights making it difficult to drive in the evening. The halos around lights may interfere with your ability to accurately see road signs, lights, and other vehicles on the road. For your safety and others on the road, have a friend or family member drive you at night until you receive cataract surgery to avoid an accident.

Everything Has A Brown Or Yellow Tint
When you have cataracts, it can appear as if you are always looking through a dirty window all the time. Colours may appear muddy instead of vibrant and it may seem that white objects appear to be more yellow. This is caused by the colour of your cataract as it grows bigger, blocking the lens of your eye. Cataract surgery removes the natural lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial one to help you see clearly and allow you to enjoy every beautiful colour in the world.

Double Vision
If you have cataracts, you may experience double vision. Double vision can be very irritating and can impede your ability to complete day-to-day tasks such as cooking and driving. If you are experiencing double vision, book an appointment with your optometrist to determine the cause of your double vision. The cause of your double vision could be cataracts however, it could also be the result of other health conditions such as nerve damage. It is important to determine the cause of your double vision to allow your optometrist to develop an appropriate course of action for treatment.

Your Prescription Is Constantly Changing
As a result of aging, it is normal for your prescription for glasses and contacts to change from time to time. However, a rapidly changing prescription could be a sign of cataracts. Cataracts may eventually develop to the point where contact lenses and glasses will not be able to improve your eyesight. At this point, your best option to regain vision may be cataract surgery.

Light Sensitivity
One of the early symptoms of cataracts is light sensitivity. This symptom can be quite painful and irritating if left untreated. If you experience light sensitivity, tell your eye doctor right away so they are able to diagnose cataracts before you have more advanced vision changes.

Cataract Management Calgary

It is important not to ignore the warning signs of cataracts, even if your symptoms seem like only minor inconveniences. The sooner your cataracts are diagnosed, the sooner a program of management and monitoring can begin the more successful your treatment will be when it comes to cataracts. Cataracts progressively get worse and worse with time eventually leading to complete blindness that only cataract surgery can correct.

To find out if you are at risk of a vision or eye health problem such as cataracts or to book an eye exam to check the quality of your vision, contact Sunridge Eye Clinic. Our experienced optometrists can assess your vision and develop a personal treatment plan to help you see clearly. Book a comprehensive or senior eye exam today by calling 1-403-280-7518 or book online.

FAQ

Q: At what age are adults at risk to start developing cataracts?
A: Individuals 40+ are the most at risk of developing cataracts.

Q: How long is a comprehensive eye exam?
A: A comprehensive eye exam will last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the tests performed by your optometrist.

Q: How long is the recovery from cataract surgery?
A: The recovery time for cataract surgery is relatively short. Soreness and discomfort will subside after a couple of days. Depending on the nature and size of your cataracts, a full recovery to restored vision can take 4-6 weeks.