Surgery is the only way to get rid of cataracts permanently. The good news is cataract surgery is a quick, comfortable, and incredibly effective outpatient procedure.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you don’t need to have them removed right away. Often, cataracts progress very slowly and can be safely observed until your eye doctor recommends surgery.
Keep reading to learn more about cataracts, tips for coping with cataracts, and why cataract surgery is eventually necessary!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts happen when proteins in your eyes break down and clump together inside your lens. A cataract causes your lens to become cloudy.
Some of the signs of cataracts are:
- Blurry vision
- Halos and glare
- Sensitivity to light
- Poor night vision
- Colors appear faded
- Frequent changes in prescription
- Need for brighter lighting for reading and other up-close tasks
Tips for Combating the Vision Changes Associated With Early Cataracts
During the early stages of cataract development, the following measures can help you cope with cataracts:
Update your Glasses Prescription
An up-to-date prescription can improve your vision.
Get Magnifying Lenses
These are useful for reading.
Invest in Polarized Sunglasses and Wide-Brimmed Hats
Both reduce glare and aid with light sensitivity.
Use Brighter Lightbulbs in Your Home
Brighter lighting is especially useful for reading, cooking, and performing other up-close tasks.
While these measures may help you safely delay cataract surgery, they’re only temporary. Cataracts are progressive, so they will get worse with time.
Reading, watching TV, cooking, driving, playing golf, and more will become more challenging or even impossible. Eventually, cataract surgery is the only option for restoring clear vision.
Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest procedures, with the chance of complications very low.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and implanting an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. Your eye doctor will guide you in selecting the best one for you.
During cataract surgery, your eye is first numbed with eye drops so you won’t feel pain, only slight pressure. You remain awake during the entire procedure.
The surgery takes about twenty to thirty minutes to complete, and you’ll get to go home shortly after. Since you won’t be able to drive right away, make sure to make prior arrangements for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops to help your eyes heal and prevent infection. They will also instruct you not to bend or do any heavy lifting to avoid causing injury to your eye.
Your first follow-up appointment is usually the day after your procedure. Follow-up is a crucial part of your treatment and safety. Therefore, ensure you attend all of your post-surgery appointments.
Your vision typically improves by the following day. Most patients are able to resume their normal routine within a day or two.
By choosing a premium IOL, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses following your cataract procedure.
Best-in-Class Cataract Surgeons
If you’re bothered by bright lights, halos, glare or experiencing blurry, clouded vision, you may have cataracts. Fortunately, the experienced eye doctors at VisionFirst Eye Center can help.
They can accurately diagnose cataracts and recommend the best time to have cataract surgery so you can see clearly once more.
Are you experiencing any vision changes? Schedule your cataract screening today so the eye doctors at VisionFirst in Birmingham, AL, can determine if you have cataracts.
