As we age, it’s normal for our vision to change, which can increase our risk of developing certain eye conditions. One common age-related eye issue is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, poor night vision, and difficulty reading small print. While cataracts may start off as a minor inconvenience, they can progress to the point where surgical intervention is necessary. But how do you know when it’s time for cataract surgery? We’ll help you understand when it might be time to consider cataract surgery and how we support you throughout the process with expert surgery co-management services.
Signs of cataracts
Cataracts develop gradually over time, often without causing noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the cataract progresses, you may begin to experience:
- Blurry or cloudy vision: Objects may appear hazy or less defined, making it difficult to see clearly.
- Increased sensitivity to light: You may notice glare or halos around lights, particularly when driving at night or in brightly lit environments.
- Difficulty with night vision: Cataracts can affect your ability to see in low-light conditions, leading to decreased night vision and an increased risk of accidents.
- Changes in color perception: Colors may appear faded or yellowed, and you may have difficulty distinguishing between shades.
Understanding when cataract surgery is necessary
While cataracts can be managed with prescription glasses or contact lenses in the early stages, surgery may be recommended when the cataract significantly impairs your vision and interferes with daily activities. Some signs that it may be time for cataract surgery include:
- Difficulty performing routine tasks, such as reading, driving, or watching TV, even while wearing an up-to-date prescription.
- Decline in overall visual quality and clarity, impacting your ability to enjoy activities you once loved.
- Reduced independence and mobility due to vision loss, affecting your confidence and quality of life.
- Having other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, that can be exacerbated by cataracts.
Expert co-management for cataract surgery
At Buckeye Optometry, we will check for signs of cataracts during your comprehensive eye exam and prescribe treatment until surgery is required. Once surgery becomes necessary, our eye doctor at Buckeye Optometry in Marion, Ohio will refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist in the area who specializes in cataract surgery. The ophthalmologist will perform the procedure using state-of-the-art technology to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). The entire process is quick and relatively painless, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days.
After your cataract surgery, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure that everything is going smoothly. It’s important to attend these appointments as they allow our team to address any concerns or complications that may occur.
If you’ve been struggling with blurry vision or other symptoms of cataracts, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our experts.