3 Signs It May Be Time For Cataract Surgery
August 29th, 2018
It can be difficult to know when to get cataract surgery. You may even think that it’s as simple as having a cataract removed when it’s found. Medical problems are supposed to be taken care of before they can get worse.
Many people live for years with cataracts and don’t even notice. Your cataract surgeon at the Laser Eye Center won’t recommend cataract removal immediately. Cataracts are only removed when they begin affecting your daily life.
Before this occurs, prescription glasses can help temporarily. Cataracts are not reversible and need to be removed eventually. Keep reading to learn more about cataract signs to watch out for!
Difficulty Driving At Night
When you have advanced cataracts, driving at night becomes more dangerous. This is due to glare coming from the headlights in oncoming traffic. This makes reading signs harder than normal. It may also cause pain due to vision loss from cataracts.
Not removing your cataracts can result in severe vision loss, and the inability to drive at all. If you’re no longer confident behind the wheel, stop driving! This is a warning sign that your cataracts need to be removed.
Difficulty Doing Normal Activities
Cataracts make completing activities more difficult. You may find things like reading, watching TV, or knitting are frustrating, rather than fun. Cataracts can turn any activity into a nightmare.
Difficulty Being In Direct Sunlight
If you spend time outdoors, you may notice glare from the sun becoming more and more prominent. Cataracts make your eyes sensitive to glare. This becomes clear during the day and at night.
Preparing For Cataract Surgery
After your eye doctor at the Laser Eye Center has decided it’s time for cataract surgery, you’ll need to come up with a plan. You will undergo a series of tests that determine your prescription.
These tests will help you pick the right IOL or intraocular lens. An IOL is an artificial lens that replaces the natural lens in your eye. This natural lens is removed during cataract surgery and replaced with the IOL.
Although cataract surgery is common, there’s still a recovery period. After cataract surgery, you’ll need to take a few days off and you won’t be able to drive. Make sure you find a friend or family member who can drive you home after.
When the cataract is removed, your vision will be fuzzy. This can last for a few days after cataract surgery. Find someone who can help you out at home while you are recovering. Your limited vision will make everyday activities more challenging.
It’s important to listen to your doctor after cataract surgery. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, or ask you to stop taking other medications. Following these instructions will help you heal!
Cataract surgery is one of the safest medical procedures. Give the Laser Eye Center a call to schedule an appointment if you think it may be time for cataract surgery!
