Many people are confused about what cataracts actually are and what the term refers to. A cataract forms when the natural lens inside your eye begins to cloud. Changes often happen gradually over the years, and it’s very easy for many people to adapt to the vision loss that cataracts cause.
Interestingly, many patients don’t notice how much their vision has become impaired until a friend notices a change or they’re unable to drive at night.
How do you know you need cataract surgery? Here are some signs:
- Colors in your vision look faded or yellowed.
- You require frequent glasses prescription changes.
- Your vision looks cloudy or blurred.
- You notice a glow, glare, or halo from headlights while driving at night.
- You need more light to read.
- You can’t read small print.
Historically, many patients were told to wait until their cataracts were fully mature. However, modern surgery is now making that advice obsolete. New surgical techniques can restore vision significantly.
It’s worth noting that cataracts are progressive and can be very different for different individuals, even at the same stage of development. If your symptoms are mild, it’s worth monitoring your cataracts with an eye doctor. It’s not worth waiting because you’re worried.
Dense cataracts tend to be harder to remove, and hazier vision can lead to safety issues, especially while driving. Fortunately, today’s cataract surgery takes around 15 minutes. It’s an outpatient procedure, and it’s performed with numbing drops and advanced lens implants that can correct astigmatism or increase range of focus. Most patients go home immediately after treatment.
Schedule your cataract evaluation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, Alabama.