Vision problems are more common as you get older, and cataracts are one of the most frequent issues people face. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye, causing blurry and distorted vision. As the cataract grows, the cloudiness becomes worse.
While cataracts are a normal part of aging, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to take the next step and consider surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures available today but knowing when to pursue it depends on how much your vision impacts your everyday life. Here are some common signs that you may need cataract surgery sooner rather than later:
Vision changes
If your eyesight is getting cloudy or blurry and glasses or contacts don’t seem to help anymore, cataracts could be the reason. You might also notice that colors aren’t as bright or look yellowish. Many people say it feels like they’re looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.
Poor night vision
It can be difficult to see at night with cataracts, especially when driving. If headlights from oncoming cars cause more glare than usual, or you’re struggling to see road signs at night, this could be a sign your cataracts are worsening. It’s important to be careful when driving in these conditions, as reduced night vision can make it unsafe.
Increased sensitivity to light
Your eyes may become more sensitive to bright lights if you have cataracts. You might notice that the sun is unusually harsh or that indoor lighting bothers you more than usual. If light sensitivity is becoming an issue in your daily life, it might be time to talk to your eye doctor about surgery.
Frequent prescription changes
If it feels like you need new glasses every few months, your cataracts may be progressing. It’s normal for your prescription to change over time, but cataracts can cause your vision to fluctuate more rapidly. When your glasses prescription constantly changes without lasting improvement, cataract surgery may be necessary.
Difficulty with daily activities
As cataracts get larger, they can affect your vision more and make it difficult to read a book, recognize faces, or navigate the aisles of your favorite store. You should speak with your eye doctor if your cataracts are affecting your quality of life.
When should you talk to your eye doctor?
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and cataract treatment in Chagrin Falls. Cataracts don’t always require immediate surgery, especially in the early stages. Our eye doctors at Chagrin Valley Optometrists can provide treatment to help manage your cataracts until surgery becomes necessary. This could include updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses to help improve your vision or recommending lifestyle changes that make daily tasks easier, such as adjusting lighting in your home.
Once surgery is required, our team will refer you to a trusted surgeon for the procedure and continue to provide care afterward. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure that your vision is improving as expected.
If you’re noticing any vision changes, whether it’s related to cataracts or something else, please schedule an appointment with us today. We’ll make sure your eyes are in good hands!