While most people aren’t eager to have any type of procedure, cataract surgery can be life-changing for many. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures and is very safe.
Not everyone who is diagnosed with cataracts needs cataract surgery right away. However, when the symptoms of cataracts begin to affect your quality of life, it might be time to consider this treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about cataract surgery, including how to know when it may be time to get cataract surgery!
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens needs to be clear for light to pass through it and reach the retina.
However, as you age, the proteins in the lens to break down and clump together, creating cloudy patches known as cataracts. Age-related cataracts are the most common and often appear in people forty years of age and older.
Other factors can also increase your risk of developing cataracts. These risk factors include:
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Air pollution
- Genetic and family history
- Diabetes
- Eye injury or surgery
- Corticosteroid use
What Are The Symptoms Of Cataracts?
Cataract symptoms often develop slowly over a period of years, so they might not impact your life much at first. However, as the cataract grows and progresses, you’ll notice more negative effects on your life.
Here are the most common symptoms of cataracts:
- Having cloudy or blurry vision
- Dealing with poor night vision
- Noticing halos around lights
- Finding yourself more sensitive to lights and glares
- Discovering that colors appear faded
If you’re having these symptoms, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your eye doctor at Simone Eye Center. They can determine what’s causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to restore your vision.
Signs You Should Consider Cataract Surgery
In the early stages of cataracts, contact or glasses might help reduce your symptoms. However, eventually, these options will not adequately clear your vision or eliminate your symptoms.
Consider a permanent solution through cataract surgery if you find:
It’s Difficult to Do Daily Tasks
Eventually, cataracts will make it challenging for you to complete your everyday tasks. If it’s more complicated to do simple things like cook a meal or clean your home, or if you are struggling to see the fine print on the ingredient list, it may be time for cataract surgery.
You Can’t See Well Enough to Drive
Cataracts can impact your ability to drive safely. As the condition worsens, glasses and contacts might not be enough to allow you to drive. People with cataracts often particularly struggle to drive at night.
It’s Harder to Enjoy Your Hobbies
Maintaining a high quality of life is essential for overall well-being. When cataracts begin to interfere with your ability to engage in the hobbies and activities you enjoy, it may be time to consider a treatment that effectively removes them.
If you find it increasingly challenging to participate in activities ranging from painting to playing sports due to cataracts, Simone Eye Center can help. Our experienced team specializes in cataract surgery, a procedure designed to restore clear vision and enable you to rediscover the joy in your favorite pastimes.
Request A Cataract Consultation
While understanding the symptoms of cataracts and assessing their impact on your daily life is crucial, the most reliable way to determine if cataract surgery is necessary is through a comprehensive eye examination by a qualified eye doctor.
At Simone Eye Center, our skilled eye doctors will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes, utilizing advanced diagnostic tests to evaluate your eye health.
Do you want to know if it’s time for cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Simone Eye Center in Macomb Township or Warren, MI, today!
