- Night driving becomes dangerous due to glare and halos.
- Blurred vision persists even with updated glasses.
- Your prescription changes constantly.
- Bright lights cause discomfort or pain.
- Colors look faded or washed out.
- Double or ghost vision in one eye.
- Everything has a brown or yellow tint.
- “Second sight” – temporary improvement in near vision.
Have you been diagnosed with cataracts? Although you may think that having cataracts means having them removed right away, it’s not always the case. Most people with cataracts can see well for many years before needing cataract surgery. Cataracts often develop gradually and slowly over time as you age.
One of the best ways to manage symptoms of cataracts is by using glasses to help you see better. But as cataracts continue to advance, glasses or contact lenses won’t be able to help as much. If you leave cataracts untreated, they eventually lead to blindness. Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment to restore your sight and clear vision.
If you have cataracts, you may be wondering how to know it’s time to have them removed. Keep reading for 8 signs you may need to consider cataract surgery!
1. You Have Trouble with Nighttime Driving
Driving at night can be especially difficult if you have severe cataracts. Light from other cars, street signs, and streetlamps can produce glare and halos, making it harder to see appropriately. If you’re struggling to drive at night, it’s essential to stop until you can see your eye doctor. Driving with advanced cataracts endangers everyone on the road, including yourself. After having your cataracts removed, you may have improved vision, allowing you to safely get back behind the wheel.
2. Experiencing Blurred Vision
Blurry vision is a common and early symptom of cataracts. You’re more likely to fall, get into accidents, and injure yourself with blurred vision. If glasses or contacts can’t correct the problem anymore, it may be time to think about cataract surgery. Many patients are pleasantly surprised when they realize that they have better vision than ever after having their cataracts removed.
3. You Have Frequent Prescription Changes
Changing your prescription from time to time is normal as you get older. However, you could have cataracts when your eyesight constantly fluctuates and you regularly need stronger glasses or cataracts. At some point as cataracts progress, prescription glasses or contacts will fail to be able to correct your vision. When that happens, the best solution is to have cataract surgery. Removing cataracts will stabilize your vision and may help you see clearly once again.
4. Extreme Sensitivity to Light
Cataracts cause extreme sensitivity to sunlight and interior lighting. Increased sensitivity to light can be uncomfortable and painful. Your ophthalmologist may recommend cataract surgery to remove your cataracts when you find it hard to be in bright light and can no longer enjoy the outdoors because of light sensitivity.
Learn how cataracts cause light sensitivity and when to consider surgery.
5. You See Colors as Faded
As cataracts worsen, colors will appear washed out and less vibrant than you’re used to. You may also notice that things look muddier as your cataracts continue developing. The good news is that once you have cataract surgery, you may be able to see colors and the things around you vividly and in full detail again.
6. You Have Double or Ghost Vision
Clouding due to cataracts can cause you to have double or even triple vision in only one eye. Double vision can be quite disorienting. If all you’re seeing is two images of a single object, you should discuss cataract surgery with your ophthalmologist. Having your cataracts removed may mean the end of double vision and sharper eyesight.
7. You See Everything with a Brown or Yellow Tint
As cataracts progress, they can tint your vision, giving it a brownish or yellowish hue. The yellow or brown tint makes it difficult to differentiate colors or perceive fine details. When you can no longer ignore this side effect, it could be time to remove your cataracts.
8. You Experience Second Sight
In some people, something called second sight might occur. Second sight is a phenomenon where your eyesight suddenly improves, allowing you to see much better up close. This is known as the “magic shift” from a growing cataract. However, any improvement to your near vision is only temporary. Second sight happens if the lens begins to swell during the early stages of a cataract forming. If you have second sight, your cataract symptoms may worsen. Fortunately, having your cataracts removed will address this problem.
How to Reduce Your Risk for Cataracts
Different risk factors are known to contribute to cataracts. Although there is no way to guarantee you’ll never develop cataracts, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them at a younger age like:
Keep Diabetes and Blood Pressure In Check
Chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can contribute to cataracts. It’s crucial to ensure your blood pressure and blood sugar are under control to minimize any damage to your eyes.
Learn lifestyle changes that can help lower your cataract risk.
Wear Sunglasses
Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can increase your risk of developing early cataracts. Wearing polarized sunglasses that shield your eyes from dangerous UVA and UVB rays can slow or prevent the development of cataracts. Also, invest in wide-brimmed hats to further protect your eyes.
Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Excessive consumption of alcohol has links to a higher risk of cataracts. If you’re going to drink, make sure you’re doing so in moderation.
Quit Smoking if You’re a Smoker
If you’re a smoker, there’s never been a better time to quit than right now. Smoking is detrimental to your health, including your eyes, and can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
Visit Your Eye Care Provider
No matter how good your eyesight is, it doesn’t change that everyone needs routine eye exams. Annual eye examinations enable your eye doctor to look for signs of cataracts, which is critical in saving your sight. Your ophthalmologist will also teach you how to manage cataracts or keep them at bay.
Remove Your Cataracts and See Again
Are cataracts interfering with your everyday activities? Desert Vision Center can help.
Meet Dr. Tokuhara and learn how modern cataract surgery can restore your vision.
At Desert Vision Center, Dr. Tokuhara utilizes the most advanced technology in cataract surgery to restore crisp, clear vision, enabling you to live your best life.
Do you think it may be time to have your cataracts removed? Schedule your cataract consultation at Desert Vision Center in Rancho Mirage, CA, today! Isn’t it time to see the world with clarity and detail again?
Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but you don’t have to live with poor vision. If you notice any of these eight signs – especially difficulty driving at night, constant prescription changes, or colors appearing faded – it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Modern cataract surgery is safe, quick, and can dramatically improve your quality of life. Don’t wait until cataracts steal your independence.
Ready to see the world with clarity and detail again?
Do you think it may be time to have your cataracts removed? Schedule your cataract consultation at Desert Vision Center in Rancho Mirage, CA, today! Isn’t it time to see the world with clarity and detail again?