Have you been experiencing cloudy or blurry vision lately? Or maybe you’ve noticed that colors aren’t as vibrant as they used to be. If so, you may be dealing with cataracts. Cataracts are a common condition that affects many people as they age.
While surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, it isn’t always necessary right away. In some cases, updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses can restore your vision and keep you seeing clearly for a while longer. However, once your vision has deteriorated to the point where it’s affecting your daily life, we will recommend surgery. Learn more about cataracts and the signs that it’s time for surgery.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Early on, the cloudiness in your vision caused by a cataract may affect only a small part of the lens, and you might be unaware of any vision loss. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of your lens, making it harder to see.
Signs that it’s time for cataract surgery
1. Blurry vision
One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is blurry or foggy vision. If your vision is consistently blurry, hazy, or cloudy and impacting your daily activities, it might be time to consider surgery.
2. Poor night vision
Cataracts can make it challenging to see in low-light conditions. If you start having trouble driving at night or need more light to read or perform other tasks, cataracts could be the cause. Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions can pose safety risks, especially when driving. Surgery can help improve your vision and safety.
3. Light sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and glare is another symptom of cataracts. Bright sunlight, indoor lighting, or headlights at night may cause discomfort or even pain. This heightened sensitivity can make outdoor activities or certain environments uncomfortable.
4. Fading or yellowing of colors
Cataracts can cause colors to appear faded or yellowed. If you notice that colors seem less vibrant or everything has a yellowish tint, it could be due to cataracts affecting your vision.
5. Double vision in one eye
Seeing double images or experiencing ghosting in one eye can be a sign of cataracts. This symptom can interfere with reading, driving, and other essential tasks.
6. Frequent prescription changes
If you need to update your glasses or contact lens prescription more frequently than usual, it may be because cataracts are worsening and changing the way you see.
7. Difficulty with performing daily tasks
When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities such as reading, cooking, watching TV, or recognizing faces, it’s a clear sign that you should consider seeing an eye specialist.
About cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can dramatically improve your vision and quality of life. During the surgery, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. This can restore clear vision, reduce glare, and help you see colors more vividly.
At Spectrum Eye Care in Colorado Springs, we specialize in diagnosing and treating cataracts. If surgery is necessary, we will refer you to a skilled surgeon and provide attentive follow-up care after your procedure. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and explore your options for restoring your vision.
