Do You Know How to Navigate These 5 Signs of Cataracts?
January 18, 2024
Do you have cataracts? You may not realize it if you're unaware of the signs of this common eye condition.
Cataracts are cloudy spots that develop on your eye's natural lens, affecting your ability to see clearly. Most cataracts are age-related and develop over time.
If you have early cataracts, you may not realize it at first, as there may not be any noticeable changes to your vision. However, they can grow larger over time and affect how well you see.
The definitive treatment for cataracts is having cataract surgery, but most cataract surgeons don't recommend the procedure until cataracts affect your vision and quality of life. Until you need your cataracts removed, you can manage living with cataracts instead.
Keep reading to find out if you know how to navigate these 5 signs of cataracts!
How to Manage Cataract Symptoms
You can use a variety of strategies to manage the early signs of cataracts, such as:
1. Blurring of Vision
One of the most common signs of cataracts is blurry vision. You may experience this in one or both eyes.
If you have a cataract, the natural lens becomes obstructed and cloudy. When this happens, it's responsible for the distortion that makes objects look blurry or less sharp and defined.
This blurring may affect the level of correction you need from glasses or contacts. Your eye doctor at Metropolitan Ophthalmology Associates can prescribe new glasses or contacts that address the visual changes caused by cataracts.
You will need to have an eye exam to determine your updated prescription.
2. Sensitivity to Light and Glare
You may have increased sensitivity to light and glare if you have cataracts. You can minimize the issue by taking steps to avoid bright sunlight.
Wearing a hat with a brim or using polarized sunglasses outside can reduce the unpleasant effects of bright sunlight. Headlights from oncoming cars may also cause discomfort.
If you feel uncomfortable driving at night, you may want to find a friend or family member who can take you where you need to go until you have cataract surgery. Driving at night with impaired vision makes you a danger to yourself and anyone on the road.
3. Difficulty Reading in Low Light
If low light makes it difficult to read or make out details during other tasks, consider using more light or stronger light bulbs in your lamps. Adding light to the room may improve your vision.
You can also use supplemental light, such as a clip-on book light or an adjustable desk lamp. These can shine light directly on the text or object in front of you so you can see it more clearly.
4. Difficulty Seeing Up Close
Another strategy for improving close vision is using a magnifying glass for reading or completing other tasks up close. A handheld magnifier can make seeing printed material or small objects easier.
If you use an electronic device for reading, you may find that increasing the font size provides a similar benefit.
5. Difficulty Seeing at Night
If you have trouble seeing when it's dark, limiting nighttime driving or other activities that could put your safety at risk may be best. Increasing the amount of light in your home or workplace can help you offset issues indoors.
In addition to adjusting your lighting and wearing the right glasses, you can improve how healthy your eyes are by managing any underlying medical conditions. Some health conditions may affect your eyes.
Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can lead to vision problems. Smoking can also lead to health problems that affect vision.
Managing these conditions and making healthy lifestyle choices can improve your eye health and reduce the risk of exacerbating the effects of cataracts.
Cataract Surgery
If you have cataracts, they will continue developing, requiring cataract surgery to remove them. As your natural lens becomes more cloudy, it will impact your vision and ability to see clearly.
Eventually, the only option will be cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States.
It's also one of the safest and most effective procedures. Up to 95% of people who have cataract surgery have improved vision after the procedure.
Your Metropolitan Ophthalmology Associates cataract surgeon will remove your natural lens during cataract surgery. Then, they will replace the natural lens with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
The IOL helps you see clearly after cataract surgery. There are many kinds of IOLs available, and depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses after the procedure.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you'll be awake during it and able to go home after it's over. If you're nervous, you can ask for anti-anxiety medication before the procedure begins.
Once cataract surgery is over, you'll need a friend or family member to drive you home, as your vision will likely be blurry or unstable. Most people notice improvements in their vision within a few days of cataract surgery.
Colors may seem brighter, and objects will appear sharper and less blurry. Complete recovery usually takes about three months.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
Regular eye exams are critical in managing cataracts. During a routine eye exam, your eye doctor can spot the earliest signs of cataracts.
They can monitor the cataract over time and ensure that vision changes are due to cataracts, not a different issue affecting your eyes. Your ophthalmologist can also tell you when to start considering cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery will improve your vision and can also reduce your risk of injuries from falls and lower the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Many people report improved mood after having cataract surgery. Vision improvements allow individuals to participate in activities they enjoy without concerns about their vision.
If you think you may have cataracts, schedule a cataract evaluation at Metropolitan Ophthalmology Associates in McLean, VA, and Chevy Chase, MD, today! Better vision is out there!