Top Signs You Need Cataract Surgery By Gordon Wong, OD on October 23, 2020

Cataracts are common, especially as we age. This condition can be successfully managed for a while with corrective eyewear. Eventually, however, patients will need to consider cataract surgery to improve vision. Leaving cataracts untreated can ultimately lead to blindness, so it is important to keep the situation in check.

When exactly should patients consider surgical intervention for cataracts? The answer varies for each individual depending on their symptoms. Drs. Gordon G. Wong and Wildon C. Wong discuss the top signs you need cataract surgery. GW Eye Associates in La Jolla, CA is proud to serve residents of Carmel, CA, San Diego, CA, and surrounding communities.

Difficulty Driving at Night

Nighttime driving can be especially challenging for those with cataracts. The light from street lamps and other cars can cause halos and glare, making it difficult to see properly. If you do not feel safe driving, do not get behind the wheel.

Extreme Light Sensitivity

Cataracts can cause extreme sensitivity to bright sunlight or interior lighting, especially if they are growing on the back of the lens. In many cases, this can even be painful or uncomfortable.

Harder to See in the Dark

Reading, sewing, or other activities can become much more difficult when you have cataracts. Everything appears darker, so you may need a brighter light to see well.

Yellowed Vision

Cataracts can tint your vision, giving it a yellow or brown hue. When this side effect becomes much more noticeable, it could mean it is time for cataract surgery.

Double Vision

Cataracts almost always cause blurred vision, and in some cases they can cause double vision. This can occur when the clouded lens of the eye becomes diffracted. In the case of cataracts, oftentimes only one eye is affected.

Second Sight

In some cases of cataracts, a condition known as “second sight” can occur. This means that a patient’s vision experiences temporary improvement. Second sight happens most often in patients with nuclear cataracts, meaning that the cataract forms in the center of the lens.

This sudden improvement in vision is short-lived. In fact, cataract symptoms will likely worsen after this time. If you notice that you can suddenly see more clearly, it could actually indicate that it is time for cataract surgery.

About the Procedure

During cataract surgery, your doctor removes the cloudy eye lens and replaces it with an artificial one. This is usually performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor will likely treat one eye first and then continue with the second one after healing has completed. In most cases, cataract removal patients are comfortable within a few days. However, full recovery takes about eight weeks.

Do I Need Cataract Surgery?

All in all, patients should consider cataract surgery when their condition begins to interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life. The only way to know for sure if you need cataract surgery is to have a consultation with an optometrist.

Keep in mind that cataracts can develop in patients of all ages. So, if you are concerned that something is not quite right, it is best to contact your optometrist right away.