5 Signs that it May Be Time for Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions. They form when your eye’s naturally clear lens becomes cloudy over time, usually as a side effect of aging.

Cataracts can make it hard to see, especially as the lens becomes clouded. Luckily, cataract surgery is an effective treatment for cataracts.

Cataract surgery can completely restore vision lost due to cataracts by removing them. But even if you have cataracts, you may not need surgery right away.

Cataracts develop slowly, so you may not notice symptoms at first. You should get cataract surgery when your cataracts begin to affect your quality of life.

So how do you know if your cataracts are making your life harder? Keep reading to learn about five signs that it’s time for cataract surgery.

Blurry Vision

The primary symptom of cataracts is blurry vision. The more cloudy your lens becomes, the more blurry your vision becomes.

You can also have blurry vision due to a refractive error, like nearsightedness. But the difference with cataracts is that corrective lenses won’t help you see better after a while.

If seeing is a challenge with glasses or contacts, it may be time for cataract surgery.

Frequent Prescription Changes

Stronger prescriptions may help you see better when your cataracts are still forming. This isn’t because glasses correct the issues. They just help your eyes focus.

But if you frequently need to upgrade to a stronger prescription, it may be due to cataracts. If stronger lenses no longer provide clear sight, it’s time to get them removed.

Glare and Halos

Another common symptom of cataracts is glare and halos around light sources. In the early stages, this can be unpleasant.

But the more advanced your cataracts become, glare and halos can be blinding. Combined with light sensitivity, another symptom of cataracts, it may be hard to keep your eyes open under bright lights.

This is a sign that you should have your cataracts removed.

Poor Night Vision

Cataracts make it harder to see in low light, especially when doing fine-focus tasks like reading. You may find you need a direct light on whatever you’re working on.

This symptom can be mistaken for presbyopia, which makes it harder for your eyes to focus. Many people with cataracts also have presbyopia, making it hard to distinguish symptoms. 

If the issue is cataracts, direct light will help you see better, while reading glasses may not. The harder it gets to see up close due to improper lighting, the more it’s likely you need cataract surgery.

Trouble Driving at Night

One disturbing way these cataract symptoms compound is when driving at night. Cataracts make you sensitive to lights and create glare and halos.

This situation can make car headlights blinding. These symptoms and poor night vision make driving difficult and dangerous at night.

If you’re having trouble driving at night, you should stop doing so immediately. Then consult your eye doctor about cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery will relieve all these symptoms, keeping you happier and safer. Schedule an appointment at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Arcadia, CA, to see if it’s time for cataract surgery!