Signs You Need Cataract Surgery & Alternative Treatments to Get You By
Having cataracts is something that naturally happens to many people as they get older, and in many cases is not a condition that causes alarm. More than half of all adults will have cataracts, or a clouding of the eye's lens, by age 80. This common malady is typically diagnosed by an eye doctor during a routine exam. If you have cataracts, you aren't alone, and you can have them for years without them affecting your quality of life since they are not dangerous on their own. Here are signs you need cataract surgery you should look out for, even if yours are not currently bothering you.
Your vision is failing
Since cataracts cause cloudiness over the lens of the eye, over time as yours grows, you may notice a decline in your vision. If suddenly you cannot see things with clarity you used to, you see "spots", you experience double vision, headaches, or eye strain, your cataracts may be to blame. Surgery to remove the protein deposits and buildup cataracts can cause can help improve your vision and give you greater quality of life.
Sensitivity to light
Cataracts when they are small don't typically pose a problem, but as they grow larger with age, they can become worrisome. One of the signs your cataracts are getting worse is sensitivity to light. You may experience extreme sensitivity to lights in your home, street or headlights, or the sun in general. If light has become unbearable and you find yourself unable to go outside or having to wear sunglasses indoors, you need to talk to your optometrist about your cataracts to see if they need to be surgically addressed.
Treatments to help until surgery
Once you and your eye doctor have determined that you will need cataract eye surgery, there are things you can do to help you feel more comfortable with your vision until your surgery. Wearing sunglasses or dimming the lights in your home can help, as can altering your prescription to allow you to see more clearly. These are options you can consider if you are weeks or months away from surgery and need relief sooner.
Having cataracts is something many people experience as they age, and for some surgery is the only option for more permanent relief. If you are worried about needing cataract surgery, look for signs that your cataracts are worsening and bring up all issues you have with your vision to resources like Discover Vision Centers as soon as you begin experiencing them.