As a result of aging, eye health becomes even more important. One thing that’s very important to the health of our eyes is cataract removal.

Early detection of a cataract in your eye can help you watch its progression. Cataracts often lead to vision impairment.

It’s recommended that if your doctor detects one that you keep track of any vision changes like blurred vision, or difficulty seeing at night.

If your vision becomes so impaired that interferes with your usual activities such as reading, or driving, contact your eye doctor. You may need to consider getting cataract surgery.

Keep reading to understand more about cataracts and to find out if you may need cataract surgery!
 

What are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy and hard to see through. The lens is directly behind the colored part of your eye.

This allows for the transformation of light passing through your eye and reflects a sharp image of what you are actually looking at on your retina.

Cataracts can cause your vision to be impaired, as they block light passing through your eye. This blockage of light causes blurred vision. This makes it difficult to read even when the text is close to your eyes.

Light filtering becomes more important at night as seeing is only possible through artificial light. Impaired vision due to cataracts can make it very difficult to see at night.

This can especially make it harder to drive safely at night.
 

Cataract Surgery

Most cataracts usually develop slowly over time. For many patients, the first line of treatment may be to increase your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

It may take years before a cataract impairs your vision enough to prevent you from completing your usual tasks, or from living your life. Once you get to this point, most cataract surgeons recommend cataract surgery.
 

Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery

If you experience the below symptoms, these are good indicators you may need your cataracts removed:

• It becomes unsafe to drive both at night, and during the day

• You experience a sudden loss of vision in one of your eyes, reducing your vision to only one eye

• A sharp increase in blurred vision

• Double vision in one or both eyes

• Repeated sudden flashes of light

• Sudden eye pain

• An increase in headaches

Cataract surgery only takes about 20-30 minutes to perform and is pain-free. The best part: it allows most patients to get back to living their life the way they want to. Many patients even experience significantly improved vision as soon as the next day.
 

Protect Yourself Against Cataracts

It is important to note that there is no proven way to prevent or even treat cataracts outside of having cataract surgery. There is little you can do about cataracts that develop due to aging.

If you want to protect yourself from developing cataracts earlier on, try some of these healthy lifestyle choices:

• Regular eye exams

• Quitting smoking

• Managing certain medical conditions like diabetes that are known to cause cataracts

• Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables

• Reducing or limiting your alcohol consumption

• Wearing polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

By following these healthy lifestyle recommendations, you can reduce your risk of developing cataracts early on.

Concerned that you may have cataracts? Schedule a cataract screening at Coastal Vision at our locations in Irvine, Long Beach, Norco, and Orange, CA today!

Why should you continue living with cataracts if they are affecting your way of life?