Taking Care of Your Eyes as You Age

If you have cataracts, then you can be experiencing a wide range of symptoms. Cataracts are a condition of one or both eyes that will continue to get worse, and eventually, they can lead to legal or even complete blindness. The sooner you get in to see the optometrist when you begin noticing you are having symptoms, the better your prognosis may be. Cataracts can't be cured and they won't go away on their own. However, there is a surgery that can get rid of your cataracts. You can learn more about cataracts and cataract surgery by reading through the rest of this information: 

Symptoms of cataracts

At first, cataracts can develop slowly and this can make it more challenging to recognize that something is changing with your vision. This is one example of why regular visits to the optometrist are important. Many times the optometrist will diagnose someone with cataracts before they have got to the point of the person realizing they are experiencing symptoms. If someone doesn't get in for an eye exam in the beginning, then the symptoms will get worse and to the point where the person will start noticing the symptoms. These can include: 

• Blurred vision

• Cloudy vision

• Changes in colors

• Night blindness

• Worse glares during both daytime and nighttime

• Prescription lenses no longer working

• Double vision

Description of cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is done as a walk-in procedure. You will leave the same day as you have the surgery, but you will need to have someone drive you home and help to get situated. It is suggested that patients take a nap to rest their eyes right after they get home from the surgery. The procedure is done by making an incision and using a probe to vibrate the cataract to the point of shattering it. The shattered pieces are then suctioned from the eye. A lens is then put in the incision. You will be given eye drops and other medications that will help with inflammation and prevent any infection from setting in. You should expect some discomfort after the procedure, but it should be nearly gone after just a few days. 

Benefits of cataract surgery

If you don't have any other eye problems, it is possible to get back to near-perfect vision after the procedure. Cataracts affect your eyes in ways that increase your chances of developing other problems, such as glaucoma. Having cataract surgery can therefore help to prevent other issues from developing. You will also be able to enjoy a better quality of life because you will see better and you will have a decreased risk of being injured in a fall or other type of accident.