So, you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts. Now what?
One of the biggest questions we get about cataracts is, “How will I know when my cataracts need to be removed?”
The answer to this question is largely up to you, but should be made in cooperation with your ophthalmologist. At Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA, we support patients along every step of the cataract removal process, from the initial diagnosis to post-op follow-up.
If you’ve ever contemplated when to undergo cataract surgery, here are 5 signs that may help you decide.
1. Your Reading Glasses Just Aren’t Cutting it
Patients can sometimes mistake cataract symptoms with presbyopia: age-related farsightedness. If your blurry near vision is solely due to presbyopia, your reading glasses should give you clear vision when you read, work on a computer or scroll through a mobile phone.
If, however, your vision still seems blurred or hazy when reading despite wearing reading glasses, bifocals or multifocals, cataracts may be to blame.
2. Halos, Yellow Hues, and Blurred Lines
Hallmark symptoms of cataracts include seeing halos around lights, perceiving colors as washed out or more yellow or brown than they really are, and overall visual blurriness.
Seeing through a lens with a cataract is similar to looking out of a dusty or foggy window, so cataract surgery may be called for if you’re eager to lift the fog.
3. You Need Bright Light to Read
Do you find yourself needing brighter light or tilting your lamp towards the book or magazine you’re reading?
Needing very bright light when reading is one of the most common symptoms of advanced cataracts. When reading becomes too bothersome to do in a dim setting, it’s time to schedule a consultation for cataract surgery.
4. Night Driving No Longer Feels Safe
Cataracts interfere with light entering the eye from reaching your retina, leading to glare and reduced visibility. This can make it difficult to drive at night, when roads are scarcely lit and contrast sensitivity is significantly reduced. Moreover, the worsened glare from oncoming headlights can make night driving all the more uncomfortable and even unsafe.
Cataract surgery can give you back the confidence you need to safely navigate the roads.
5. Your Vision Hinders Your Day-to-Day Living
When it comes down to it, the goal of cataract surgery is to restore your quality of life.
If your cataracts are stopping you from enjoying the things in life you once enjoyed, or if it's much more difficult to perform your everyday tasks, speak with your eye doctor to discover whether cataract surgery can help.
Cataract Surgery in Meridian
Whether you need cataract surgery now or sometime in the future, we’re here for you.
At Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your vision goals in the safest, most effective way possible.
To schedule your consultation with our eye care team, call Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA in Meridian today!