Posted by: Florence Ophthalmology in Cataract Surgery
What are Cataract Symptoms?
Cataracts are a common eye condition affecting millions of people around the globe. As we age, the likelihood of developing cataracts grows, making it essential to understand the early signs and symptoms. In this article, Florence Ophthalmology dives into the critical symptoms to watch out for and how you can treat cataracts to help you better understand your eye health.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Cataracts
Under normal conditions, the lens in our eyes is clear, but cataracts cause it to cloud over. This cloudiness develops slowly, and symptoms can vary in severity. Recognizing the signs of cataracts is key to knowing when it’s time to consult with an eye specialist. Here are the most common symptoms:
Cloudy or Blurry Vision
One of the first signs of cataracts is a gradual loss of clarity in vision, which often starts as mild cloudiness or blurriness. You may notice it’s harder to read small print or see fine details, but your vision might not be severely impacted at first. Over time, this blurriness worsens, making daily tasks like reading or driving more difficult.
Problems with Night Vision
Cataracts can make it harder to see clearly in low-light situations. You may find yourself bothered by glare from headlights or more sensitive to bright lights in dark environments. This happens because the cloudy lens scatters light, leading to discomfort and making activities like nighttime driving riskier.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Photophobia, or heightened sensitivity to bright lights and glare, is another common cataract symptom. Exposure to sunlight, car headlights, or indoor lighting may cause discomfort, leading to squinting or covering your eyes. This increased sensitivity can disrupt your daily life, making it harder to function in brightly lit areas.
Halos Around Lights
Cataracts can cause light to scatter in various directions, resulting in halos or rings around light sources. This is especially noticeable in low-light conditions, such as at night when streetlights or car headlights may appear surrounded by glowing circles, which can be disorienting and raise safety concerns.
Double Vision
People with cataracts may experience double vision, where a single object appears as two overlapping images. Closing one eye may provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue. Persistent double vision can lead to further problems, such as headaches, interfering with your everyday activities.
What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery may seem daunting at first glance, but it is a standard and safe procedure completed an estimated 20 million times annually, making it one of the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide. As you prepare for cataract surgery, here’s what you can expect during the process:
- A small incision is made. The surgery’s main goal is to remove the cloudy natural lens affected by the cataract, which is done with a precise incision. This incision is so tiny that it often requires no stitches and heals quickly on its own.
- The affected lens is replaced. Once the clouded lens is removed, it is replaced with a new, clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is designed to restore clarity to your vision and is a permanent part of your eye.
- The procedure is efficient and painless. One of the most remarkable aspects of cataract surgery is its efficiency. The entire procedure typically takes about 10 minutes to complete and is normally performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.
It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions post-surgery to ensure the best possible outcome. Luckily, most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after the surgery with clearer vision. To learn more about the procedure and how to prepare, visit our Cataract Surgery Treatment page.
Cataract Surgery Recovery
After cataract surgery, most patients find they can return to their regular activities within one to two days. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s post-surgery care instructions during the recovery period. This typically includes using prescribed eye drops to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation, wearing protective eyewear, and avoiding activities that may strain your eyes.
The good news is that cataract surgery is typically performed on one eye at a time, with a few weeks between procedures. This allows the first eye to heal before the second surgery, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable recovery process. By addressing one eye at a time, you can maintain a degree of normal vision while your eyes heal.
Financing Cataract Surgery
At Florence Ophthalmology, we understand that cataract surgery is a significant investment, which is why we strive to make it accessible and affordable to all patients. Your local Florence Ophthalmology accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), allowing you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for your cataract surgery. Plus, cataract surgery is recognized as a qualified healthcare expense, meaning that any costs associated with the procedure can be covered using your HSA or FSA funds.
If you’re exploring other financing and payment options, we’re here to help. To learn more about our options and find the best solution for you, connect with your local Florence Ophthalmology.