A cataract is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy and causes interference with light passing through to the retina. Most cataracts develop slowly over time, so the changes to your vision may occur gradually. This condition typically affects older people, with more than half of Americans over age 80 suffering impaired vision due to cataracts.

If you’re struggling to see as you get older, schedule a cataract screening. Your eye doctor may recommend cataract eye surgery if your reduced vision interferes with your daily activities. This is the most frequently performed surgery in the US, with millions of successful procedures completed every year. Surgery is the only way to restore your vision once cataracts set in, so there’s no need to delay if your quality of life is suffering.

Cataracts don’t usually hurt, but they can affect your vision in many ways. Watch for these symptoms of cataracts to help you know when to get cataract surgery.

• Cloudy or blurry vision: As proteins build up on the lens of your eye, your vision may become cloudy. Only a limited area of your visual field may be affected at first, with the blurriness eventually overtaking your vision completely. As this happens, the lens of your eye may start to appear cloudy to observers.
• Worsening night vision: You may find it more difficult than usual to see after dark, a condition called night blindness (nyactalopia), which makes it dangerous to drive at night.
• Light sensitivity, glare, and halos: Even normal light levels may be too bright for you if you have cataracts. You may also experience annoying glare and halos as light reacts differently to your clouding lenses. The effects may be worse after dark, making night blindness even more disorienting.
• Double vision: The alterations to your lenses can affect how your brain processes images. The resulting double vision can have dangerous side effects, such as balance issues, falls, and hazardous driving.
• Dull-looking colors: Cataracts change the way you see color. You may notice yellow or brown tints within your visual field, and colors may look more muted and dull than they once did.
• Frequently changing eyewear prescription: It’s common to experience slight changes to your glasses and contact lens prescriptions as you age, but these changes may be more significant if you have cataracts.

Schedule a Cataract Screening at Snead Eye Group

Modern advancements in cataract surgery make it a no-brainer if you’re experiencing eyesight issues due to cataracts. The vision specialists at Snead Eye Group can accurately diagnose your condition and set you on the path to fully restored eyesight. You may even experience better vision after the procedure than before you developed cataracts! It’s all possible thanks to FDA-cleared bladeless laser cataract surgery, delivering precise incisions, faster recovery times, and better long-term results. To learn more, please call us at (239) 936-8686 or schedule an appointment online. We have four convenient locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Cape Coral, FL, to better serve you.