If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you may be wondering how long you have before surgery is necessary. The good news is? You don’t have to rush into it immediately, but you also don’t have to live with cloudy vision for long. Cataract surgery is a quick and effective way to restore your vision and let you enjoy life’s moments with clarity again.
So, what are the signs that you need cataract surgery? Keep reading to learn more about when you should have cataract surgery and what your vision will be like after the procedure.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are cloudy patches that form on the natural lens of the eye, which helps focus light onto the retina. Over time, proteins in the lens break down, causing these cloudy areas that blur vision and make daily activities more difficult.
Cataracts can cause vision changes, including:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Sensitivity to glare and bright lights
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- A dim or brownish cast to your field of vision
- Colors look duller or less vibrant
Do I Need Cataract Surgery Right Away?
In the early stages, cataracts may not significantly impact your vision. You might manage well with updated prescriptions, brighter lighting, or lifestyle adjustments like avoiding night driving.
However, as cataracts progress, they can interfere with your daily life—making tasks like reading, cooking, or driving challenging. If your vision affects your independence or safety, it’s time to consider surgery. Why struggle with blurry vision when a solution is within reach?
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery is a safe, outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. Your eye surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Most patients notice a significant improvement in just a few days!
Once the IOL is in place, the procedure is over without the need for stitches or sutures. After surgery, you must wear an eye shield to protect your eye.
What Will My Vision Be Like After Cataract Surgery?
Your vision may be blurry or hazy in the first couple of days after cataract surgery. This is normal and will improve within a few days.
However, you may notice changes to your vision right away. You should notice that, without cataracts, colors look brighter, you can see better in low light, and any cloudy patches have gone away.
In addition, your vision may be sharper than it was before cataract surgery. IOLs are prescription lenses that correct refractive errors the same way glasses or contacts do.
Most people find that their need for glasses or contacts is significantly reduced after cataract surgery if they choose a premium IOL.
What are My IOL Choices?
IOLs can address a variety of different vision needs. Your eye doctor can help you decide which kind of IOL is best for you at your cataract surgery consultation.
At Williamson Eye Center, we offer:
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs correct vision at one distance. Typically, people choose monofocal IOLs that improve distance vision so they can do things like driving and watching TV without glasses.
This is the only IOL covered by Medicare, but its drawback is that you will likely still need glasses or contacts for certain activities.
Light Adjustable Lenses
The Light Adjustable Lens is a unique IOL that can be customized to your vision needs after cataract surgery. Your eye doctor uses a specialized device to expose the IOL to UV light, which reshapes it to meet your desired vision.
Multifocal IOLs
Like progressive or bifocal glasses, multifocal IOLs can correct vision at close, intermediate, and distance ranges. With a multifocal IOL, your vision will be clear while driving, reading, or having a conversation with friends.
Extended Depth of Focus IOLs
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs correct vision at all distances using a broader focus range. We offer the TECNIS Symfony IOL, the TECNIS Symfony OptiBlue, and the TECNIS Synergy IOLs, which provide excellent vision correction and reduced visual disturbances.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs correct vision problems caused by astigmatism. They are specially shaped to neutralize astigmatism and provide sharp vision.
At Williamson Eye Center, we offer the enVista toric IOL, which reduces the effects of glare.
Don’t worry yourself over a lens choice, when you meet with your surgeon you will discuss your vision goals and determine the lens that is best for you.
Do you want to find out if it’s time for you to have cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Williamson Eye Center in Baton Rouge, LA, today!
Ready to See Clearly Again?
You don’t have to live with cataracts and cloudy vision. Take the next step toward better sight today! Schedule a Cataract Evaluation at Williamson Eye Center and see the world with clarity again.
