Cataracts should not be removed just because they are present. Most people who have cataracts that don't cause blurry vision are still able to go about their daily activities with ease. However, a time comes when the problem gets bad enough to warrant surgery. To date, there is no known cure for reversing advanced eye cataracts. The only permanent solution is to replace the clouded lens with a synthetic one through a surgical operation.
If you're living with cataracts, you may be curious as to when you should consider surgery. Below are some vital questions to guide you in making a suitable decision.
Does the Cataract Affect Your Daily Life?
Non-problematic cataracts should not interfere with one's daily activities, such as working, reading, cleaning, cooking, playing board games, knitting and so forth. Therefore, if you're unable to perform these tasks, your vision may be extremely blurry or dim. Getting eye surgery to replace the blurred lens will give you a clear vision, which will make it easy for you to perform daily tasks and hobbies. While there are other prescriptions available, they are only short-term and won't ultimately solve your vision problems.
Are You Able to Drive at Night?
One common sign of extensive vision problems is the inability to drive at night. Cataracts cause a lot of glare when there's little light. As a result, one is unable to see the road or read road signs correctly. Blinding headlights from other vehicles on the road may make the situation worse. Additionally, advanced cataracts may even cause night vision loss, a condition that would cost you your driver's licence. Therefore, if you love driving, it would be wise to consider cataract surgery.
Do You Only See When There's Plenty of Light?
Are you able to see clearly in the early morning, evening and night? Or can you only see when there's plenty of light from the sun or artificial lighting sources? If the clarity of your vision is dependent on the amount of light around you, your cataracts may have advanced to severe stages. If you only have a cataract in one eye, you should avoid exposing your other eye to too much light, which can be potentially damaging. Instead, consider getting surgery to correct vision problems.
Is Your Cataract Manageable With Eye Prescriptions?
In some cases, cataracts can be reversed if detected early. If you're already past this stage, the optometrist may recommend prescription glasses to correct your vision. However, as the condition advances, no prescription can help with the vision problem. Once you reach this stage, it's advisable to consider surgery. You may suffer total blindness over time.
Cataract surgery is a permanent solution to getting rid of cataracts and restoring clear vision. If you feel it's time to consider surgery, talk to your eye doctor for professional input.