A cataract is a clouding of eye’s natural lens. Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.
Cataracts start small. In fact, many people may be unaware that they have the condition because they do not experience visual symptoms. But as cataracts progress, blurry vision and other symptoms become more noticeable and hard to ignore.
Cataracts can be removed at any stage of development but that doesn’t mean it’s always necessary to remove them immediately. Depending on several factors, it may be best to postpone surgery. The trusted eye experts at Austin Eye discuss some of these factors in this blog post.
Do Cataracts Interfere With Daily Activities?
Early stages of cataracts can be managed with prescription eyeglasses. But as symptoms worsen, they can impact daily life. For instance, blurry and double vision can make reading, sewing and knitting difficult. Cataracts can also cause visual differences between the eyes, making it difficult to see well at far distances. If cataracts are interfering with your ability to complete and enjoy certain daily tasks, it may be time for cataract surgery.
Do Cataracts Affect Your Ability to Drive at Night?
Common symptoms of cataracts include halos around lights and difficulty seeing in low-light settings. As these symptoms worsen, driving at night can become difficult and even dangerous. If cataracts are affecting your ability to drive, especially at night, it is time to consider cataract surgery. With clearer vision, you can drive confidently and safely again.
Are You Confident in Your Choice of Procedure and Surgeon?
Although cataract surgery is one of the most common — and safest — surgeries in the U.S., it comes with inherent risks and complications. When performed by a highly qualified cataract surgeon, these risks are drastically minimized. For this reason, you should only undergo the procedure when you have found a surgeon whose qualifications and capabilities you trust. Undergoing cataract surgery is a serious decision so it’s best that you take your time and “do your homework.” Research the procedure and potential cataract surgeons thoroughly — your eye health and vision depend on it!
The cataract surgeons at Austin Eye have performed hundreds of successful cataract surgeries. To learn more about the procedure from one of our board certified surgeons, please contact Austin Eye. Call our North Office at (512) 250-2020 or our Central office at (512) 454-2020.
