Cataracts are the most common eye condition over age 50. Almost everyone will get a cataract during their lifetime. Guess what the most common surgery in the world is? It’s cataract surgery. It’s also one of the most successful. Cataracts progress slowly so there’s time to plan your best options. Here are some common questions we often are asked about cataracts.
What are Cataracts?
The human lens changes throughout life. Chemical changes first begin to stiffen the lens at age 40 or so. That’s why most adults will need reading glasses or a bifocal. With time, those same chemical changes in the lens gradually make it less clear. The lens becomes more yellow, like stained glass, which makes it more difficult to see through.
Symptoms?
Initially, there may be few symptoms and a small prescription change may help. Cataracts tend to distort the distance vision more than the near vision initially. The most common symptom is blurred vision particularly when the lighting is very bright or very dim. Other symptoms may include faded colors, glares, poor night vision and double vision.
When should I have cataract surgery?
Most insurances cover cataract surgery when the vision is no longer good enough to do what the patient wants to do and when glasses no longer fix the problem. Bothersome glare that interferes with driving at night is the most common reason that we hear. Happiness with surgery corresponds well with how bothered the patient is before the surgery. Cataract surgery is a “want to” not a “have to” surgery most of the time.
Modern surgery can give patients the best vision of their life with less need for glasses. The best results are when we get to know patients long before cataract surgery becomes urgent. We recommend everyone see us at age 60 so there is time to educate and optimize for the best outcomes.
Contact our office today at 813.779.3338 to schedule your appointment.