5 Things to Know About Cataract Surgery

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on September 9, 2024

Cataracts are extremely common, especially for older adults. They develop when the protein that makes up the natural lens of the eye forms clumps.

These clumps make the lens cloudy and can cause vision changes or vision loss. Cataract surgery is the only way to restore vision affected by

cataracts.

There are no medications that can clear up the clouding. Instead, your eye doctor can do a procedure to replace the cataract-affected lens with a clear, artificial lens. 

Keep reading to learn five things you might not know about cataract surgery!

1. Cataract Surgery Can Help Improve or Eliminate Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts often develop slowly, and vision changes may creep up on you over several years. Since the changes are gradual, you may not realize how much these symptoms are impacting your life.

Cataract surgery can immediately reverse many cataract symptoms, including:  

Cloudy or Blurry Vision

Cataracts block light from reaching the retina, which makes vision seem blurry or out of focus. Your glasses may not work as well, and you may need frequent prescription changes.

Colors Seem Dimmer

Cataracts can create a brownish or yellowish tinge that affects everything you see. Colors may seem dull or hazy.

Your vision may seem dimmer or darker, even in daylight or a well-lit room.

Glare or Halos Around Lights

Cataracts may increase glare or halos around lights.  This can cause problems when driving at night. 

You Need Brighter Lighting

You may find that you struggle to see in places with low lights, like movie theaters or restaurants. You may need brighter lights to read in the evenings.

2. Cataract Surgery Can Correct Other Vision Problems

During cataract surgery, your eye doctor replaces the lens affected by cataracts with a perfectly clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). 

Since IOLs are perfectly clear, they reverse any vision issues caused by cataracts. IOLs work like prescription lenses to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Many people find that after cataract surgery, they don’t need to rely on glasses or contacts all the time.

3. Cataract Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life

If cataracts are obstructing your vision, you might be less inclined to take part in activities you once enjoyed. You may be worried about finding your way around in new places.

You might skip social activities you don’t see well enough to participate. Cataracts can lead to social isolation and increase the risk of depression or loneliness. 

Getting cataract surgery will give you back your confidence so you can start living your best life again. 

4. You’ll Be Safer After Cataract Surgery

Poor vision from cataracts can cause accidents that could cause serious injury. Falls, kitchen injuries, or auto accidents are a risk for people with reduced vision.

Restoring your vision will reduce the risk of these hazards.

5. Cataract Surgery Is Permanent

Once you have cataract surgery, you won’t need to repeat it. IOLs can’t develop cataracts, and they will remain clear for the rest of your life. 

Do you want to learn more about visual freedom after cataract surgery with advanced IOLs? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!