How Do You Know When Cataracts Are Ready to Be Removed? Treatments and Therapy Details

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition that gradually cloud the eye’s natural lens, causing blurred vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. While cataracts develop slowly, knowing when it’s time for surgery is essential for maintaining your vision and quality of life. Regular eye exams play a crucial role in monitoring cataract progression and determining the right time for treatment.
 

Signs That Cataracts May Be Ready for Removal

Cataract surgery is not always necessary in the early stages, as some people manage their symptoms with prescription glasses, brighter lighting, or anti-glare lenses. However, there comes a point when cataracts significantly impact daily life. You may need to consider surgery if you experience:

• Blurry or Hazy Vision – Objects appear less sharp, making it difficult to read, watch television, or recognize faces.

• Increased Sensitivity to Light – Bright lights, including headlights and sunlight, cause discomfort and glare.

• Difficulty Seeing at Night – Driving at night becomes challenging due to poor contrast and halos around lights.

• Frequent Prescription Changes – If your eyeglass or contact lens prescription keeps changing but does not improve your vision, it may be due to cataract progression.

• Faded Colors – Colors appear dull or yellowed, affecting your ability to distinguish shades accurately.

• Double Vision in One Eye – Cataracts can cause double vision, which is often a sign that the lens is significantly clouded.
   

If you experience any of these symptoms, our eye doctor can assess your vision and determine if cataract surgery is the best course of action.
 

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

Cataracts develop gradually, and many people do not notice symptoms until the condition significantly affects their vision. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow your optometrist to:

• Detect cataracts in their early stages

• Track changes in vision and lens clarity over time

• Recommend the best time for cataract removal

• Assess overall eye health, including other conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration
   

Early detection and timely treatment can help preserve vision and prevent unnecessary struggles with daily activities.
 

Cataract Treatments and Surgical Options

While early-stage cataracts may be managed with lifestyle adjustments and updated prescriptions, surgery is the only effective way to remove cataracts once they interfere with daily life.

• Cataract Surgery – This outpatient procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is a safe and highly successful treatment that restores sharp vision.

• Types of IOLs – Depending on your visual needs, your doctor may recommend monofocal lenses for clear vision at a single distance, multifocal lenses for improved near and distance vision, or toric lenses for astigmatism correction.
   

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

Knowing when to have cataract surgery is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. If cataracts are affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks, it may be time to consider surgery. The best way to determine this is through regular eye exams, where our optometrist can assess your vision and provide personalized recommendations.
 

At Lakhani Vision Care, we are committed to helping you preserve your eyesight and make informed decisions about cataract treatment. Visit our office in Marietta, Georgia, or call (770) 509-9932 to book an appointment today.