6 Signs It May Be Time To Consider Cataract Surgery

Are you experiencing recent changes in your vision, such as light sensitivity or blurriness? Here are four signs that it might be time to consider cataract surgery.

As we age, our bodies and eyes will inevitably undergo a variety of changes. One of these changes are cataracts, a common age-related eye condition that occurs when healthy, clear eye lenses become cloudy, resulting in reduced and blurred vision. 

While the majority of people who develop cataracts are over the age of 60, you should schedule regular eye exams with your NW Calgary optometrist if you have: 

• Diabetes
• Other eye conditions, such as glaucoma 
• Suffered an eye injury or trauma 
• A congenital anomaly 

Comprehensive Cataract Management Services at our Eye Clinic in Market Mall 

At our NW Calgary eye clinic in Market Mall, our accredited eye doctors are qualified and experienced in the diagnosis and management of cataracts. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can check the health of your eye and examine your lens carefully for any signs of cataract formation. 

We also offer a wide range of other services, including emergency eye care, glaucoma testing, and contact lens fittings, to meet all your ocular health needs. 

Want to know more?

CONTACT US 

The Basics of Cataracts 

A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s lens that over time may cause your vision to deteriorate. While cataracts can develop at any age, the overwhelming number of people who suffer from this eye condition are over the age of 60. 

Some of the symptoms of cataracts include: 

• Colours that appear faded or washed out
• The need for brighter light to read
• Frequent changes to your prescription
• Decreased vision clarity that cannot be corrected with glasses 
• Glare and halos around lights 

When Do I Need Cataract Surgery? In most cases, cataracts do not affect your eye health and your Calgary optometrist may suggest cataract surgery merely to improve your eyesight. 

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT OF CATARACTS 

6 Signs It’s Time for Cataract Surgery 

As you age, your vision will begin to change. If you have noticed that your vision isn’t quite what it used to be, you might have cataracts. Here are six sure-fire signs that it might be time to consider cataract surgery: 

1. Everything is yellow or brown tinted: When you have cataracts, colours look muddy rather than clear and vibrant. It can seem like you are looking through a dirty window. This darkening can make it difficult to distinguish colours, perceive fine details, or even read. The solution? Cataract surgery. 

2. Up close tasks have become impossible. It can take a long time for cataracts to develop, and they only become a problem when they interfere with your everyday life. If you are finding that your cataracts are making close-up tasks impossible, such as reading, sewing, or texting on your phone, then you may want to consider surgery. 

3. Driving at night has become dangerous. Cataracts can cause light sensitivity, glare, and halos, which may make you a liability on the road. If you find that driving at night no longer feels safe, then you must visit your optometrist immediately. Driving with cataracts at this stage could result in a serious accident, so it’s important to consider cataract surgery. 

4. Your prescription keeps changing. If you have a cataract, then your prescription may fluctuate and change frequently. Eventually, it can reach a point where eyeglasses or contact lenses can no longer correct your vision. In such a situation, cataract surgery can clear up your vision. 

5. Your vision becomes blurry. When your vision becomes blurry due to cataracts, seeing can be a struggle, and even moving around your own home can prove difficult. With blurred vision, you may be more likely to fall and injure yourself. Your eye doctor can confirm if you have cataracts and if surgery will give you better sight than ever before. 

6. You have double vision. The clouding of your lens that results from cataracts can lead you to have double vision, as well as blurry vision. If this is preventing you from leading a comfortable and fulfilling life, or from performing daily duties, then you should talk to your optometrist about cataract surgery. 

Do You Have Questions About Cataract Surgery? Our NW Calgary Optometrists Are Here to Help! 

We are happy to announce that our Calgary eye clinic in Market Mall is now open and our optometrists are happy to be serving you once again! We are currently rescheduling patients on a priority basis and are taking all necessary safety and infection controls to keep our patients, staff, and community safe. 

If you have any questions about cataract surgery, or if you have an eye emergency or require an eye exam, contact us at 403-286-4884 or fill in our online contact form.