Treating Cataracts for Clear Vision

Dec 14, 2022

Can you see the people, places, and things that matter most this holiday season? For millions of Americans with cataracts, the answer may be no. Cataracts naturally occur with age but can lead to vision loss and a lower quality of life.

If you have cataracts or suspect that you might be developing cataracts, you may be asking yourself many questions. What symptoms should I look for? When should I seek treatment? These are excellent questions to have. Find out all the answers you need in our newest blog!

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and develops naturally as the eye ages. Cataracts cause vision to become hazy and blurry and make colors appear less vibrant or faded. In the earliest stages, cataracts are manageable without surgical intervention. Sometimes, adjusting your eyeglass prescription or utilizing bright lights and contrasting colors in low lighting can make a difference.

Eventually, a cataract will lead to continued vision deterioration. Symptoms may interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks, such as driving, or may impact your quality of life. Blurry vision, seeing double out of the eye with the cataract, sensitivity to light, trouble seeing at night, and bright colors appearing yellowed or faded are all symptoms to look for. If you experience any of these or worsening vision, contact an expert like Dr. Beran or Dr. Weber.

Treatment options for cataracts

The only way to remove a cataract is through cataract surgery. During surgery, the cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), an artificial lens tailored to your vision goals. Before you undergo surgery, you and your surgeon will determine which IOL best suits your specific vision needs. These advanced lenses provide sharper, clear vision and can reduce your reliance on glasses or contacts.

Like any surgical procedure, patients will require some downtime as they recover. However, cataract surgery is one of the most common elective procedures in the country with a very high success rate. In addition, cataract surgery has other benefits beyond vision improvements, including a reduced risk of falls and car crashes.

If you want to learn more about cataracts or cataract surgery this winter, including financing options or insurance coverage, call us at 614.939.1600 to schedule an appointment. Our experts at Columbus Laser & Cataract Center are excited to help guide you toward lifelong, healthy vision!