Top 5 Signs You Might Need Eye Cataract Surgery

Do things seem a little hazy lately? If so, it might be more than just the need for a quick lens wipe. Cataracts could be the culprit!

Cataracts occur when the clear, natural lens in your eye becomes a cloudy lens, blocking light from properly reaching the retina. Over time, this can turn into blurred vision, seeing dull colours, and even difficulties with night driving. Luckily, there’s a fix for this: eye cataract surgery, a straightforward procedure where an eye surgeon replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens, also known as an intraocular lens. This restores the vision clarity you might not even realise you were missing.

As a trusted provider of cataract surgery and eye care, we’re dedicated to getting you back to seeing life in full clarity and colour. In this article, we explore five signs that suggest cataract surgery might be right for you.

Key Takeaways

• Blurry vision, night vision issues, light sensitivity, faded colours, and frequent prescription changes are all signs of cataracts. 
• Cataract surgery can restore clarity, vibrant colours, and stable vision. 
• If these symptoms sound familiar, consider a cataract assessment with Re: Vision.

Sign 1: Blurry or Clouded Vision

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs when a cataract forms is a persistent feeling of blurred vision or cloudiness, similar to looking through foggy glasses. This occurs as proteins within your eye's natural lens begin to clump together, creating areas that scatter light and block it from focusing properly on the retina. As the cataract grows denser, the blurred vision often worsens, making it increasingly difficult to see fine details.

Some people even experience double vision in one eye, which can add to the frustration and confusion. Simple activities, like reading or recognising faces, become more challenging. This gradual decline in vision quality is a key signal that you may benefit from cataract surgery. During the procedure, an eye surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a new intraocular lens, restoring clarity and improving your overall sight.

Sign 2: Difficulty Seeing at Night

If driving at night has started to feel like an obstacle course, cataracts might be to blame. As a cataract forms, it scatters light entering the eye, making night vision increasingly challenging. Dimly lit environments become harder to navigate, and you may begin to notice halos or a bothersome glare around lights, particularly street lamps and car headlights.

Beyond being frustrating, it can impact your safety. Seeing clearly in low-light conditions is essential for activities like driving, and poor night vision can make this task risky. If nighttime glare and diminished clarity have you avoiding evening outings, it might be time to consider cataract surgery. By replacing the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens, the procedure can restore your ability to see safely and confidently after dark.

Sign 3: Increased Sensitivity to Light and Glare

If you find yourself squinting or shielding your eyes from bright light more than usual, cataracts could be the cause. Cataracts often lead to increased sensitivity, especially in response to sunlight or the other bright light. Everyday bright conditions can feel uncomfortable or even painful, turning simple outdoor activities into a challenge.

This heightened light sensitivity can interfere with your quality of life. Tasks like driving on sunny days or being in well-lit environments can feel overwhelming. If you’re frequently seeking shade or closing the blinds, cataract surgery might be a solution worth exploring. By providing you with a new lens, the procedure can help reduce this sensitivity and restore comfort in bright environments.

Sign 4: Fading or Yellowing of Colours

As a cataract forms, the colours you see start to dull or distort, making them appear less vibrant and sometimes with a yellowish tint. This can affect how you perceive the world around you, from the lush greens of nature to the rich reds in a sunset.

At first, this symptom might go unnoticed, as the change is gradual. But over time, it can become increasingly frustrating, especially if you enjoy hobbies that rely on colour distinction, like painting or cooking. Cataract surgery can bring back the vibrant hues you may have forgotten, restoring your full visible range of colours.

Sign 5: Frequent Prescription Changes

If you’re finding that your glasses or contact lenses prescription keeps changing, it could be a sign that cataracts are progressing. As cataracts progress, they change the way light is refracted in the eye, leading to fluctuating vision and requiring frequent prescription changes. Yet despite these adjustments, vision often remains unstable, and the constant changes only provide temporary improvements.

When regular adjustments no longer lead to stable improvement, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. This procedure can give you clearer, more stable vision without constant prescription updates. Many people experience improved vision without glasses after surgery, allowing for better focus and less frustration with their daily vision needs.

Cataract Surgery Auckland

If you’re experiencing any of these five signs—blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to bright light, dull colours, or frequent prescription changes—it may be time to consider cataract surgery.

At Re:Vision, our expert team has extensive experience in performing cataract surgery, using advanced techniques to replace the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens. This procedure can restore sharp distance vision, bring back vibrant colours, and often reduce or eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses. If you’re concerned about cataract surgery cost, or simply want to learn more about the process, our team is here to help guide you through each step, from consultation to recovery.

Ready to take the first step towards clearer vision? Book a consultation at our Auckland laser eye surgery clinic today to find out if cataract surgery is the right choice for you.

Book a cataract assessment

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