When Is the Right Time to Treat Cataracts?

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. They become very common as you grow older. They are not noticeable at first but over time, they make your vision blurry. They may cause trouble reading and doing your everyday activities.

With time, the proteins in the eye break down and clump together. This clumping is what makes the cloudy area in your lens. Over time, the cloudiness increases with the clumping. It is good to discuss the treatment and removal of cataracts with your doctor to ensure you deal with them earlier before they complicate surgery.

Treatment for Cataracts

Surgery may seem like an intimidating procedure. However, it is the only way to treat them. You will need to have it at some point. If you wait too long, it may become too dangerous to perform it. That is why most doctors advise their patients to do the surgery earlier.

In the meantime, there are other ways you can manage cataracts. At home, you can use brighter lights and contrasting colors. This will help you see more clearly. You can also get prescription glasses or contact lenses if you catch them early.

To reduce glare and halos, you can use a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses. You can also get anti-glare glasses. For reading, you can use magnifying lenses.

Surgery Options

As cataracts progress, you can opt for surgery at every stage. It has advantages and disadvantages, but it is better to do surgery sooner rather than later.

 

• Early Stage Cataracts
   

In the early stages, cataracts cause glares and halos. These normally cause trouble seeing at night. They make driving scary and uncomfortable. Removing cataracts at this stage will improve the quality of your life. You will be able to drive more comfortably. It also ensures that you are confident on the road and safer.
 

• Moderate Stage Cataracts
   

At this stage, your doctor may recommend stronger prescription lenses. They may also recommend the use of brighter lights and contrasting colors at home. However, you will need surgery to remove cataracts at some point. This will depend on the progression of cataracts. Keep talking to your doctor so that you do not wait too long.

 

• Mature Stage Cataracts
   

At this stage, they are more difficult to remove, so you need to do the surgery earlier. At the least, you should have surgery as soon as they affect your vision. Mature cataracts take longer to remove. This leads to more risks during surgery.

Regardless of the stage, keep talking to your doctor. It is crucial as they will help you weigh the benefits and risks of surgery. Go for regular eye checkups. Also, note when cataracts start getting in the way of your everyday activities.

If you smoke or vape, you will need to stop. This habit will accelerate the progression of cataracts. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Especially go for leafy, dark greens like spinach and kale.

For more information on cataracts, visit Blue Hills Eye Associates at our office in Braintree, Massachusetts. You can call (781) 794-2200 to schedule an appointment today.