Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Cataracts

Cataracts are a very common eye condition but that doesn’t make dealing with the symptoms any easier. Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy and over time, your vision becomes blurry. This causes many daily challenges for cataract patients.

Think about all the items on your to-do list. How efficiently would you be able to do any of them if your vision was 50 percent worse? Many cataract patients find they can no longer do activities that used to come easily to them.

However, managing the symptoms of your cataracts is not impossible. Let’s look at five ways cataract patients can make their lives just a little bit easier.

Ask friends and family for help

If you are struggling to manage your daily activities, it may be time for you to ask friends or family members for help. This loss of independence can be difficult for many people but you may find that your loved ones really do want to help.

Limit your nighttime driving

Many cataract patients will find that as their condition progresses, driving becomes more difficult. Your cataracts can cause a glare to form around light sources and it can be harder to read street signs. When you reach this point, try to limit your nighttime driving as much as possible as this is an obvious safety hazard.

Ask your doctor for a stronger prescription

Many cataracts patients find that they need stronger prescription eyewear in order to see more clearly. Make sure you stay on top of your regular visits with your eye doctor so you can be sure your prescription is up-to-date.

Improve the lighting in your home

If your cataracts are making it difficult for you to see, one very simple adjustment you can make is to improve the lighting in your home. Many patients find that this small adjustment makes it easier for them to read and do other activities they enjoy.

Have cataract surgery

Of course, all of these solutions are temporary fixes. The best long-term solution is to have cataract surgery. Your condition will only continue to worsen over time and better lighting and a stronger prescription will only go so far.

We understand that undergoing surgery can be frightening, however, cataract surgery is an incredibly safe and effective procedure. To learn more, contact our office to schedule your appointment with one of our doctors.