Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Cataracts

Cataracts are a common vision condition that often develops as people age. They can impact your vision, making it seem like you see the world through a fogged-up window. 

But do cataracts go away on their own? And when should you seek treatment?

Keep reading to learn more about whether untreated cataracts are dangerous and what you should do if cataracts are affecting your vision.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when cloudy spots begin to form on the natural lens of the eye. This is particularly common in older adults because as people age, the proteins in the lens start to deteriorate and form clumps.

Because cataracts are a progressive vision problem, the symptoms often develop gradually over many years. These symptoms include: 

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Colors that look muted or yellowed
  • Issues seeing at night
  • Light sensitivity
  • Double vision in one eye
  • Frequent prescription changes

Are Untreated Cataracts Dangerous?

While cataracts do not pose a direct threat to your health, if left untreated, you might not be able to see well enough to drive or navigate around your home. This can result in accidents that could be life-threatening, like getting into a car crash or tripping and hitting your head.

You may also begin to experience depression or anxiety about your poor vision and isolate yourself from social events. This can affect your mental health and lower your quality of life.

Once your cataracts reach this point, it’s time to consult with your eye doctor about cataract surgery.

When Should I Get Cataract Surgery?

Your ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose your cataracts. Based on their findings and the symptoms you are experiencing, they will make a recommendation on when it’s best for you to undergo cataract surgery.

This procedure is the only treatment that can eliminate cataracts and restore cataract-affected vision.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Before beginning cataract surgery, your eye doctor will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops to ensure you are comfortable. Then, they will make a tiny incision in your cornea and break up your natural lens.

They will remove the fragments of your natural lens and replace it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This new IOL cannot develop cataracts and can even correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, depending on the lens you choose.

Cataract surgery is a relatively fast outpatient procedure. Most people can resume their normal life in just a few days, but it can take a few weeks to see all the changes to your vision. 

Enjoy More Safety after Cataract Surgery

With clearer vision after cataract surgery, you can do more things with safety and confidence. You won’t need to worry about cataract-impaired vision while driving, endangering you and others on the road.

You’ll also be able to navigate your way around the house with more ease and comfort, lowering your risk of injury. Your mental health will likely improve as well.

You won’t need to deal with the stress of blurry, cloudy vision or skip out on plans with friends and loved ones because you’re worried about your eyesight. Instead, you can enjoy clearer, crisper vision during all of your activities.

Is it time for you to consider cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today to discover whether the procedure is right for you.