What to Expect after a Cataract diagnosis | Cataract Awareness Month

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions diagnosed in adults. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, by about age 80, most people have had cataract surgery or have a diagnosis of cataracts.

The odds are that at some point, you or a family member will be diagnosed with a cataract. So, if you are, what comes next? Keep reading below to learn more about what to expect after a cataract diagnosis. 
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What are cataracts? 

Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. That lens bends light rays and plays a key role in vision. When it becomes cloudy, it interferes with proper vision. A cataract can develop in one eye or occur in both at the same time or at different times.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the biggest risk factor for developing cataracts is aging. Additional risk factors for cataracts include:

• Having a family history of cataracts
• Having a past eye injury or excessive sun exposure
• Smoking
• Having diabetes 

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Signs and symptoms

When cataracts are in their early stage, most people do not have any symptoms. Once symptoms start, they may include the following:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision
• Trouble seeing at night
• Problems with glare as you drive

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What happens next?

If your eye doctor diagnoses a cataract, you might wonder what comes next. After your doctor performs an eye exam and makes a diagnosis, the stage or severity of the cataract should be discussed.

If you had no symptoms and a diagnosis was made based on a routine eye exam, you may have an early-stage cataract. If symptoms have started, you may be experiencing a late-stage cataract.

Next, you will likely discuss treatment options. Recommended treatment may depend on the stage of the condition. If you have an early-stage cataract and no symptoms, you might decide to wait to have surgery until you develop vision issues.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of cataract surgery. Be sure to ask your doctor about whether you are a candidate for laser cataract surgery.

If you smoke, it would be a great time to stop. Smoking may slow the healing process if you decide to have surgery.

If you opt to wait on having surgery until you develop symptoms, ask your doctor how often you should have check-ups. Since cataracts can run in families, encourage others in your family to get checked. 
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Treatment

When symptoms are mild, some people opt for optical aids, such as new glasses or anti-glare sunglasses. But during late-stage cataracts, visual changes are noticeable and may interfere with everyday activities, such as reading and driving. At that point, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery involves removing the old lens and replacing it with a new interocular lens. Before the procedure, you are given instructions on how to prepare.

At the start of the surgery, your doctor gives you a local anesthetic that numbs the eye. The procedure should not hurt. The process of removing the old lens and replacing it takes about 10 minutes. 
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Questions to ask your eye doctor

If you are diagnosed with cataracts, it is helpful to learn as much as possible to determine what to do next. Don’t hesitate to ask your eye doctor any questions you have. Remember, every person is different. Your age, underlying health conditions, and stage of the cataract may determine the best path forward.

Below are some common questions you may want to consider.

• Is now the right time to have surgery?
• How does cataract surgery help vision?
• Can I have surgery on both eyes at the same visit?
• What do I do to prepare for surgery?
• Are there contraindications for cataract surgery?
• What is the recovery from cataract surgery like?

Remember, the best way to find out if you have a cataract is by having regular eye exams. If you have any questions about cataracts, we are happy to help. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600. 
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