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Originally written February 26, 2021
You know you’ll develop cataracts as you get older. After all, everyone does. But what are some of the signs that you might need cataract surgery?
A cataract is when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, which can occur naturally as you age or due to genetic dispositions. Similar to a camera lens that is becoming cloudy or obscured, images cannot be seen clearly by your eyes. Cataracts in their early stages can be treated by glasses. But if the cataract impedes your daily activities, surgery may be the best treatment.
As mentioned above, cloudiness is a sign that your cataracts are worsening. Cloudiness presents when it looks like you’re trying to see through cloudy, foggy air. In this instance, the symptom is getting worse and approaching near full vision loss.
When you’re driving at night, does it look like halos have encircled the streetlights and the other cars’ headlights? Do the lights glare uncomfortably? These signs, along with light sensitivity are signs that your cataracts are becoming worse and could even create dangerous situations.
CEENTA cataract surgeon Kashyap Kansupada, MD from our Belmont and Huntersville offices explains, “Far and away, the most common trigger for cataract surgery is glare from headlights at night – which is made worse when it’s raining – or from the sun during the day, making driving or distance viewing challenging."
Do colors appear dull? Does everything have a yellowish tint? As cataracts cloud your eyes, they can wash out colors. The cataract itself may also be yellowish, which can make everything you see appear more yellow.
Are you seeing double? One of the causes of double vision, or diplopia, is cataracts.
Ignoring your cataracts can lead to blindness. In fact, they are the number one cause of blindness worldwide. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to not put off your cataract treatment.
These are only a few signs of a cataract, which is why annual eye exams are so important, especially after the age of 40.
“Fortunately, regardless of the sign, 99 percent of patients enjoy quick visual recovery and a resumption of their daily activities after surgery,” Dr. Kansupada said.
If you suspect you have a cataract, come to CEENTA for the care you need to see clearly again. CEENTA's team of cataract surgeons can examine your symptoms and recommend both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery along with multiple lens options. To schedule your cataract consultation with Dr. Kansupada at our Belmont or Huntersville offices, you may do so online or through myCEENTAchart if you are an existing patient.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with any of our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
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CEENTA ophthalmologist Sumit Gupta, MD, appeared on WSOC's The Daily Two on February 19th, 2024 to discuss cataracts and cataract surgery options.
