Reviewed By: Dr. Jitendra Swarup, M.D.
Cataracts are very common, especially as we age. More than half of all Americans aged 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). At first, you might not even notice a cataract developing. But over time, it can cause blurry vision, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to visit Albemarle Eye Center for an eye exam and laser treatment for cataract removal.
Blurry or Cloudy Vision
A cataract starts as a small cloudy spot in your eye’s lens, but as it grows, it can make your vision blurry or foggy. Many people describe it as looking through a smudged or dirty window. This is the first sign and can be spotted on a microscopic level at an advanced laser and cataract center.
Colors Seem Faded or Yellowed
Do colors seem duller than they used to? Cataracts can give everything a faded, yellowish tint, making it harder to distinguish colors. This happens because the proteins that form cataracts cloud the lens and alter how light passes through your eye.
Sensitivity to Light and Glare
If bright lights suddenly feel overwhelming, or if headlights and sunlight create an intense glare, it could be a sign of cataracts. Many people find driving at night particularly difficult because of this increased light sensitivity.
Halos Around Lights
Seeing rings or halos around streetlights, car headlights, or lamps? Cataracts scatter the light entering your eye, making it appear as if there’s a halo around light sources, especially in dim conditions.
Trouble Seeing at Night
Cataracts make it harder to see in low-light conditions. You might notice you’re struggling to read in dim lighting or finding it difficult to drive at night. If your night vision is worsening, cataracts may be to blame.
Double Vision in One Eye
If you’re experiencing double vision, but only in one eye, a cataract could be distorting the way light enters your lens. Unlike other causes of double vision, this symptom won’t go away by covering one eye.
Changes in Glasses or Contact Lens Prescriptions
If you find yourself needing new prescriptions frequently, your vision changes might not be due to standard aging but rather to cataracts. Over time, stronger prescriptions won’t help, and laser cataract removal may become the best option.
Read these 10 reasons why laser cataract surgery is a good choice
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a dilated eye exam at an advanced laser and cataract center. This painless test allows an ophthalmologist to check for cataracts and other vision issues. The National Eye Institute (NEI) recommends that adults aged 60 and older get a dilated eye exam every 1-2 years to monitor for cataracts and other eye conditions.
Read our latest blog on why aging people should consider laser vision correction
What Are Your Treatment Options?
While there is no medication or lifestyle change that can cure cataracts, some early-stage symptoms can be managed with:
- Brighter lighting at home
- Anti-glare sunglasses
- Magnifying lenses for reading
- Updated prescription glasses or contact lenses
However, the only way to remove a cataract is through surgery. The good news is that laser cataract eye surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries in the U.S., with a success rate of around 97%.
At Albemarle Eye Center, we offer advanced LenSx® laser cataract surgery, a quick and precise procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). We provide a variety of lens implant options for different types of cataracts, including:
- Monofocal Lenses – For clear distance vision
- Toric Lenses – To correct astigmatism
- Multifocal Lenses – For improved near and distance vision
- Light Adjustable Lenses – A customizable option that allows vision refinement after surgery (Coming Soon!)
AEC is excited to be one of the first to offer Light Adjustable Lenses, providing patients with an advanced solution for post-surgery vision customization. Stay tuned for updates on this innovative service!
Clear Up Your Vision with Albemarle Eye Center
Cataracts don’t have to interfere with your life. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule a consultation at our laser cataract surgery center in North Carolina.
**The information offered in this blog is not intended to substitute expert medical advice. Always seek a qualified healthcare professional for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific medical condition.**
