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How Are Cataracts Treated?
Treatment options for cataracts vary based on their severity and the extent to which they impact your vision and overall quality of life. Mild cataracts that cause minor blurriness can often be managed with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. When cataracts become more advanced and significantly affect vision, surgery may be recommended to remove them.
What Does Cataract Surgery Involve?
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure involving lens implants. During cataract surgery, a tiny incision is made on the eye and the impacted lens is removed. It is replaced with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) through the same incision. The entire procedure only takes about 10 minutes.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Because cataracts develop over time, the symptoms appear slowly. The first sign of a cataract is generally hazy or blurred vision. Other symptoms of cataracts include:
Double vision
Trouble seeing well at night or in dim light
Seeing halos around headlights at night
Seeing bright colors as faded or yellowish
Light and glare sensitivity
When Should I See a Clarkson Eyecare Doctor for Cataracts?
You should schedule an eye exam when cataracts begin to interfere with your daily activities or vision. In some cases, advanced cataracts can also increase the risk of other serious eye conditions, including glaucoma. If you’re noticing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact EyeCare Associates for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss your treatment options. Our team is here to help protect and restore your vision.
How Does EyeCare Associates Diagnose Cataracts?
In the early stages, cataracts can be difficult to detect and may not cause noticeable symptoms. The doctors at EyeCare Associates use advanced diagnostic tools to identify cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam. If cataracts are detected, additional evaluations help determine their severity and the most appropriate treatment plan. Your eye doctor will explain each step of the process and answer any questions along the way. Common tests include:
Visual Acuity & Refraction
To measure how clearly you see and whether glasses help.
Slit-Lamp Exam
To directly examine the cornea, iris, and lens for cataract changes.
Dilated Retinal Exam (Ophthalmoscopy)
To assess cataract type/severity and overall eye health.
Imaging (Fundus Photos/OCT)
To directly examine the cornea, iris, and lens for cataract changes.
Tonometry
To check eye pressure and screen for coexisting glaucoma.
Who Can Get Cataract Surgery?
Typically, EyeCare Associates looks for cataract surgery candidates who meet the following criteria:
Notice worse night vision or significant glare when driving at night
Find it harder to read or complete everyday tasks clearly
Have symptoms like blurred vision or colors that look faded
Still have subpar vision even after updating your glasses and contact lenses
Requirements and Expectations: The Day of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a brief, outpatient procedure designed to safely remove the cloudy lens and help restore clearer vision. You will be awake but comfortable, return home the same day, and begin using prescription eye drops to support healing. Here is what you can expect on the day of your surgery with EyeCare Associates.
Preparation
Follow any fasting instructions; take only approved medications
Start pre-op eye drops if prescribed
Arrange a driver and light schedule (no driving day-of)
Bring your medication list, insurance/ID, and sunglasses
Avoid eye makeup, lotions, and perfume the morning of surgery
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Arrival & Check-In
Check-in at the front desk
You’ll be taken to a waiting area
The doctor will go over the surgery plan with you
Numbing eye drops will be administered
The Procedure
The doctor will make a small incision using an excimer laser
The cloudy lens is removed
A new intraocular lens is placed
The entire procedure usually takes 10-30 minutes
Post-Surgery
You’ll receive a patch and eye shield to cover your effected eye as it heals
We will give you detailed instructions on care and medications, if needed
You’ll go home the same day as the surgery
Mild scratchiness or itchiness is to be expected
Follow-Up and Recovery
You’ll have a follow-up appointment the next day, with more check-ups in the following weeks
Wear your protective eye shield while sleeping for the first few nights
Use prescription eye drops exactly as directed
Wear sunglasses outdoors
It’s fine to return to most daily activities after a few days
Avoid heavy exercise for about 1 week
No swimming for 2 weeks
Protect the eye from dust, sand, and debris
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision changes, affecting millions of people across the United States. While aging is the leading cause, cataracts can also be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and other health conditions, and they can occur in younger people as well.
Risk factors for cataracts include:
Diabetes
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Extensive steroid use
Significant alcohol consumption
Obesity
Smoking
High myopia
Sun exposure
Family history of cataracts
Previous eye injury or eye surgery
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts
Schedule an Appointment with Our Cataract Doctors
The team at EyeCare Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye diseases and conditions. Routine eye exams allow our doctors to monitor your eye health and help you maintain the clearest vision possible. If you’re diagnosed with cataracts, we’ll partner with you to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs. Schedule an eye exam with our experienced team today to evaluate your eye health and discuss your next steps.