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How Are Cataracts Treated?
The right treatment for cataracts depends on how severe they are and how much they interfere with your everyday activities. If the cataracts are mild and only cause slight vision changes, glasses or contact lenses may be enough to improve clarity. When they progress and begin to significantly affect your sight, surgical removal may be necessary.
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 The EyeDoctors Optometrists for Cataracts?
It’s important to see an eye doctor when cataracts begin to interfere with your vision or daily routine. In some cases, advanced cataracts may also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including glaucoma. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, schedule an exam at The EyeDoctors Optometrists for a comprehensive evaluation and to review your treatment options. Our team is here to help protect and improve your vision.
How Does The EyeDoctors Optometrists Diagnose Cataracts?
In the early stages, cataracts may be difficult to detect and often cause little to no noticeable symptoms. At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, our doctors use advanced diagnostic technology to identify cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam. If cataracts are present, additional testing helps determine their severity and the most appropriate treatment options. Your doctor will guide you through each step of the evaluation and ensure you understand the results. 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, The EyeDoctors Optometrists 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
What to Know Before Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure that removes the clouded lens to help restore clearer vision. You’ll remain awake and comfortable during the process, return home the same day, and begin using prescribed eye drops to promote proper healing. Here’s what you can generally expect on surgery day with The EyeDoctors Optometrists:
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 reasons for vision changes, affecting millions of people across the United States. Aging is the most frequent cause, but cataracts can also be influenced by genetics, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors, and they can appear in younger adults 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 The EyeDoctors Optometrists is experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye diseases and ocular conditions. Routine eye exams help protect your eye health and ensure you’re seeing as clearly as possible. If cataracts are diagnosed, your optometrist will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. Schedule an eye exam today to assess your eye health and explore your options.