Is There Any Help for Cataracts?

Cataracts are a vision disorder that cause cloudy spots to appear on the lens of the eye. They can impair your ability to perform daily functions, such as reading and driving. There are things you can do at home to ease the symptoms of early-onset cataracts; after that, surgery is necessary.

• Cataracts cause cloudy spots on the lens of the eye.

Daily Functions Early On

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses can help with early vision problems due to cataracts. You can also use a magnifying glass when you read.

Lifestyle Changes

• In addition to vision aides, you can also help yourself with cataract symptoms by avoiding driving at night. You may also need to wear dark sunglasses when you are out in the sunlight.

Surgery with Implants

• Cataract surgery is the only way to permanently remove the problem. In many cases, this surgery involves removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an implanted clear lens.

Surgery Without Implants

• In other cases, surgery is performed without implants. The damaged lens is removed and then the patient uses eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems.

Early Surgical Options

• Since surgery is the only way to fix cataracts, most people want to get it as soon as the cataracts appear. In the past, you had to wait until your vision deteriorated to 20/200; today, you can get surgery as soon as the cataracts begin to interfere with your everyday vision.