Cataracts: Early Signs and When Surgery Makes Sense

If the world has started to look like someone smeared a little petroleum jelly on your glasses, and cleaning them does not help, cataracts may be the reason. A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye. It is extremely common, it usually develops slowly, and the fix is one of the most successful surgeries in medicine.

Early signs of cataracts

• Cloudy, blurry or dim vision
• Glare and halos around headlights at night
• Colors that look faded or yellowish
• Needing more light to read
• Frequent prescription changes
• Double vision in one eye

Cataracts are most common after 60, but they can show up earlier, especially with diabetes, long-term steroid use, smoking or a lot of unprotected sun. Living on the Grand Strand, good UV-blocking sunglasses are one of the easiest things you can do for your lenses.

You do not always need surgery right away

Early cataracts often just mean updating your glasses. For mild to moderate cataracts, a new prescription can improve your vision for quite a while. Brighter lighting and anti-reflective coating on your lenses can help with glare, too.

When surgery makes sense

The usual rule is simple: when cataracts get in the way of daily life, it is time to talk about surgery. If driving at night has become stressful, reading is a struggle even with good light, or your glasses can no longer give you clear vision, surgery is worth considering. During cataract surgery, a surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens implant.

Our role in your cataract care

We do not perform cataract surgery ourselves. What we do is watch your cataracts over time, tell you honestly when surgery is worth it, refer you to a surgeon, and handle much of your follow-up care close to home afterward. Start with a comprehensive eye exam in Myrtle Beach. Call (843) 796-1155 or request a time online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of cataracts?

Cloudy or dim vision, glare and halos at night, faded colors, needing more light to read, and frequent prescription changes are common early signs.

Can glasses fix cataracts?

Glasses cannot remove a cataract, but an updated prescription often improves vision for a while when cataracts are mild to moderate.

When should I have cataract surgery?

When cataracts interfere with daily activities like driving, reading or work, and glasses no longer give you clear vision. Your eye doctor can help you decide.

Does Siegmund Eye Care perform cataract surgery?

No. We monitor cataracts, refer you to a cataract surgeon when it is time, and co-manage your care before and after surgery.