If you have cataracts, you might be noticing that colors don’t seem as bright as they used to, or that your vision feels a little blurry, almost like looking through a dusty window. These kinds of vision changes can make you wonder if you just need an eye exam or a stronger pair of glasses.
In the early stages of cataracts, an updated eyeglass prescription can help you see more clearly. However, glasses are a temporary measure to manage symptoms, not a treatment for the cataract itself.
As cataracts progress, however, there will come a point where new glasses no longer provide the clear vision you need.
What Is a Cataract & How Does It Affect Vision?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye. This cloudiness can interfere with light passing to the back of your eye, making everyday tasks more difficult. For many people, seeing through a cataract is like looking through a foggy piece of glass.
What Vision Looks Like with a Cataract
When a cataract first develops, it might only affect a small part of the lens, so you may not notice any vision changes. As it grows larger, however, a cataract clouds more of your lens and your sight can be affected. You might experience:
- Clouded, blurry, or dim vision
- More difficulty with vision at night
- Sensitivity to light & glare
- See “halos” around lights
- A need for brighter light for reading & other activities
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
The Role of Eyeglasses for Cataract Vision
As cataracts develop, they change how light focuses inside your eye, which in turn can alter your eyeglass prescription. In early stages of the condition, new glasses can often compensate for these changes.
How a New Prescription Can Help
An updated prescription can bring images back into sharp focus, even if you wore glasses before the cataract formed. This means a new pair of glasses can temporarily correct the vision changes caused by developing cataracts. Your eye doctor can help determine if a new prescription is right for your current situation.
The Limits of Glasses
It’s important to understand that glasses are a tool to manage cataract symptoms, not a treatment for the cataract itself. Eyeglasses don’t have any effect on the cataract or its growth. As the cataract worsens, you’ll eventually reach a point where a stronger prescription will no longer sharpen your vision effectively.
How You Can Improve Vision with Cataracts
Beyond keeping your eyeglass prescription current, you can make other adjustments to help manage your vision as your cataracts progress. These simple strategies focus on improving the light and contrast in your environment in order to help you maintain your daily routines.
Simple Changes at Home & Outside
Simple tools and changes can make a big difference in your daily life. You can use brighter, more focused light bulbs in your home for reading and other close-up activities. Anti-glare sunglasses can also help with daytime driving and reduce the discomfort from bright sunlight.
Does Wearing Sunglasses Slow Down Cataracts?
Wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light whenever you are outdoors is a positive step for your overall eye health. Protecting your eyes from UV radiation may also help to slow the development and progression of cataracts over time. It’s a simple habit that supports long-term eye wellness.
When Glasses Are No Longer Enough
Because cataracts often develop slowly, you might not be aware of how much your vision has changed over time. Your brain adapts to the gradual changes, but eventually, glasses won’t be able to provide the clear vision you need. This is a common part of the cataract journey.
Signs It May Be Time for a New Solution
You may notice that your prescription seems to change frequently or that, even with new glasses, your vision isn’t clear. If vision challenges start to interfere with your quality of life or your ability to do things like read or drive safely at night, it might be time to discuss other options. Your eye doctor in Bonita can help you navigate this stage.
The Next Step: Cataract Surgery
When glasses can no longer correct your vision to a level you’re comfortable with, cataract surgery becomes a practical option. During this common procedure, a surgeon removes the clouded natural lens from your eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens.
Steps You Can Take for Your Eye Health
You can take an active role in your eye health through regular professional care and healthy habits. This proactive approach helps with monitoring vision changes from conditions like cataracts. It also supports your overall well-being.
Schedule Regular Eye Examinations
Consistent eye check-ups are an important part of your health routine. A regular visit to an eye doctor in Bonita allows them to track any changes to your eyes and vision. This ensures your prescription is always up to date and that any conditions are monitored properly.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Certain lifestyle choices can support your overall eye health and may contribute to healthier vision for years to come. These include simple, positive habits you can build into your daily routine. Consider these steps:
- Choose a healthy diet rich in fruits & vegetables.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light.
- Reduce alcohol use.
- Quit smoking.
Vision Changes? Visit Us!
While glasses are an effective tool for managing early cataracts, they are just one part of a complete eye care plan.
Regular exams help you stay on top of any changes and understand all your options. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, the team at Total Vision Bonita is here to provide personalized care for you and your family.
Schedule your next appointment easily online today!
