6 Ways Cataract Surgery Can Change Your Life for the Better

Do you have cataracts? Cataracts are extremely common and affect many adults over the age of 40. 

They tend to develop very slowly. Many people don’t even realize they have them for years. However, eventually they cause several visual symptoms and if left untreated, can even cause total vision loss.

Cataract surgery can restore all vision loss caused by cataracts, changing your life for the better. Keep reading to learn more about cataract surgery, including six ways cataract surgery can change your life for the better!

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world. It’s very low risk and highly effective. Doctors recommend you have cataract surgery as soon as your cataract symptoms begin to affect your quality of life. 

While the surgery is elective, it’s usually considered medically necessary to prevent or reverse vision loss, so most of the time the surgery itself is covered by health insurance. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day you have surgery. 

No general anesthesia is needed and the eyes are numbed with eye drops to prevent you from feeling any pain. You may also be given something to help you relax during the surgery.

During cataract surgery, your eye’s natural lens is removed. Cataracts form inside the natural lens, so by removing the whole lens, the cataract itself is removed as well. 

The lens is then replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL. IOLs come in different varieties. Many of these IOL options are considered premium. 

Premium IOLs often cost extra, but they also can give you clearer vision and can even reduce your dependence on reading glasses. Regardless of which IOL you choose, cataract surgery can truly change your life by restoring your vision. 

Here are some of the many ways cataract surgery can change your life for the better:

1. No More Fog

Blurry vision from cataracts is one of the most annoying symptoms. Seeing through your own clouded lens can be like trying to see through a foggy window. Cataract surgery gets rid of this fog and gives you a whole new window to see the world through. 

Without cataracts, you’ll be able to see much more clearly. And if you choose a premium IOL, you’ll be able to see even more clearly, maybe even better than you could before you even developed cataracts.

2. Drive After Dark Again

In addition to causing blurry vision, cataracts make it very hard to see in low light. This makes doing many tasks after dark difficult, but driving is a particular challenge. 

Cataracts also make your eyes more sensitive to light and cause glare and halos to appear around lights. This can make headlights from other cars and streetlights almost blinding. 

Combined with bad night vision, driving at night with cataracts can be nearly impossible, as well as dangerous. After cataract surgery, you’ll be able to see better in the dark again and your eyes won’t be as sensitive. 

You’ll be able to actually leave the house and go out when you want rather than avoiding driving in the dark at all costs.

3. See the World Become Brighter

Another symptom of cataracts is that they make colors look yellowish and washed out. When you have advanced cataracts, everything can look muddy. 

Not only does this make distinguishing colors challenging, but it also makes the world look less colorful. After cataract surgery, you’ll be able to see the world with color again. 

4. Enjoy Your Hobbies

Cataracts make it hard to enjoy many different hobbies. Anything artistic can be difficult with cataracts, and so can athletic activities like golf, tennis, and even just hiking. 

Having cataract surgery will make it easier to do what you love and get back to pursuing your passions. Premium IOLs are especially good for anyone who’s very active or enjoys doing art or being social. 

Premium IOLs can help you see clearly at a wider range of distances, allowing you to see well no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

5. Regain Your Independence

If you can’t see well, it’s hard to do a lot of things by yourself. Cataract surgery can help you become independent again, just by helping you see. A premium IOL can make you more independent in more ways by reducing your need for reading glasses.

6. Feel Safe Again

One worry many people have with cataracts is that they’ll have some sort of accident. When you can’t see well, you’re more likely to trip or walk into things. Even just walking around your own home can feel treacherous if you have advanced or mature cataracts.

Cataract surgery can help you feel safe again. You’ll be able to go about your own home and get out of the house while feeling in control of yourself. 

If your cataracts are making your everyday life harder than it needs to be, don’t wait any longer! Schedule a cataract evaluation at Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, ID, today!

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