Posted by: Mann Eye in Ask The Experts, Cataracts
One certainty in life is that everyone will eventually develop cataracts. In fact, cataract formation starts earlier than you might think, typically in your 40s. Most cataracts, however, do not become significant enough to notice until your 50s or 60s, which is when most folks elect to have cataract surgery. But how do we know when it’s time for surgery?
First, what is a cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is found inside the eye behind the iris. The iris is the colored part of the eye. The lens’ job is to focus light, changing shape to allow for both near and distance vision. As we and our lenses age, the lens becomes rigid and cloudy, which affects our ability to focus. The cloudiness also causes glare, halos around lights, and starbursts, which can affect the quality of vision, especially at night. Finally, worsening cataracts change the prescription of the eye, making glasses seem obsolete.
So, if you are older than 50, have difficulty with glare from headlights while driving at night, or need more frequent glasses updates, you may have significant cataracts and benefit from cataract-removal surgery. We like to tell people that when your cataracts begin negatively affecting your life, that’s when it’s time to have them removed.
Our fun little cataract quiz can help you determine if it’s time for cataract surgery and even which type of surgery and lens are right for you!
But the only way to know for sure is to schedule a comprehensive exam with your Mann Eye Institute eye doctor. Luckily, modern cataract surgery is simple and may even allow for options to eliminate glasses and readers! So schedule an evaluation today, and get ready to See Life Better.