When to See a Specialist About Your Cataract Symptoms

You’ve noticed that your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be. You may have been told that you have cataracts, but because they grow very slowly, they may not have bothered you until now. How do you know when it’s time to take action? 

Board-certified ophthalmologist Stephen Khachikian, MD, provides cataract surgery for many patients. The surgery restores sight by replacing your worn out lenses with intraocular lenses. 

What are cataracts and why do they impair my vision?  

Your eyes have clear lenses located behind the iris, or the colored part of your eye. They’re shaped somewhat like elongated ovals. Your eye lenses focus light on your retina and help create sharp images so you see objects clearly.

Your lenses contain a higher percentage of protein than any other part of your body. As you age, the proteins begin to form clumps that eventually impair your vision. Cataracts are very common as you grow older. More than 50% of adults over 80 either have cataracts or have already had cataract surgery to replace cloudy lenses.

It’s important to treat cataracts to avoid vision loss. Dr. Khachikian removes your worn-out lenses and replaces them with intraocular lenses that provide much sharper vision. 

Signs that you need to need to see an ophthalmologist about your cataracts

The proteins in your eyes often start to merge into clumps around age 40. The process happens so slowly that you likely don’t know you have cataracts unless you’ve been told that you do. Around age 60, many people begin to notice vision changes caused by cataracts. 

Following are signs that it’s time to take action and make an appointment with Dr. Khachikian. 

Blurred vision 

Blurry vision isn’t only an annoyance; it’s also dangerous. When you’re walking, it can cause you to lose your balance and fall. When you’re driving, it’s a threat to your safety and that of others on the road. 

Cloudy vision 

Do you feel as though you see the world through a window with a film on it? Actually, the film is on your eyes. Maybe you don’t see colors as brightly as you used to; everything may look faded when you have cataracts. 

When your vision is cloudy and colors seem faded, it’s time to make an appointment with an eye specialist. While most often caused by cataracts, cloudy vision can also be a symptom of other serious eye conditions like macular degeneration, so it’s important to get your eyes checked. 

Difficulty driving at night 

If you struggle to see well when you’re driving at night, it’s important to make an appointment with Dr. Khachikian. Cataract surgery provides a new lease on life if you’ve basically stopped driving at night because you can’t see clearly. Surgery can help you avoid unnecessary accidents due to poor vision.

Sensitivity to bright lights

Do you cover your eyes when faced with a bright light? If you can barely stand looking at oncoming headlights at night, it’s time to get an eye checkup.

Glare or halos around lights 

If the glare from oncoming cars makes it almost impossible for you to see, please make an eye appointment. We want you to be safe. Likewise, a halo around lights is a common symptom of cataracts that impair your vision. 

Call Dr. Stephen Khachikian or book an appointment online today if you’re experiencing changes in your vision. Cataract surgery can help restore your eyesight.