Cataracts are a common eye condition that is typically associated with aging. That might not seem much of a consolation if you’ve been recently told that you have them. You want to 
know what this means for your vision and what comes next! Here’s what you should do after your cataract diagnosis.
It Could Be a While Before You Need Surgery
Depending on how developed your cataracts are, you might not need surgery right away. In fact, it could be years for age-related cataracts to grow, especially if you have just been diagnosed in your 40s or 50s. Unfortunately, your eye doctor cannot predict how quickly they will develop. This is why it is critical that you have your eyes examined every year unless your doctor says you can do every two years.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Light Rays
You’ve probably heard it before that it is essential to protect your eyes from UV light rays to keep them healthy. But once you have been told you have cataracts, UV protection is even more important because it can slow down their development. Wearing polarized sunglasses with UV protection outdoors is the best way to protect your eyes. If you wear eyeglasses indoors, talk to your eye professional about adding a clear, anti-UV coating to your next pair of prescription lenses.
Make Some Adjustments
Keep your prescription is up to date with your eyeglasses or contact lenses to lessen the strain on your eyes. Your cataracts can make it necessary to use brighter lighting when reading or other activities. Consider using a magnifying glass to see smaller items or type better. Driving at night might increasingly become difficult as your cataracts affect your night vision, make your eyes more sensitive to glare or cause you to see halos. When this becomes problematic, you should limit your night driving.
Pay Attention to Your Health
A cataract diagnosis is sign that it could be time to make some lifestyle changes for the better. If you smoke, it is time to quit because smoking is a risk factor behind cataract development. It’s also time to take charge of your health and make sure that you are taking care of any other health problems you might have, including keeping your diabetes under control if you have it. People with diabetes are at increased risk for cataracts, and if it’s not controlled, it could accelerate their development.
With cataracts, it is vital to know when to say when. If it’s becoming difficult to complete your daily activities, it could be time to consider surgery. Make an appointment with one of Valley Eyecare Center’s eye doctors to discuss your treatment options by calling (602) 955-2700 today.
