The short- and long-term effects of cataracts range from annoying to potentially expensive. If your cataracts become obstructive to the point where they get in the way of your everyday life, you may want to consider cataract surgery.
Short-Term Effects of Cataracts
A cataract will first appear in the form of a small, protein-based cloud on your lens. This may seem like just a small, annoying speck in your vision at first, but over time it can amass more protein and grow larger. Aside from having cloudy vision, you may notice that colors begin to seem washed out and faded. The glare of headlights, lamps and other light sources may seem too bright for you, or a halo may appear around them, making them hard to pinpoint. You may additionally begin to experience increasingly poor night vision.
Long-Term Effects of Cataracts
As the cataracts develop, the cloudy protein spots may grow larger, further obstructing your vision. Over time, the cloud may begin to take on a yellow or brown hue, causing your vision to appear yellow or brown as well. It may start out as a light tint and then grow more pronounced over time. You may notice that your glasses or contact lenses do not work as well, and you’ll have to update the prescriptions more frequently, which could eventually become expensive. The worst possible long term effect of cataracts is full or partial blindness.
Effects of Cataract Surgery
Living with cataracts is certainly possible, but depending on how much your vision is impaired, it can be a hassle. If you’ve just received a cataract diagnosis, and your vision is not yet compromised to the point where it interferes with your daily life, you may be able to control matters by shielding your eyes with sunglasses or a wide brimmed hat. By protecting your eyes, you may be able to keep the situation from worsening, at least for a time. Most people will require surgery to correct their vision. Cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure in which the doctor will remove your clouded lens and replace it with a prosthetic one. Most people see minimal side effects, including headache and initial sensitivity to light. At first, your vision may continue to be cloudy, although you should see some degree of improvement right away. Most patients regain enough of their vision to participate in everyday activities within the first few days. Your vision will continue to improve over the following weeks and months. While many people fear cataract surgery, in truth it’s a fast, simple procedure with a 98-percent rate of success. Complicated surgery is one of the many myths surrounding cataracts.