How To Manage Poor Vision Before Cataract Surgery

Living with cataracts can be difficult. Losing your vision is hard, but the good news is that cataract surgery is one of the most practiced and well-understood operations available. In fact, it is the most performed surgery in the entire U.S.!

Knowing that the procedure is so reliable and produces predictable results should help you feel more at ease, but there’s still the in-between stage of waiting to get it done. To help you deal with some common problems many people with cataracts have to deal with every day, here are some helpful tips.

Attend Eye Exams

If you have the beginning signs of cataracts, you will most likely not be eligible for the surgery. Generally, you will have to wait until cataracts get bad enough to impede your vision. It is very important to go to all intermediate eye exams to have comprehensive tests performed. This will allow the doctor to assess your vision accurately and determine when you are ready for cataract surgery.  

Slow Down Cataract Progression

Cataracts are an unavoidable part of life since everyone will eventually get them. However, certain lifestyle habits can affect how quickly they develop. Here are several ways to combat the progression of cataracts:

• Keep your blood sugar under control. Unchecked diabetes can have a seriously negative impact on your health and eyesight in particular, including speeding up cataract development.
• Quit smoking. Smoking leads to a host of health problems and has been linked to faster cataract development.
• Wear sunglasses. UV radiation is strongly associated with cataract formation. Just make sure to get sunglasses with 100% UV protection. The dark lenses of sunglasses cause your pupils to dilate which lets more light in. If the lenses are not protected, they will do more harm than good.
• Eat nutrient-rich foods. Eating foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent cataracts. Focus on dark, leafy greens and proteins like fish.

Ask For Help

Cataracts are difficult to manage, so it is important to not be afraid to ask for a hand from time to time. If your eyesight becomes too poor to drive, avoid driving at all costs.

Driving, especially at night when streetlamps and other car headlights create glare, is very dangerous without decent vision. Seek alternatives— either from friends or family, or a taxi service.

Prepare For Your Surgery

There are many things to think about when getting ready for cataract surgery. Between insurance information, selecting an IOL, and doing some general research, it can be pretty overwhelming.

You can easily contact our office in Glendale, AZ to set up an appointment where all of your questions will be answered. We will make sure you go into your procedure feeling confident and excited for your clear future!