Photo by graur codrin

I recently visited a patient who had undergone cataract surgery on her eyes.  She had told me that as she got older and started to have vision changes, she just thought that was a natural part of aging, the way people eventually use reading glasses or bifocals. It wasn’t until a “cloud” started forming on her eye that a friend told her to get an eye exam and have it professionally looked at. According to the MayoClinic, the symptoms of cataracts include:

• clouded, blurred or dim vision
• increasing difficulty with vision at night
• being sensitive to light and glare
• seeing “halos” around lights
• frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• fading or yellowing of colors
• double vision in a single eye

When you see your doctor, make sure you inform him or her of all your symptoms and have a list of all the medications and vitamins you are taking available. The examination will include reading an eye chart, a special slit lamp and drops to dilate the eyes to exam the retina. From there, the doctor will discuss with you the best course of action, which in my patients case was surgery.

I asked her even though it was soon after the surgery, how did she feel? She said, “Well wearing these big glasses while I wait to heal make me feel like Jackie O, so I’m OK with that!” But she was also thankful that her friend took her to get her eyes checked. It’s important for the health of your eyes, your general safety and the quality of your life.

Be well.