When Is It Time for Cataract Surgery? 7 Signs to Watch For

Dr. Na performing cataract surgery

Cataracts are an extremely common part of aging, but deciding when to have cataract surgery isn't always obvious. Some people have cataracts for years with only minor changes in vision, while others begin having difficulty driving, reading, or performing everyday activities.

At NOVA Advanced Eyecare, one of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I know when my cataract is bad enough for surgery?”

The answer usually depends less on how the cataract looks and more on how much it is affecting your daily life.

1. Your Vision Is Becoming Cloudy or Blurry

Cataracts cause the normally clear lens inside your eye to become cloudy. You may feel as though you're looking through a dirty or foggy window.

Updating your glasses prescription may help temporarily, but eventually glasses may no longer provide the clarity they once did.

2. Night Driving Is Becoming Difficult

Difficulty driving at night is one of the most common complaints we hear from patients with cataracts.

Headlights may seem unusually bright, and glare or halos around lights can make it difficult to see the road clearly.

3. You Need More Light to Read

Have you noticed that menus, books, or newspapers are becoming harder to read unless you have very bright lighting?

Cataracts can reduce contrast and make fine print more difficult to see.

4. Colors Don't Look as Bright

Cataracts can gradually make colors appear dull, faded, or yellowish. Because the change happens slowly, many people don't realize how much their color vision has changed.

5. Your Glasses Prescription Keeps Changing

Frequent changes in your glasses prescription can sometimes be a sign that a cataract is progressing.

If you're replacing your glasses repeatedly but still aren't satisfied with your vision, it may be time for a cataract evaluation.

6. Glare From Sunlight or Headlights Is Increasing

Bright sunlight, headlights, and indoor lights can produce significantly more glare when you have cataracts.

For some patients, glare becomes bothersome even when their eye-chart vision still appears relatively good.

7. Your Vision Is Interfering With Everyday Activities

This is often the most important factor.

If cataracts are making it difficult to drive safely, work, read, watch television, recognize faces, or enjoy your usual activities, it may be time to discuss cataract surgery.

Do You Have to Wait Until a Cataract Is “Ripe”?

No. Modern cataract surgery generally does not require waiting until a cataract becomes extremely advanced.

The decision to proceed with surgery is usually based on your symptoms, your eye examination, and how much your vision is affecting your quality of life.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. There are several lens options available, including lenses designed to reduce dependence on glasses for certain patients.

Schedule a Cataract Evaluation at NOVA Advanced Eyecare

If you've noticed changes in your vision, a comprehensive eye examination can determine whether cataracts are the cause and whether cataract surgery may be appropriate.

Dr. Hana Na is a board-certified ophthalmologist serving Centreville and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities. NOVA Advanced Eyecare offers comprehensive cataract evaluations as well as advanced cataract surgery options.

To schedule an appointment with NOVA Advanced Eyecare, call (571) 832-8650.

Medical information on this website is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace an examination or individualized advice from your eye doctor.

Reviewed by Hana Na, MD — Board-Certified Ophthalmologist