Can cataracts go away without surgery?

No, surgery is the only treatment that removes the cloudy natural lens. Learn more > <a href="https://www.yumaeyedoctor.com/blog/can-you-reverse-cataracts-without-surgery/">Reversing Cataracts</a>

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

You may possibly still need glasses depending on the<a href="https://www.yumaeyedoctor.com/services/cataract-surgery/cataract-lens-options/"> intraocular lens</a> you choose, your prescription and the overall health of your eyes. Your doctor can explain what you can realistically expect from each lens option.

Cataract Surgery In Yuma, Arizona | Aiello Eye Institute

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, blurry, and/or yellowish. When the natural lens, becomes unclear, light is unable to focus onto your retina and your world may appear less sharp.

Cataracts usually develop gradually. Because the changes can happen slowly, you may begin adapting your routine without realizing how much your vision has changed. While cataracts are a normal part of aging for many people, you do not have to simply adjust to declining vision.

During your cataract evaluation in Yuma, your care team may perform several tests to better understand how cataracts are affecting your vision.

Schedule Cataract Evaluation

Signs You May Have a Cataract

Blurry, cloudy or hazy vision

Increased glare from headlights or bright sunlight

Halos around lights

Difficulty driving at night or in dim lighting

Colors appearing faded or yellow

Frequent changes to glasses prescription

What is the Cause of Cataracts?

Everyone at some point will develop cataracts as they age. Age-related cataracts may develop during the middle age years, but typically they only begin to affect vision after age 60.

A horizontal diagram of cataract eye stage progression with four stages labeled Normal, Immature, Mature, and Hypermature.

Cataracts are also caused by health conditions like diabetes, eye injuries, prolonged use of steroid medications, UV ray exposure and tobacco use.

Symptoms of cataracts include images becoming blurred, bright colors becoming dull, and seeing at night becoming more difficult. It may also be the reason your glasses do not seem to help keep things in focus as well as they used to. As a cataract begins to develop over time, people tend to accept and adjust to the decline in their lifestyles.

Cataract Evaluation Before Cataract Surgery

Before cataract surgery, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with your eye care team about a lens replacement, or intraocular lens (IOL). Your new lens will replace the cloudy natural lens and will help your eyes focus light properly again. The basic lens will eliminate your cloudy vision, while an advanced lens will replace your cloudy lens, and also improve your vision by eliminating astigmatism.

During your cataract evaluation in Yuma, your Aiello care team may perform several tests to better understand how cataracts are affecting your vision.

Learn More > Cataract Evaluation

Aiello Eye Institute doctor performing a slit lamp exam on a senior patient showing early signs of cataracts.

About Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma

A senior woman receives an eye pressure test during a comprehensive eye exam.

Cataract surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for preparing for your procedure and caring for your eye afterward.

For patients who also have glaucoma, cataract surgery may provide an opportunity to address both conditions at the same time. Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, your surgeon may recommend combining cataract surgery with a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure or another glaucoma treatment designed to help lower eye pressure and potentially reduce dependence on glaucoma medications.

If cataracts affect both eyes, your surgeon will typically develop a treatment plan for each eye rather than treating both at the same time. Any glaucoma treatment will also be personalized based on your eye pressure, current medications, disease progression and overall eye health.

Choosing Your Cataract Lens

The new lens you choose to see the world clearly again can provide different ranges of vision. Depending on your eyes and the lens selected, your cataract surgery may be designed to improve:

Distance Vision

Clearer vision for activities such as driving, watching television and enjoying outdoor activities.

Learn More > Cataract Lens Options

Mid Vision

Vision at approximately arm’s length for activities such as using a computer or looking at a vehicle dashboard.

Learn More > Cataract Lens Options

Near Vision

Vision for activities such as reading a book or looking at a smartphone

Learn More > Cataract Lens Options

See Life Clearly Again

Ready to find out if cataracts are affecting your vision? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Aiello Eye Institute in Yuma today.

Request Online Call: (928) 782-1980

FAQ: Cataract Surgery

No, surgery is the only treatment that removes the cloudy natural lens. Learn more > Reversing Cataracts

Your eye doctor will typically consider how much the cataract affects your vision and daily activities.

You may possibly still need glasses depending on the intraocular lens you choose, your prescription and the overall health of your eyes. Your doctor can explain what you can realistically expect from each lens option.

Your eye is numbed for cataract surgery to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some patients notice pressure, lights or movement rather than pain. Mild irritation or discomfort can occur as the eye heals.

Advanced cataract lens options can correct astigmatism. Your eye doctor will measure your eyes during your evaluation and determine whether one of these lenses may be appropriate.

Many people return to several routine activities relatively quickly, but the eye continues healing for several weeks. Your surgeon will give you personalized instructions about driving, exercise, lifting and other activities. Learn more > cataract surgery recovery