Cataract Awareness Month: The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
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Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, but thanks to modern treatment options, they don't have to be a life-changing diagnosis. June is Cataract Awareness Month, which is a perfect time to prioritize your eye health and understand how early detection and cataract treatment can protect your vision for years to come. At Erdey Searcy Eye Group in Columbus, OH, our team sees patients with cataracts virtually every day, offering the experience and advanced technology needed to catch cataracts early — when they may be more easily and successfully treated. Here, you'll learn more about the first signs of cataracts and why early detection is so important for restoring clearer vision after cataract surgery.
Why is early detection of cataracts so important?
Cataracts often develop slowly, with subtle symptoms that can go unnoticed in the early stages of cataract development. Many patients adapt to changes in their vision without realizing a cataract is forming. However, untreated cataracts continue to progress, eventually leading to blurred vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams every 1 – 2 years is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure you stay on top of a potential cataract diagnosis. Early detection allows for careful monitoring of cataract development and timely treatment to maintain clear vision and daily independence.
What are the signs that you might have cataracts?
Some of the early signs of cataracts to watch for include:
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Increased glare from headlights or sunlight
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Faded or yellowing colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
If you're noticing these changes in your vision, especially during Cataract Awareness Month in June, consider scheduling an exam to ensure cataracts aren't affecting your vision and quality of life.
How are cataracts treated?
Cataract surgery remains the most effective treatment, and it's also the most common surgery performed in America, with nearly two million procedures completed each year. During surgery, the clouded cataract lens is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to help restore vision. At Erdey Searcy Eye Group, we are proud to offer a modern suite of cataract surgery options, including:
- Dropless cataract surgery that delivers anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication directly into the eye during surgery, removing the need for daily postoperative eye drops after cataract surgery
- Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs) that can be fine-tuned after surgery with light treatments to achieve personalized vision outcomes
These advanced approaches enhance recovery, improve convenience, and ensure results are tailored to each patient's needs.
Who is a good candidate for early cataract treatment?
Almost anyone diagnosed with cataracts should discuss treatment options with our team or their own eye doctor, but early intervention for cataracts is especially important for:
- Adults over 60 experiencing vision changes
- People with diabetes or other health problems that impact vision
- Patients whose work or hobbies require sharp, clear vision
- Those experiencing glare sensitivity or night driving difficulties
Early treatment for cataracts not only restores clarity but also helps prevent the vision loss and safety risks associated with advanced cataracts.
How can Cataract Awareness Month motivate you to prioritize eye health?
Cataract Awareness Month serves as a reminder that proactive and preventive cataract care today can protect your vision tomorrow. By scheduling routine eye exams and learning about treatment options, you can set yourself up to make informed decisions about your eye health.
Get clearer vision and restore your quality of life with early detection and cataract surgery in Columbus, OH
At Erdey Searcy Eye Group, our team is dedicated to supporting your vision at each stage, from early detection of cataracts to advanced surgical care. Whether you're experiencing subtle changes in your sight or have already been diagnosed with cataracts, we're here to help. If you're ready to learn more about whether your cataract symptoms may warrant treatment or surgery, call our cataract specialists in Columbus, OH to schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.