More than 2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment. While some eye conditions are unavoidable, others are linked to lifestyle, and often, we don’t realize that our everyday habits could be putting our vision at risk.

Below are six common habits that may damage your eyesight over time, along with simple tips to help protect your long-term eye health.

1. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Sunglasses do more than reduce glare, they help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can increase the risk of conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, eye cancer, and pterygium (a growth over the white part of the eye).

Before heading outdoors, even on a cloudy day, grab your sunglasses. Be sure they offer 100% UVA and UVB protection for the best defense.

2. Excessive Screen Time

The average person spends more than six hours a day in front of digital screens. Over time, this can lead to:

• Digital eyestrain
• Headaches
• Dry, irritated eyes
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty sleeping

To ease the strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax the eye muscles and encourages natural tear production.

3. Rubbing Your Eyes

It may seem harmless, but frequent or forceful eye rubbing can cause more harm than relief. This habit can:

• Break tiny blood vessels, leading to dark circles and bloodshot eyes
• Transfer bacteria or viruses from your hands to your eyes
• Worsen irritation if there’s a foreign object present

Instead of rubbing, try lubricating eye drops or apply a cool compress to soothe discomfort safely.

4. Sleeping in Contact Lenses

It’s a common mistake, but falling asleep in contact lenses (unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear) can increase the risk of infection by six to eight times.

Contact lenses limit oxygen flow and tear circulation, both of which help your eyes flush out bacteria and stay healthy. Without that support, the cornea becomes more vulnerable.

Always remove your lenses before bed, even for a quick nap, unless your eye doctor has advised otherwise.

5. Skipping Eye Exams

If your vision seems unchanged, it might feel easy to put off routine exams. But eye exams do more than check your prescription, they help detect early signs of serious conditions, such as:

• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal or optic nerve issues

Many eye diseases progress silently in their early stages, and by the time symptoms appear, damage may already be permanent. Regular exams are one of the best ways to protect your vision over time.

6. Smoking

Most people know smoking harms the heart and lungs, but it also damages the eyes. Smokers are at increased risk for:

• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect your eye health, not just your overall health.

Take Care of Your Eyes, One Habit at a Time

While these habits are common, they’re also reversible. With small daily changes and regular checkups, you can protect your eyesight and reduce your risk of long-term damage.

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, our team at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care is here to help. We offer comprehensive eye exams and personalized care to support your vision at every stage of life. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your appointment.

Did you know there are multiple types of cataracts? While each type can cause the hallmark symptoms of blurred or cloudy vision, they differ in how they develop, how quickly they progress, and how they may impact surgical treatment and recovery.

Understanding the differences can help you know what to expect and why early diagnosis matters.

Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts are the most common form of age-related cataracts. They develop slowly in the central (nuclear) portion of the lens and gradually harden and yellow over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Difficulty reading
• Faded or dull colors
• Glare when looking at lights
• Double vision in one eye

Because this type tends to progress slowly, many patients don’t seek treatment right away. However, as the lens becomes denser, surgery becomes more complex. For that reason, cataract surgery is typically recommended once vision begins to interfere with daily activities like driving or reading.

When detected early, surgery is typically smoother and recovery faster.

Cortical Cataracts

Cortical cataracts begin in the outer edges (cortex) of the lens and grow inward, often forming spoke-like patterns. They can develop at varying speeds, but many progress more quickly than nuclear sclerotic cataracts.

Symptoms may include:

• Glare or halos around lights
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Difficulty driving at night

Because cortical cataracts interfere with contrast sensitivity and peripheral vision, they can affect safety, especially at night. When symptoms worsen, surgery is often recommended. Precision is essential for a successful outcome, particularly with lens alignment and restoring clear vision, so selecting an experienced cataract surgeon is critical.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts (PSC)

Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens, just in front of the lens capsule. Despite being smaller in size, they sit directly along the central visual axis, so they can have an outsized effect on vision.

PSC symptoms may include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Halos and glare, especially in sunlight or headlights
• Trouble reading in bright environments
• Double vision

PSC cataracts tend to progress faster than other types and often require earlier surgical intervention. While they’re typically associated with aging, PSCs may also result from trauma, corticosteroid use, radiation exposure, excessive alcohol intake or inflammation.

Because they sit close to the posterior capsule, extra care is required during surgery to avoid complications. Still, outcomes are often excellent, with rapid improvement in clarity after the procedure.

Why Cataract Type Matters

Knowing which type of cataract you have helps guide when to operate and how to approach surgery. Whereas nuclear cataracts can harden over time, making them more difficult to remove if delayed, cortical cataracts may affect safety sooner due to glare or peripheral vision loss. And posterior subcapsular cataracts often warrant earlier surgery due to their rapid progression and central location.

Your eye surgeon will consider these factors to plan the safest, most effective cataract surgery option based on your unique diagnosis.

If you're experiencing vision changes or have been told you have cataracts, our team at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care is here to help. We’ll guide you through diagnosis, explain your options, and provide expert care from consultation through recovery.

Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment and learn more about cataract surgery in Gainesville.

We live in a digital world. Today, people spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes in front of a screen. Along with eye strain, excessive screen time also increases our exposure to blue light.

Should you be worried? Are the claims of blue light vision problems true? Let’s dive deeper into blue light and how it affects your eyes.

What is Blue Light and Where Does it Come From?

Blue light is a part of our visible light spectrum. It has the highest energy and shortest wavelength, vibrating at 400-500 nanometers.

Sunlight is the primary source of blue light, but we’re also exposed to it from artificial light sources, like LED TVs, fluorescent lights, smartphones and monitor screens.

Does Blue Light Affect Eye Health?

Not particularly. Although very high-intensity blue light (such as from lasers or industrial light sources) can cause retina damage, there is no strong evidence to suggest that the amount of blue light emitted by phones, tablets or computer screens causes any significant eye damage.

In fact, a recent article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology stated, “the evidence shows no meaningful link between blue light and damage to human retinas or age-related macular degeneration.”

The bigger vision risk posed by our use of these devices is in the form of digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome. Factors such as poor lighting, screen glare and viewing screens at poor angles or the wrong distance, among other things, can contribute to the condition. This can result in blurred vision, double vision, dry eye, eye fatigue or discomfort, headaches, neck and shoulder pain and more.

Blue Light and Sleep Disruption

The real concern when it comes to blue light is with sleep disruption.

Blue light helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm (i.e., your natural sleep and wake cycle). While all types of light can affect your circadian rhythm, blue light has the largest impact. It suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, an important hormone that helps us feel drowsy. 

Further, when you’re exposed to blue light just before bed, it tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, disrupting your body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. Instead of feeling tired and ready for bed, you feel awake and alert.

According to the Sleep Foundation, chronic misalignment of your circadian rhythm can lead to other health issues, like depression and metabolic disorders.

So while blue light in and of itself may not be harmful for eye health, there are valid reasons to be intentional with your blue light exposure, and to modify the way we use screens, as that can  absolutely affect your vision and overall eye comfort. Monitor symptoms, take regular breaks, and have your eyes checked regularly, especially if you’re experiencing discomfort or changes in your vision.

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we help patients stay ahead of screen-related eye strain and other vision concerns with comprehensive eye exams and personalized care. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

Most people know that cataracts are relatively common in older adults. In fact, over 50% of people aged 80+ have cataracts, But what you may not realize is that young people can also develop cataracts. A variety of factors can result in early-onset cataracts in people well below age 60, and timely diagnosis and treatment can help restore vision.

Symptoms of Early-Onset Cataracts

Younger people may dismiss or misattribute signs of cataracts, assuming they’re too young to develop the condition. Common cataract symptoms at any age include:

• Faded colors or a yellow tint in your vision
• Glare sensitivity, which causes difficulty driving at night.
• Blurred or double vision in one eye
• Trouble reading without increasing the light

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s wise to have a comprehensive eye exam, and to specifically mention these symptoms to your eye doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose whether cataracts are the cause or if a separate eye condition may be to blame.

Causes of Early-Onset Cataracts

Early-onset cataracts can be caused by a variety of factors:

• Medical Conditions: Chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension are known to accelerate the development of cataracts.
• Medications: Long-term use of certain drugs, particularly corticosteroids, can increase the risk of early cataract formation.
• Genetics: Inherited mutations in the proteins that make up the eye’s lens make some people more prone to cataracts. Also, contracting measles or the flu during pregnancy can sometimes affect the baby’s development in a way that raises cataract risk.
• Trauma and Environmental Exposure: Eye injuries, especially during childhood or adolescence, can lead to early cataracts, as can prolonged or unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Lifestyle Factors: Habits like smoking, poor nutrition, or eating disorders can increase the risk of developing cataracts at a younger age.

Treatment of Early-Onset Cataracts

Cataracts will not get better on their own. In fact, they inevitably get worse. Left untreated, cataracts eventually lead to blindness.

Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. The good news is that it’s a permanent solution, it’s pain-free and it’s among the safest and most effective procedures in the world.

During surgery, an ophthalmologist replaces the cataract damaged lens with an artificial lens implant. Many patients experience results almost immediately, with many reporting improved vision before they even leave the surgical center.

If you or someone you love is experiencing cataract symptoms, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300. Our expert physicians and staff are here to assess your vision challenges, help you evaluate your treatment options and put you on a path to restored vision.

Vision changes naturally as we age. In addition to vision clarity, aging can also impact the way you perceive colors. In fact, abnormal color vision changes affect 45% of individuals in their 70s and at least half of people aged 85 and older.

Why does your color vision change as you age? 

1. Cataracts

Cataracts develop slowly over time. While many symptoms are often unnoticeable until years later, early cataract symptoms can include changes to how you interpret color.

Cataracts can cause:

• A yellowing effect. As cataracts progress, proteins clump together and may turn yellow. These proteins may give your vision a yellow tint.
• Altered colors. Cataracts can also make it difficult to distinguish between certain hues. Colors may become yellow and dull, making it more difficult to identify darker shades like purple, blue and brown.

Altered colors can impact your career and everyday life. Fortunately, cataract surgery corrects your vision and these color changes.

2. Natural Yellowing of the Eye Lens

As we age, we experience a natural yellowing or browning of the eye lens due to years of exposure to wind, dust and ultraviolet light.

Oxidative stress can also cause yellowing. The eye lens is constantly exposed to oxygen and light, which can lead to the production of free radicals. Over time, these free radicals can alter the structure of the proteins in the lens. Medical conditions (such as diabetes) and lifestyle habits (such as poor diet and smoking) can also increase oxidative stress that speeds up the yellowing process. 

As the lens yellows, it can add a tint to your vision that alters how you perceive colors.

3. Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, but it can also cause color vision changes. 

This condition primarily affects the macula, the central part of the retina that contains a high concentration of the cone cells responsible for color vision. Cone cells allow us to perceive and distinguish a wide range of colors. 

Macular degeneration damages these cells or causes them to deteriorate, which alters how we see colors. 

You may experience the following:

• Trouble distinguishing between colors, especially those that are close in hue, like blues and purples.
• Colors that are less vibrant or duller than they used to be.
• Some colors may be harder to distinguish, while others may be more dominant.

Because macular degeneration is a progressive condition, these changes may become more prominent over time.

4. Smaller Pupils

As we age, our pupils shrink. The muscles that control pupil size and reaction to light lose their strength over time. 

Smaller pupils allow less light in, affecting color vision and making it more difficult to see clearly in low-light situations.

Because less light reaches the retina, colors appear dulled or less vibrant, and it becomes harder to distinguish colors. Blue hues may appear grayish or duller than usual. 

5. Age-Related Changes to Retinal Cells

Aging affects our retinal cells and the way we see colors. Over time, we lose cone photoreceptors, making us less sensitive to color wavelengths. Blues in particular become more faded or gray.

The recycling and regeneration of photopigments (cone cells use these to detect light and color) also slows down, making it harder to respond quickly to color stimuli.

Final Thoughts

Aging and eyesight are intertwined. The natural aging process affects how we perceive colors, but if you experience noticeable or sudden changes to your color vision, this may be a sign of an underlying eye condition that requires immediate care. 

If you’ve noticed changes in how you see colors or if you’re experiencing any other vision challenges, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify the cause. To schedule your appointment, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.

Cataracts affect more than half of people over age 80, and many individuals experience symptoms earlier. If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you may still drive comfortably at first. Over time, however, the condition can interfere with key visual abilities, especially at night.

You may begin to notice halos around lights, glare from headlights and streetlights, or reduced contrast sensitivity. These changes can make driving more difficult and potentially dangerous, and may eventually affect your ability to renew your driver’s license.

Fortunately, cataract surgery can restore clear vision, helping you drive confidently again. 

Understanding how cataracts impact your ability to drive is an important step in maintaining both your safety and your independence.

Can You Drive with Cataracts?

Driving safely requires good vision. You need to clearly see road signs, judge distances and react quickly to changing traffic conditions. Cataracts can negatively affect these abilities. Many patients report that oncoming headlights cause blinding glare, road markings are harder to see and judging distance becomes more challenging due to decreased depth perception.

Regular eye exams are the best way to assess whether cataracts are affecting your ability to see well enough to drive safely, and whether it’s then time to consider surgery.

In Florida, you aren’t required to report cataracts to the DMV. But when renewing your license, you may have to take a vision test. If you fail the test, your renewal will be denied, and you will no longer be legally allowed to drive.

When Should You Stop Driving If You Have Cataracts?

Initially, when the clouding from cataracts is minor, most people can continue to drive. You should stop driving when you experience any of the following:

• Headlights or street lights are too bright, causing glares that are blinding and forcing you to look away from the road.
• Halos or glares become excessive, impacting your ability to drive during the day or at night.
• Clouding or blurring is such that you no longer meet the legal limit to drive in your state.

If you notice frequent close calls or are in multiple accidents, your vision may be to blame. If you find yourself hesitating behind the wheel, feeling unsure in familiar settings or actively avoiding driving at night, it's time to consult an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataracts.

What’s the Best Way to Treat Cataracts?

If cataracts are beginning to interfere with your driving or daily life, surgery is the only effective treatment. This quick, outpatient procedure replaces the clouded natural lens with a clear artificial one, restoring sharp, vibrant vision.

Most patients experience noticeable improvement almost immediately. You could be back in the driver’s seat within a few days to just a couple of weeks.

If you’ve started feeling less confident behind the wheel, especially at night, cataracts could be the cause. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today by contacting North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300.

An estimated one in 10 Americans aged 50+ has the early form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. And while there’s no effective way to prevent AMD, early detection and treatment may help preserve your vision.

Early Signs of Macular Degeneration

In the early and intermediate stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you might not notice any symptoms. But as the condition progresses, you may begin to experience:

• Difficulty reading or doing tasks that require sharp vision
• Distorted vision, such as straight lines appearing wavy
• Blurry or dark spots in the center of your vision
• Trouble recognizing faces

These signs typically indicate intermediate or advanced AMD. If you notice any of them, it’s important to see your eye doctor promptly.

In fact, any changes in your vision, especially as you get older, should be taken seriously and be evaluated by a professional.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams to Detect AMD Early On

Although you may not notice symptoms in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), your eye doctor may still detect signs of the condition during a comprehensive eye exam. This may include:

• Visual acuity test – Measures how clearly you see. You'll cover one eye and read letters from a wall chart to assess central vision.
• Amsler grid test – Checks for visual distortions. If straight lines appear wavy or curved, it may indicate macular changes.
• Ophthalmoscopy – Allows your doctor to examine the inside of your eye for signs of AMD, such as drusen (yellowish-white deposits under the retina).
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography – Used if abnormal blood vessels are suspected beneath the macula, providing detailed images of the retina.

If AMD is detected, additional tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine how far the condition has progressed.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

For early detection of AMD, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends getting a comprehensive exam every:

• 2-4 years for those aged 40-54
• 1-3 years for those aged 55-64
• 1-2 years for those aged 65 and older

Early detection is crucial because it allows you to take action to slow the progression of AMD and preserve your long term vision.

How to Slow the Progression of AMD

There’s no cure for AMD, or the vision damage it causes, but there are lifestyle changes and treatments available to manage symptoms and slow their progression, including:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Staying active
• Quitting smoking
• Using low vision aids, such as handheld magnifiers or dictation software

AREDS 2 supplements are also often recommended for those with intermediate symptoms. They contain a mix of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can help slow the progression of vision loss.

If you or someone you love is experiencing vision challenges, or if it’s just been a while since your last eye exam, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

50% of adults 80 and older experience cataracts. And while the condition is most prevalent in seniors, it’s not uncommon to find people in their 40s who suffer from the blurry, hazy vision or loss of color that accompany cataract development.

While surgery remains the only proven treatment for cataracts, misinformation is common online. Some websites and bloggers, whether misinformed or intentionally misleading, offer false hope for a surgery-free solution via so-called home remedies.

So, what’s true and what’s myth?

Myths About At-Home Cataract Remedies

It’s easy to understand the appeal of simple at-home treatments. Unfortunately, none of them have been shown to slow or reverse cataract progression. Worse yet, relying on unproven remedies can delay real, effective care.

Here are a few of the misguided recommendations you may hear about:

• Ginkgo Biloba – A single study published 20 years ago sparked hope for many that the antioxidant Ginkgo Biloba could be a cataract miracle cure. That one study, however, looked exclusively at radiation-induced cataracts, and more importantly, only evaluated the antioxidant’s effect in rats.
• Vitamins – Vitamins, including beta-carotene and vitamin C, can certainly play an important role in reducing your risks of developing cataracts, but once cataracts form, vitamins are powerless to turn the tide. Don’t mistake viable prevention steps for treatment options. No combination or dosage of vitamins can cure cataracts.
• Castor Oil Eye Drops – Castor oil has become very popular in recent years for its reported health benefits, driven in part by trends on social media platforms like TikTok. Some have attempted to capitalize on this by promoting castor oil eye drops as a cataract cure. Unfortunately, the science just does not back this up. In fact, castor oil eyedrops may actually contribute to eye discomfort and blurred vision for some people.
• Green Tea – Drinking green tea may offer an abundance of health benefits, but helping with cataracts is not one of them. Although filled with antioxidants and catechins, green tea will not reverse the clouding that cataracts cause.

Aloe vera, garlic, rose water – the list of supposed miracle cures goes on, and yet, at the end of the day…

There is Only One Effective Way to Treat Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, impairing vision. When this happens, the only means to correct the condition and restore vision is by surgically removing and replacing that damaged lens with an artificial lens implant. 

Thankfully, cataract surgery is known to be one of the world’s safest and most effective surgical procedures. And once a cataract damaged lens is replaced, you can never again develop a cataract in that eye. Plus, with modern advances, such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, the procedure is pain-free.

If you suspect you may have cataracts, or if it’s finally time to restore your vision through cataract surgery, contact the experts at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.

Soon, people across the country and right here in North Central Florida will gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day. And as much fun as it may be to revel in the “rockets’ red glare” on the 4th of July, it’s important to remember that fireworks can indeed be dangerous. In fact, nearly 10,000 fireworks-related emergency room visits happen at this time each year, with eye injuries accounting for 20-31% of all fireworks injuries.

Protecting your eyes this 4th of July is essential and requires you to make a few smart choices.

Wear Eye Protection

Adults and kids alike should wear eye protection, even if they’re only lighting sparklers. Rather than an impact injury, sparklers burn at over 2,000 degrees Fehrenheit and those searing sparks and embers are responsible for 700 injuries annually.

Basic eye protection can help to prevent these sparks from hitting the eye and causing lasting injuries.

Safety glasses that have an ANSI Z87.1 safety standard will suffice. You can purchase these glasses on Amazon or at your local hardware store.

Stay a Safe Distance from the Show

If you’re watching a fireworks show, be sure to stay at least 500 feet away from the action. Safety barriers are in place to help keep all attendees safe, so be sure to respect them when available.

In the event that you find a firework on the ground that has not exploded, do not pick it up. Unexploded fireworks may still explode, even if they do not appear to be lit, and the last thing you want is to damage your eyesight or body by examining a firework that then explodes in your face.

Adult Supervision

Kids and teens require supervision by adults. If you plan on lighting fireworks off at your home, be sure to:

• Designate an adult to watch non-adults
• Keep water and ice nearby just in case of burns
• Call emergency services if an accident does occur

Avoid Any “Horseplay”

The 4th of July is a time of celebration, but it can quickly turn into a disaster if people run in front of fireworks or are otherwise not paying attention. Be sure to have a designated and cordoned off area where fireworks are being lit, making it clear to all guests that no one is allowed to run into or play in that area.

No Container Explosions

Placing fireworks in a plastic, metal or glass container is always risky, depending on the power of the explosive. If the container breaks and shatters, shards and shrapnel can cause significant injuries. Always avoid placing explosives in containers that may cause injuries when they explode.

Sunglasses

Fireworks aren’t the only potential eye danger during your 4th of July celebration. If you’ll be out in the sun during the day, shield your eyes from potentially damaging sunlight. Wear sunglasses with UV400 rating, indicating they’re capable of filtering out up to 99% of dangerous UVA and UVB rays. A wide-brimmed hat is another great way to keep your eyes safe from the sun.

These simple precautions can help protect you and those around you and allow you to fully enjoy your 4th of July.

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we treat patients with a variety of eye conditions, from traumatic eye injuries to specialized surgical needs to standard prescription eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions.

For all your vision needs, contact the eye experts at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300.

By age 80, most people will either have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery. While cataract surgery is common and recognized as safe and effective, the appropriate timing for surgery can vary from one person to the next.

Understanding cataract progression, how diagnosis works and what surgeons look for can help you determine when you may need surgery for your cataracts.

How Cataract Diagnosis Works

Your doctor may use a few different tests to determine whether you have cataracts, including:

• Slit Lamp Exam: This test uses a special microscope with a bright light to examine the front parts of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. It helps detect cloudiness in the lens that may indicate cataracts.
• Dilated Eye Exam: Your doctor will place drops in your eyes to widen (dilate) the pupils, allowing a better view of the lens and retina at the back of the eye. This helps identify cataracts and rule out other eye conditions.
• Tonometry (Fluid Pressure Test): This test measures the pressure inside your eye and is primarily used to screen for glaucoma. While it doesn't diagnose cataracts, it helps identify or rule out other causes of vision problems.
• Refraction and Visual Acuity Tests: These tests measure how well you see at various distances and how clearly. They help assess the impact cataracts may be having on your vision.

How Surgeons Determine Whether It’s Time for Surgery

Diagnosing cataracts is just one piece of the puzzle when considering surgery. You may have cataracts and still not require surgery just yet.

Often, doctors will use a process called staging to know when to take action. There are four stages of cataracts:

1. Early cataracts. You may experience slightly blurry vision.
2. Immature cataracts. You may have blurred vision in low-light scenarios.
3. Mature cataracts. At this stage, you may have difficulty driving at night.
4. Hypermature cataracts. Your eyes appear yellow and cloudy.

In the early stages, cataracts may be insignificant enough to not dramatically impact your vision. But as time goes on and the condition progresses, your vision will inevitably be significantly affected, potentially to the point of blindness if not treated.. 

While cataracts generally progress slowly, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. In some cases, surgery may be recommended in the early stages if symptoms or other issues warrant.

In other cases, doctors may recommend waiting until the condition impacts your daily quality of life (such as your ability to drive confidently at night).

Signs That You May Need Cataract Surgery

While every person is unique, the severity and/or combination of the following cataract symptoms may indicate a need for surgery:

• Blurred vision: A common sign that you may need cataract surgery. Blurry vision may make it difficult to read, recognize faces or carry out other daily tasks. Over time, the blurriness will worsen.
• Seeing halos around lights: Another classic symptom of cataracts, seeing halos is a clear sign that surgery may be needed. This visual disturbance can make it dangerous to drive at night.
• Heightened light sensitivity: Bright sunlight, headlights or streetlights may cause discomfort. Light sensitivity can make it harder to do everyday tasks.
• Double vision in a single eye: When double vision only impacts one eye, this is an indication that the cataract is progressing and may need to be removed.
• Changes in color vision: Colors may appear faded or have a yellowish tint.

Seeing your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive eye exams is an important first step in diagnosing and measuring the progression of your cataracts. As symptoms worsen, your ophthalmologist will discuss the need for surgery to improve your vision.

If you or someone you love is experiencing cataract symptoms, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.