Each year, approximately 2.3 million people in the United States have cataract surgery. As one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures available, these people can attest to the cataract surgery’s life-changing results. But can cataract surgery really help you see better at night?
How Do Cataracts Affect Night Vision?
Cataracts cause a wide range of vision problems, impacting both daytime and nighttime vision.
Changes in night vision are often the first noticeable symptoms of cataracts, which often include blurred vision and faded colors.
In addition to loss of visual clarity, people with cataracts often experience heightened symptoms at night, including excessive glare and halos around light sources. When caused by streetlights or headlights, this can make driving both scary and dangerous. Low-light conditions or fog can make it even more challenging to drive safely with cataracts.
How Much Will Surgery Improve Your Night Vision?
Surgery is the only effective way to correct cataract-related issues. Patients generally experience an immediate and significant improvement in their overall vision, including night vision, following cataract surgery. In fact, one study that assessed driver vision before and after cataract surgery found that near misses and crashes dropped by 48% post-surgery.
While many vision improvements are immediate, you may still experience some night glare for a few weeks or months following surgery. This symptom should, however, improve as your eye heals. In most cases, even in the interim, post-operative night glare is not as dramatic.
Are There Any Other Ways to Further Improve Night Vision After Surgery?
Cataract surgery is often enough to correct issues with night vision. However, if you still experience challenges with night vision post-surgery, your doctor may recommend prescription glasses with an anti-reflective coating.
Alternatively, poor night vision post-surgery may be due to a remaining refractive error, which is unrelated to your cataracts. Glasses or contacts can typically be used to correct these issues, and laser procedures may also be an option for some patients. Your ophthalmologist can recommend options for your unique situation.
If you or someone you love may have cataracts, stop struggling and start seeing clearly again. Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.