If you have cloudy vision, glare at night, faded colors, or trouble reading clearly, cataracts may be a contributing factor. Cataracts are common with age, but they can become frustrating when they start affecting driving, work, hobbies, or daily routines.
At Southwest Eye Institute, our El Paso cataract surgeons help patients understand when cataracts are ready for treatment, what surgery involves, and which lens options may fit their lifestyle. Below, we answer common questions about cataract symptoms, cataract surgery, recovery, cost, and what to expect.
Cataract Symptoms and Causes
1. What exactly is a cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. This cloudiness can blur vision and make colors appear faded. Cataracts usually develop slowly over time. Many people do not notice symptoms at first, but vision changes may become more noticeable as the cataract progresses.
2. What causes cataracts?
Cataracts most often develop as part of the natural aging process. Over time, proteins in the lens of the eye can break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy.
Other factors may increase the risk of cataracts, including:
- Family history of cataracts
- Diabetes
- Eye injuries
- Smoking
- Long-term UV exposure
- Certain medications, including steroids
- Inflammation
3. How do I know if I have cataracts?
Common cataract symptoms may include:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Glare or halos around lights
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Faded or yellowed colors
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Trouble reading or seeing fine details
- Difficulty driving, especially at night
Other eye conditions can also cause these symptoms. The only way to know whether cataracts are affecting your vision is to schedule an eye exam.
4. Are cataracts painful?
Cataracts usually do not cause eye pain. They tend to affect vision rather than comfort. If you have eye pain, redness, sudden vision loss, flashes, floaters, or severe light sensitivity, contact an eye care provider promptly, as these symptoms may indicate another eye problem.
5. Can cataracts cause blindness?
Untreated cataracts can lead to severe vision loss over time. Cataracts are also a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but cataract-related vision loss can often be improved with surgery when the rest of the eye is healthy.
6. Are cataracts hereditary?
Genetics can play a role in cataract risk. If cataracts run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them. However, age, eye health, lifestyle, medical conditions, and environmental exposure can also contribute.
Even if cataracts are common in your family, regular eye exams can help monitor changes and guide treatment at the right time.
7. Can cataracts be prevented?
While you can’t completely prevent cataracts, you can reduce risk by wearing UV-protective sunglasses, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, avoiding smoking, and managing health conditions like diabetes.
8. Can lifestyle changes slow cataract progression?
Healthy habits like eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, avoiding smoking, protecting eyes from UV light, and managing health conditions may help slow progression, but won’t stop or reverse cataracts.
Cataract Surgery and Treatment
9. Can cataracts be reversed without surgery?
Currently, no medications or eye drops can reverse cataracts. Surgery remains the only effective treatment to restore clear vision.
10. When should I have cataract surgery?
Your eye doctor will recommend surgery when cataracts interfere with your daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Your ophthalmologist will consider several factors, including:
- How many cataracts are affecting your vision
- Whether your symptoms match the cataract findings
- Your overall eye health
- Your lifestyle and visual needs
- Whether glasses or other adjustments still help
You do not have to wait until a cataract is “ripe” or extremely advanced. The right time for surgery depends on your vision, your symptoms, and your doctor’s recommendation.
11. What happens during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients go home the same day. Your surgeon will review your eye measurements, lens options, medications, and aftercare instructions before surgery.
12. How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery itself is usually brief, taking less than 30 minutes. However, you should expect to spend more time at the surgery center for check-in, preparation, the procedure, recovery, and discharge instructions.
Your care team will let you know what to expect before your surgery day, including whether you need transportation and how to prepare.
13. Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes. Cataract surgery is among the most common and safest procedures worldwide, with a high success rate.
14. What are the risks of cataract surgery?
The risks are low, but they can include infection, bleeding, swelling, or vision loss. Most patients do well after cataract surgery, but complications can happen. Possible risks may include infection, bleeding, swelling, inflammation, retinal detachment, increased eye pressure, changes in vision, or the need for additional treatment.
Some patients may also experience blurry vision, glare, halos, or irritation during the healing period. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to help protect your eye and support recovery.
Lens Options and Vision After Surgery
15. Are there different types of intraocular lenses?
Yes. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens, or IOL. The lens type recommended for you may depend on your eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and vision goals.
Common lens options may include:
Monofocal lenses: Designed to focus vision at one main distance, usually distance vision.
Toric lenses: Designed to help correct astigmatism.
Advanced technology lenses: Designed to provide a broader range of vision and potentially reduce dependence on glasses for certain activities.
Not every lens is right for every patient. Your surgeon will help you understand which options may be appropriate based on your exam and goals.
16. Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Some patients still need glasses after cataract surgery, especially for reading or certain close-up tasks. Others may have less dependence on glasses depending on the lens option selected and their individual eye health.
Your outcome depends on several factors, including the type of IOL used, whether you have astigmatism, the health of your retina and optic nerve, and your visual goals. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations before surgery.
17. Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. However, some people develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can be treated easily with a laser procedure.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery and Recovery
18. How should I prepare for cataract surgery?
Your surgeon and care team will give you specific instructions before cataract surgery. These may include:
- Completing pre-surgery measurements and testing
- Reviewing your medications
- Using prescription eye drops if directed
- Arranging transportation to and from surgery
- Following food or drink instructions before your procedure
- Avoiding makeup, lotions, or certain products around the eye on surgery day
Following your doctor’s instructions closely can help reduce risk and make the process smoother. Check out our 5-step guide to help you prepare at home.
19. How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, but complete healing can take 4 to 6 weeks. Check out our guide on how to recover from cataract surgery.
20. How much does cataract surgery cost?
The cost of cataract surgery can vary depending on your insurance, the type of lens selected, whether advanced technology is used, and your individual treatment plan.
Traditional cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens may be covered by many insurance plans when medically necessary, but premium lens options or elective upgrades may involve out-of-pocket costs. The best way to understand your cost is to schedule an evaluation and speak with your insurance provider and the surgical team.
Cataract Surgery in El Paso at Southwest Eye Institute
Southwest Eye Institute provides cataract evaluations and cataract surgery care for patients in El Paso and the surrounding region. Our team helps patients understand whether cataracts are causing their vision changes and what treatment options may be available.
Our cataract care may include advanced surgical techniques, personalized lens options, and coordination with experienced ophthalmologists who specialize in cataract surgery. If you also have another eye condition, such as glaucoma, dry eye, diabetes-related eye concerns, or retina disease, your doctor can take your overall eye health into account when planning care.
Use our online scheduler to schedule your cataract evaluation today. If you have questions about cataracts or cataract surgery, call (915) 267 -2020 and visit the closest eye center to learn more about our ophthalmologists and eye care team.