Your vision has been cloudy for months, and now you finally know why: cataracts. Being diagnosed with cataracts can be pretty scary. This condition is not reversible, and there's not a lot your doctor can do to slow down its progression either. Chances are, you have a few questions about living with cataracts and about cataract treatment. Read on to discover the answers.

How Fast Do Cataracts Progress?

The progression of cataracts is highly variable between patients. Some cataracts stay rather minor and never really progress. Others progress to the point of causing near-blindness within a few years. Following your diagnosis, your eye doctor will probably want to see you for checkups every few months for a while. During these checkups, he or she will monitor the progress of your cataracts to get a better idea of how quickly they are worsening. At this point, your eye doctor can give you a better idea of how quickly your cataracts will become severe enough to seriously impact your vision.

When Can You Have Surgery?

Most eye doctors recommend waiting to have cataract surgery until the cataracts start having a noticeable impact on your quality of life. This is because some cataracts never get that bad and may not even need to be surgically removed. If your cataracts make it impossible for you to drive safely, keep you from reading, or give you headaches, these are all signs it is time for surgery.

What Does Cataract Surgery Involve?

Cataract surgery is a surprisingly simple procedure, thanks to the use of lasers in the newest surgical techniques. A laser is used to remove the clouded lens of your eye. Then, a new lens is put into place. The whole procedure only takes a few minutes and is guided by computers, which greatly minimizes the risk of errors. Most patients recover well with only slight pain and itching, which can be managed with eye drops and pain relievers. You can normally resume work and daily activities within a week or two after surgery. Contact professionals at a center, like Leader Heights Eye Center, for more information on cataract surgery.

How Can You Make Living With Cataracts Easier Before Surgery?

In the meantime, before you're ready for surgery, make sure you keep your glasses prescription up to date. This makes it a lot easier to see what you are doing. Also, eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and veggies, and avoid smoking. These measures will keep your eyes healthy so you do not develop secondary ailments that make your vision even worse.