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When Is It Time for Cataract Surgery? Recognizing the Signs

Cataracts typically start off small and gradually become bigger. Over time, large cataracts can have a profound impact on your vision.

You may struggle to do everyday tasks and the activities you love due to poor vision from cataracts. The only way to reclaim your sight from cataracts is by having cataract surgery.

Keep reading to learn more about the signs that indicate that it may be time for cataract surgery!

Blurred Vision

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside your eyes. It happens when proteins inside the lens break down and clump together.

This makes it difficult for light to pass through as it should, causing blurred vision, among other symptoms. Trying to see through a lens with a cataract is like trying to look through a smudged or foggy window.

If you find it challenging to read a book, text, drive, or watch TV due to blurry vision and prescription lenses don’t seem to help, it could be time for cataract surgery.

Colors Look Faded

If everything around you appears dull and less vibrant, this could be due to a cataract. Over time, a cloudy lens can go from opaque to yellow or brown, adding a yellowish or brownish tint to your vision. 

As a result, colors may look washed out. It can also become difficult to distinguish specific colors apart. 

For instance, you may be unable to tell the difference between a purple t-shirt and a blue one. When life seems to have lost its luster and people and objects appear to have a yellowish or brownish hue, it’s worth considering cataract surgery.

After cataract surgery, you’ll be amazed at how much brighter and vibrant the world looks again, from your favorite TV shows to your family photos.

Difficulty Driving at Night

Cataracts can cause halos. Halos are bright rings or circles around light sources that are particularly noticeable at night. 

They appear when a cloudy lens diffracts light entering the eye. Consequently, headlights can appear fuzzier, while streetlights can cast off halos of light, affecting your ability to see clearly while driving at night.

With cataracts, you may also experience increased glare. Glare is any source of light that impairs your vision and makes it hard to see. 

Glare can cause you to look away or squint. When you’re behind the wheel, the glare from oncoming headlights and streetlights can be blinding, distracting, and reduce your reaction time. 

Combined, blurred vision, halos, and glare can be disconcerting, putting you and other road users at risk. If you no longer feel safe while driving at night, it’s vital to stop driving and see a cataract surgeon. 

Once your cataracts are removed, it will be safe to get back on the road again. 

Your Prescription Changes Often

Glasses and contact lens prescriptions typically change with age. But if you keep updating your glasses or contact lens prescription within a short period of time, you may have a cataract. 

Even though getting new glasses or contact lenses can help you see better, it’s only a temporary fix. Cataracts progressively worsen, and eventually, even stronger corrective lenses won’t be able to improve your vision. 

When that’s the case, you should see a cataract surgeon as soon as possible. Cataract surgery offers a permanent way to eliminate cataracts and restore clear vision.

Get Rid of Cataracts with Cataract Surgery

Cataracts shouldn’t limit your life. If you’re unable to perform routine everyday activities due to deteriorating vision from cataracts, you should consider cataract surgery at Morganton Eye to regain your sight. 

Are you ready to find out if it’s time for cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Morganton Eye Physicians in Shelby, NC, today and start your journey to a cataract-free life. 

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Our Locations

The Marion Eye Clinic

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location:

40 E. Medical Court
Marion, NC 28752
Phone: (828) 652-1000 • Fax: (828) 652-7170

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.

Morganton Eye Physicians, PA & Surgery Center

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
Weekend hours are subject to change. Please call to confirm hours of operation.

Location:

335 East Parker Road
Morganton, NC 28655
Phone: (828) 433-1000 • Fax: (828) 433-6274

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.

The Forest City Eye Clinic

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location:

640 Oak Street
Forest City, NC 28043
Phone: (828) 245-5550 • Fax: (828) 245-0551

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.

The Cleveland Eye Clinic & Eye Surgery Center

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location:

1622 East Marion Street
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone: (704) 482-2020 • Fax: (704) 482-7707

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.

The Rutherford College Eye Clinic

OFFICE HOURS:

This location is temporarily closed.

Location:

831 Malcolm Boulevard
Rutherford College, NC 28671
Phone: (828) 874-1000 • Fax: (828) 874-4142

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.

Surgery Center of Morganton Eye Physicians

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Location:

335 E. Parker Rd
Morganton, NC 28655
Phone: (828) 433-1000 • Fax: (828) 433-9581

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.

Eye Surgery Center of Shelby

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Location:

1622 E Marion St
Shelby NC 28150
Phone: (704) 482-2020 • Fax: (704) 482-1420

After Hours Emergency Number:

(800) 222-3335
This is the after hours emergency number for Morganton Eye. Please follow the prompts to contact our doctor on call.