May 11, 2022

What Are Cataracts and How Do You Know If You Have Them?

People often don’t pay too much mind when their vision starts to become more blurry. And perhaps that’s because a considerable portion of the earth’s population wears glasses or contacts.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean that people simply ignore problems with their vision because they mistakenly chalk it up to the need to wear glasses. But it’s important to know that there are other visual issues, such as cataracts, that can have a greater impact on a person. And by understanding the subject more, you can hopefully avoid a misdiagnosis and get the treatment you deserve.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This clouding often makes it difficult for the eye’s retina to capture light, which can make it hard for you to see.

Since the lens of the eye is largely responsible for focusing light, cataracts often cause the eyes to have a blurry appearance. But don’t mistake this for the need to get new glasses because these cataracts can actually cause your vision to deteriorate over time.

Cataracts can vary in appearance. According to the American Cancer Society, cataracts can appear as a cloudy or white haze. But there’s also a chance that cataracts can look more like a circle or ring around the pupil.

The clouding of the lens can begin very early in life, and the first signs can be noticed in middle age. However, many people won’t start to notice cataracts until they reach the age of 60 or above. So it’s not too uncommon for people to experience blurry vision from cataracts and think little of it.

How Do I Know If I Have Cataracts?

There are a few signs that will alert you that you may have cataracts.

One of the telltale signs of cataracts is a change in your vision. If you notice that your vision is blurring, you might want to consider an eye exam to get screened for cataracts.

Other symptoms to watch for include eye strain, blurry vision, and trouble seeing at night. These symptoms can often be confused for other problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. But these symptoms can be indicators of the more serious issue that is a cataract.

If you do notice that you are having trouble seeing, you should schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

How Do You Treat Cataracts?

Cataracts are often treated with surgery.

This type of surgery is called cataract surgery, and it’s usually done to replace the clouded lens with an artificial lens. This lens is called an intraocular lens, or IOL.

After the IOL surgery is completed, it will take some time for your vision to return to normal. But if you notice that your vision is still blurry, you should consult with your ophthalmologist to make sure that the surgery was done right.

Final Thoughts

Cataracts are a vision problem that many people experience, but sometimes this issue is missed for several years. This is because cataracts can make your vision blurry, so you may just think that you need glasses or contacts. But there are some telltale signs that can inform you that you may have cataracts. And if you do notice that you are having a change in vision, it’s important to be screened and treated.

Treat your cataracts and see more clearly with the help of Valley Laser Eye Centre. We are a vision correction center in Abbotsford, BC, that offers cataract surgery. With our state-of-the-art technology, comfortable setting, and amazing staff, we can deliver a seamless vision clinic experience. Book a consultation now!

Why Are Reading Glasses No Longer Enough for Me?

If you have reached a point where reading glasses are scattered throughout your home, car, and workplace, you are not alone. Many people begin using reading glasses in their early to mid-40s and initially find them helpful. Over time, however, those same glasses may feel less effective. You might notice that small print is still blurry, your eyes fatigue quickly, or you need stronger prescriptions more often than expected.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we hear this concern daily. Patients often ask why a simple pair of readers no longer solves the problem and whether this means something is wrong with their eyes. The reassuring answer is that this experience is a normal part of how the eye ages. The more important question is whether relying on reading glasses alone still fits your lifestyle, comfort, and long-term vision goals.

PRK Recovery Is Slower but More Stable Long Term

If you are researching vision correction, you may have noticed that PRK recovery is often described as slower than other laser procedures. For some people, that alone can feel discouraging. Slower recovery can sound inconvenient, uncomfortable, or risky.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we see this concern every day. Patients want clarity, not marketing promises. The reality is that PRK recovery is slower by design, and that slower healing process is exactly what gives PRK its reputation for excellent long-term stability, predictability, and corneal safety.

Why Cheap Vision Correction Can Cost More in the Long Run

When people begin exploring vision correction, one of the first questions they ask is often about price. Online advertisements for discounted laser eye surgery, limited-time promotions, or “all-inclusive” low-cost packages can seem appealing, especially for those who have worn glasses or contact lenses for years and want a fast solution.

At Valley Laser Eye Centre, we understand that cost matters. Vision correction is both a medical decision and a financial one. However, when price becomes the primary deciding factor, patients can unknowingly expose themselves to higher long-term costs, greater risk, and lasting vision compromises.

What Are Cataracts and How Do You Know If You Have Them?