Surgery is the only way to cure a cataract. But there are some things you can do that may help you cope with the problems from them. These things may also slow cataracts from happening.
Ways to Manage Cataracts
Wear the glasses or contact lenses chosen by your doctor. Or, you can try reading with a magnifying glass. Also, wearing ultraviolet (UV)A- and UVB-blocking sunglasses can help shield you from glare and sunlight.
Limit your driving at night. It can be harder to see at night.
Wearing a hat can shield your eyes from sunlight, glare, and fluorescent light.
Staying out of fluorescent light can help cut down on glare. Glare can make it harder for you to see. Use brighter bulbs and special lamps at home.
Think About Taking Nutritional Supplements
Some supplements might help slow cataracts. A daily multivitamin is good for your health as well. Talk to your doctor about which supplements are right for you.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
You should call your eye doctor and talk about having surgery when your eyesight problems get to the point where:
Removing a cataract is rarely an emergency. It should not be done until you feel ready.
Cataract. American Optometric Association website. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y. Accessed February 13, 2019.
Cataracts in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116240/Cataracts-in-adults. Updated August 16, 2018. Accessed February 13, 2019.
Facts about cataract. National Eye Institute website. Available at: https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts. Updated September 2015. Accessed February 13, 2019.
Informed consent: obtaining from patients undergoing surgery. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Updated September 14, 2018. Accessed February 13, 2019.
What are cataracts? American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts. Updated November 9, 2018. Accessed February 13, 2019.
Last reviewed December 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review BoardJames P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 2/13/2019