Quick Overview: Having cataracts does not always mean you need to stop wearing contact lenses. Mild cataracts may still allow comfortable contact lens wear, but changes in vision can signal that your prescription or treatment needs to be reviewed. This blog explains how cataracts affect contact lens wear, signs to watch for, and when an eye exam or cataract surgery may be considered.
A cataract does not mean you have to stop wearing contact lenses right away. If the cataract is mild, your contacts may still give you clear and comfortable vision. But if things start looking blurry or your lenses no longer feel right, a “contact lens fitting near me” can help check if your prescription needs an update.
For patients in Tustin and nearby Orange County areas, regular eye exams can also track cataract changes and overall eye health. At Tustin Optometry, professionals can help you understand your options as your vision changes.
Can You Wear Contacts With Cataracts?
In many cases, yes.
A cataract develops when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. You may notice blurry vision, glare, halos around lights, or colors that look less bright. You may also find it harder to see at night.
Contact lenses sit on the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. They can correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
But there is one important point to remember: contact lenses cannot treat a cataract. They can correct your prescription, but they cannot clear the cloudy natural lens inside your eye.
If your cataract is mild, your eye doctor may suggest that you continue wearing contacts or glasses. As the cataract progresses, though, your vision may become harder to correct with lenses alone.
When Can Contact Lenses Still Help?
Think about how well you see during your normal day. If your contacts still feel comfortable and give you clear vision, you may not need to stop wearing them just because you have an early cataract.
If your vision has become blurry or your lenses no longer feel right, looking for “contact lens fitting near me” can help. An optometrist can check your prescription, how the lenses fit, and your overall eye health. If your prescription has changed, a new lens may improve your vision.
Depending on your needs, your optometrist may also suggest multifocal or specialty lenses. Keep in mind that contacts cannot treat cataracts, so regular eye exams are still important as your vision changes.
How Do You Know If Cataracts Are Affecting Your Vision?
Cataracts often develop slowly. You may not notice a major change at first. Then one day, you may realize that driving at night feels harder or that your favorite book does not look as clear.
Watch for signs such as:
- Blurry vision that does not improve with contacts
- More glare from headlights
- Halos around lights
- Trouble seeing in dim lighting
- Colors looking faded or yellow
- Difficulty reading or driving
- Frequent changes in your prescription
These symptoms can have several causes. Dry eye and other eye conditions can also affect your vision.
That is why it is better to have your eyes checked instead of simply ordering a stronger pair of contacts. Your eye doctor can find out what is really behind the change.
When Does Cataract Surgery Become an Option?
If a cataract starts getting in the way of things you enjoy or need to do, your eye doctor may discuss eye surgery for cataract treatment.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
The type of IOL you receive can affect how much you rely on glasses or contact lenses afterward. Your eye doctor and surgeon can discuss the options that fit your vision goals and eye health.
If surgery is planned, you may also need to stop wearing contact lenses for a period of time before your eye measurements. Contacts can temporarily change the shape of the cornea, which can affect the measurements used to select your IOL.
Your eye care team will tell you when to stop wearing your lenses. Follow those instructions closely.
Can You Wear Contacts After Cataract Surgery?
For some people, yes.
You may still need contact lenses after surgery if you have a remaining vision prescription. But you should wait until your eye has healed and your eye doctor says it is safe to wear them again.
Your vision can change during the healing period. Your prescription may also settle over time. Once your eye is ready, your doctor can check your vision and decide if you need glasses or contacts.
Some people need very little correction after surgery, depending on the IOL chosen and their individual eyes.
What Should You Do If You Have Cataracts in Tustin?
If you have cataracts and enjoy wearing contacts, you do not necessarily have to stop wearing them today. The important thing is to keep track of how your vision is changing.
And if your contacts no longer seem as clear, headlights look brighter at night, or everyday tasks are becoming harder, it may be time for an eye exam. An updated evaluation can show if your contacts need a change or if the cataract is now affecting your vision.
Ready to have your eyes checked? Schedule an appointment with Tustin Optometry to discuss your vision and cataract care.
FAQs
1. Can contact lenses make cataracts worse?
No. Contact lenses do not cause cataracts or make them progress. However, cataracts can gradually change your vision and make contacts less effective.
2. Do I need a contact lens fitting near me if I have cataracts?
A contact lens fitting near me can help check your prescription, lens fit, and eye health if your contacts no longer provide clear, comfortable vision.
3. Can I wear contacts after cataract surgery?
Many people can wear contacts after healing if they still need vision correction. Your eye doctor will tell you when your eyes are ready for lenses.
4. How often should I have an eye exam with cataracts?
Your eye doctor can recommend an exam schedule based on your cataract, vision, age, and overall eye health. Regular checks help track changes.
5. Can new contact lenses improve cataract-related blurry vision?
New contacts may improve vision caused by prescription changes, but they cannot remove cataract clouding. An eye exam can identify the main cause.
Recent Comments