We all have a clear lens between the colored part of our eye and the retina (back of the eye) that allows light to focus on the retina so we are able to see. This clear lens gradually gets cloudy with age and exposure to the sun and eventually results in a cataract where our vision is affected due to the yellowing of the lens. If you have a cataract you will notice that your vision is blurry and you may have trouble with glare, especially when driving at night. There are many different reasons for blurred vision, so it is important to have yearly eye exams so that your optometrist can evaluate you and determine its cause. If you have a cataract which is significantly affecting your vision, then your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is done at a hospital or cataract clinic. You will be awake during cataract surgery but are given medication to numb your eyes and help you relax. It takes about 30 minutes for cataract surgery. A small incision is made in your eye and the cataract is broken up in small pieces with ultrasound, then removed through the incision. A clear implant will replace the cataract; however, most people will need some form of glasses after cataract surgery. It is normal for your vision to be blurry for the first couple days after cataract surgery. Everyone will have some inflammation in their eyes after surgery, so it is important to follow up with your optometrist for visits after surgery to ensure your eye is healing properly. You will typically be seen one day after your surgery, 1 week after and then 1 month after. If you are having cataract surgery on both eyes, one eye will be done first and then your other eye will be done a couple weeks later. It takes about 1 month for your eyes to heal from the surgery. Once both eyes have had one month to heal, then glasses will be prescribed, if needed. As with any surgery, there is risk of infection or complications, but your vision should be better after surgery (unless you have a medical condition that is limiting your vision prior to cataract surgery). That said, everyone is different and end results vary by individual. If you have not had an eye exam this year, please make an appointment with your optometrist so we can make sure you are seeing your best this 2020 year.