Cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with blurry, clouded vision. If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you’re probably wondering: What treatment options are available for cataracts? The good news is that cataract surgery can be an exciting endeavor—advancements have made the process safer and more effective than ever.  With modern day surgical technology / technique and customizable lens options, patients regain lost vision and, in many cases, enjoy better eyesight than they had before cataracts developed.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens hardens and becomes cloudy and yellow, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. Over time, these changes worsen, leading to:

  • Frequent prescription changes
  • Blurry or hazy vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Faded or yellowed colors

Cataracts typically develop slowly and may not cause major problems at first. But as they progress, they can significantly impact your quality of life.

Can Cataracts Be Treated Without Surgery?

Unfortunately, there are no non-surgical treatments that can reverse or “cure” cataracts. Once cataracts form, they cannot be reversed with medication, eye drops, or glasses alone.

However, early-stage cataracts can sometimes be managed with:

  • Stronger prescription glasses or contacts
  • Anti-glare coatings for lenses
  • Brighter lighting in the home or workplace
  • Magnifying lenses for reading

These solutions are temporary and only helpful in the earliest stages. Eventually, most cataracts require surgical treatment.

What Is the Primary Treatment for Cataracts?

The only effective and permanent treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery. This is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the world, with over 3 million procedures performed annually in the U.S. alone.

How Cataract Surgery Works:

  • The cloudy lens is removed from your eye using advanced microsurgical techniques.
  • An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place to restore clear vision.
  • The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes in the operating room, and recovery is often quick with only mild post-surgical symptoms.

When Should You Consider Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery isn’t always immediately necessary. Many people live with early cataracts for years before needing surgery. You should consider treatment when cataracts begin to interfere with your daily life.

You may be ready for cataract surgery if:

  • Even with your current glasses or contacts you continue to experience blurred or poor-quality vision
  • You’re struggling to read, drive at night, or see in low-light conditions
  • You’re experiencing bothersome glare and/or halos around lights
  • You’ve been advised by an eye doctor that your vision meets the criteria for surgery

Your eye care specialist will guide you through the timing and options based on your vision needs and lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

During cataract surgery, your surgeon will replace your natural cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). There are several types of IOLs to choose from, each offering different visual benefits:

Monofocal (Single Focus) IOLs

  • Provide clear vision at one distance or focal point (usually viewing beyond arms reach)
  • Most will still require glasses, usually for up close vision/reading and may require bifocals depending on your level of astigmatism

Toric (Single Focus) IOLs

  • Provide clear vision at one distance or focal point (usually viewing beyond arms reach)
  • Customized for patients with irregularly shaped corneas that cause higher levels of astigmatism
  • Corrects astigmatism along with cataracts and allows good distance vision without the need for glasses
  • Most will still require glasses, usually for up close vision/reading

Multifocal IOLs

  • Designed to give vision at multiple distances or focal points
  • Provide clear vision at both distance and near, eliminating the need for glasses for distance viewing and reading
  • Multifocal IOLs come in both Toric and non-Toric versions depending on your level of astigmatism.  Your surgeon will choose the correct version based on preoperative measurements.

LAL (Light Adjustable Lens) IOL

  • Designed to be adjustable for refining and perfecting focus after cataract surgery
  • Power adjustments to perfect the vision occur after full healing following the cataract surgery
  • Excellent option for patients with history of previous refractive surgery including LASIK, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), and RK (radial keratotomy). 

Your eye surgeon will recommend the best lens based on your lifestyle, eye health, and vision goals.

What to Expect During Cataract Surgery Recovery

Most patients experience a quick and smooth recovery from cataract surgery. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Mild discomfort, itchy or scratchy symptoms with significant improvement over 24 hours
  • Vision will be a bit blurry or cloudy as you leave the operating room, but improve significantly within 24–48 hours
  • Complete healing usually occurs within 4–6 weeks
  • Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation
  • You’ll need to avoid rubbing your eyes or lifting heavy objects for a time after your surgery

Follow-up visits are crucial to ensure your eye is healing properly and your vision is on track.

What If I’ve Already Had LASIK or Other Eye Surgery?

Women painting after her cataract surgery

Patients who have had LASIK, PRK, or other refractive (vision correction) procedures will still require cataract surgery in time.  Advanced cataract surgery using the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) may be an ideal option if you’re interested in maintaining good vision without the need for glasses.  Twin Cities Eye Consultants is a leader in this technology and its surgeons have published some of the earliest reports on the effectiveness of this IOL for patients that have had previous refractive procedures. (https://tcecmn.com/enhanced-lal/) (https://tcecmn.com/revolutionizing-cataract-surgery-outcomes-for-patients-with-prior-lasik-prk-new-study/).

Be sure to inform your eye surgeon of any previous eye procedures during your consultation.

Conclusion: Cataract Surgery Offers a Clear Solution

So, what treatment can you get for cataracts? In short: cataract surgery is the gold standard. While early cataracts may be managed temporarily with glasses or lighting and font changes, surgery is the only way to restore clear, sharp vision once cataracts progress and become problematic.

With today’s advanced surgical technology and customizable lens options, patients not only restore their lost vision—but in many cases, enjoy better eyesight than they had before cataracts developed.

If you’re experiencing cloudy vision or struggling with everyday tasks, talk to your eye care specialist. A quick evaluation can determine if cataract surgery is right for you and help you reclaim a clearer view of life.