Cataract Surgery: How To Know When You Need It & What To Expect

Baptist Eye Surgeons • April 20, 2018

A person is writing a checklist in a notebook.Cataracts are common and affect almost 75% of the U.S. population aged 65 and older. Cataracts are a gradual clouding and hardening of the eye’s lens, which results in reduced vision as you age. The most common symptoms of cataracts are blurring and dimming of vision, which may appear as a persistent glare or filminess, especially when the eyes are exposed to bright lights. With most cataracts, visual impairment progressively worsens without treatment.

Fortunately, cataract surgery is as common as the condition itself, and is usually very successful for restoring healthy vision. During cataract surgery, the eye surgeon removes the cloudy and hardened lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens called an intraocular lens . Depending on a patient’s vision, a specific intraocular lens may be used to correct other distortions in vision, which may reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective eyeglasses.

Cataract symptoms often begin around the age of 40, but how do you know when it’s time to start thinking about cataract surgery? If you’re over the age of 40, watch for any of the following symptoms:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision.
  • Squinting or blinking to get better focus.
  • Double vision in only one eye.
  • Dimmed vision, needing brighter light when reading.
  • Worsening night vision, increased trouble driving at night.
  • Increased sensitivity to bright light, whether artificial or from the sun.
  • Seeing halos around lights, lamps or headlights
  • Fading or yellowing of colors.
  • Needing frequent changes to eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions.

Because the primary symptoms of cataracts are similar to many other eye conditions, a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist is required to ensure a proper diagnosis. The ophthalmologist will examine the front part of your eye and lens with a biomicroscope (often called a slit lamp), and the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope. Depending on the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist should be able to tell you whether your cataracts are likely to progress slowly or rapidly, and can help you determine when to schedule cataract surgery.

When cataracts are the only issue, the surgery procedure can lead to improved vision in over 95% of cases. The skilled surgeons at Baptist Eye Surgeons are well-versed in a number of advanced procedures, including the insertion of advanced technology lenses like toric and multifocal lenses. The surgeons at Baptist Eye Surgeons were also the first in the region to perform no-stitch or one-stitch cataract surgery.

Using these innovative techniques and technologies enables our patients to have a speedier recovery time, with a quick return to their daily activities which they can enjoy with significantly improved vision. To learn more about what to expect during and after the procedure, read The Complete Guide To Cataract Surgery .

If you’re concerned about cataracts, schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted eye surgeons in Knoxville or Morristown, or call us at 865-579-3920.

With offices in Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN, Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To learn about our specialities and our doctors, visit our website .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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