At age 82, Paul Newman, the great actor with piercing blue eyes, is also a competitive driver, who still races cars – and wins. Obviously, his vision needs are different than a relatively sedentary 82-year-old who drives very little and frequently dozes off in front of the television.

Thus, when symptoms are present and cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are diagnosed, the urgency for surgery may vary from individual to individual.

If symptoms are present, according to the National Eye Institute it is necessary to see an eye care professional, as they may be a sign of cataracts or other eye problems. Symptoms can include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colors look faded or different
• Light glare from car headlights, lamps
• A halo may appear around lights
• Poor night vision
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger)
• Frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Loss of contrast
• Heightened sensitivity to bright sunlight
• A white or "milky" spot over the pupil of the eye

How Does My Eye Care Professional Detect a Cataract?

A comprehensive eye exam may include diagnostic tools such as an eye chart test, a dilated eye exam in which the pupil is dilated with drops, allowing the eye care professional to use a magnifying lens to examine the retina and optic nerve. In addition, numbing drops may be administered to conduct a tonometry test in which an instrument measures the pressure inside the eye.

When is Surgery Needed?

According to Dr. Morris Sheffer of EyeOptix Vision and Laser Centers, surgery is needed when the level of vision is impairing and impacting daily living.

Surgery is the only proven treatment for cataract. The Prevent Blindness Association reminds us that cataracts cannot be treated with medicines. Eye drops or other drugs will not dissolve a cataract or slow its progress.

When cataracts are in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually four to eight weeks apart.

So, if you are Paul Newman, and want to continue auto racing, surgery may be necessary sooner than later to keep up with your current lifestyle. Another individual, perhaps someone who no longer drives and is sedentary may feel differently. Again, the need and urgency will vary individual to individual. Cataract surgery is an elective surgery designed to improve or maintain the lifestyle of those diagnosed with cataract.

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

When cataract is diagnosed, your eye care professional will offer a consultation.

Dr. Sheffer strongly recommends that a caregiver, friend, or family member be present at the patient consultation to make sure a second pair of ears hears all the information, and knows about any risks. When everyone concerned is together, all questions can be answered and instructions for care received at the time of diagnosis, reducing much stress and anxiety.

Many times, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed to be administered into the patient’s eye two to four times a day, and in many cases, the patient may need help with getting the drops properly into the eye.

Although it is surgery, and it is natural to feel squeamish about the eyes, cataract surgery is a procedure that is relatively easy on the patient. The National Eye Institute states that cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. And the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) states that 98 percent of all cataract surgeries have positive results.