Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but knowing when it’s the right time for surgery can sometimes feel unclear. Dr. Peter Bekendam, one of the experienced cataract surgeons at Pacific Eye Institute, has performed more than 15,000 cataract procedures during his career. He emphasizes that the decision should never feel rushed or forced.
“I’ve performed 15,000 cataract procedures over my career, and I’m never rushing a patient into surgery,” says Dr. Bekendam. “It is time for surgery when you’re struggling with your vision on a daily basis.”
Signs It May Be Time for Cataract Surgery
Cataracts often develop gradually, so patients may not realize how much their vision has changed until it begins interfering with everyday tasks. According to Dr. Bekendam, the most common signs that it may be time to consider surgery include:
- Difficulty driving at night – Increased glare or halos from headlights can make driving unsafe.
- Trouble reading road signs – Vision that was once clear may start to feel blurry or cloudy, even in daylight.
- Reduced enjoyment of daily activities – Struggling to read subtitles on TV, see the newspaper, or recognize faces can significantly affect quality of life.
- Persistent blurry or foggy vision – Even with updated glasses or contact lenses, cataracts can make it difficult to achieve clear vision.
As Dr. Bekendam explains, “If it’s affecting your daily life, it’s time to talk to your surgeon.”
Other Factors to Consider
While many people wait until their vision feels significantly impaired, there are other situations when earlier surgery might be beneficial. These include:
- Safety concerns: If poor vision puts you at risk of falling or having an accident.
- Professional needs: For those whose careers require precise vision, waiting too long could affect work performance.
- Lifestyle goals: Advances in cataract surgery allow patients to choose premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine. The right time to have it is when cataracts begin to interfere with the activities that matter most to you—whether that’s driving, working, reading, or simply enjoying time with family and friends.
At Pacific Eye Institute, our surgeons take the time to understand your needs and help you decide when surgery is right for you.
If you’re noticing changes in your vision and think cataracts may be the cause, schedule a consultation with Pacific Eye Institute today.
Call us at (800) 345-8979 to book your cataract evaluation and take the next step toward clearer, brighter vision.
