When Should You Think About Cataract Surgery?

Some individuals face daily challenges because of their cataracts, while others are unaware they have them. When symptoms are mild or nonexistent, it is possible to go a decade or longer without treating a cataract.

What exactly is a cataract? Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded.

The only way to effectively treat a cataract is by having cataract surgery. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one so that you can see clearly again.

Due to the progressive nature of this condition, you may be unsure whether or not you should consider surgery at the present moment. If you have a cataract, keep reading to determine when to consider having cataract surgery.

When Everyday Tasks Become Difficult

A cataract can affect your ability to complete regular household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. You might have a hard time reading a recipe or the directions on a box and have to guess what it says.

You might be unable to read how many minutes are left on a timer. For many individuals, it can get to the point where these activities are frustrating.

When You Cannot Enjoy Your Hobbies

Blurry vision means activities like reading, watching TV, and sewing can be arduous or impossible. You might find yourself turning on an additional light to be able to discern the words on the page.

However, there comes a time when you cannot perceive details, no matter how much light there may be.

When You Are Struggling to Drive at Night

Driving with a cataract cannot only be difficult but dangerous. It can be hard to make out street signs and other important details while on the road.

It can become even more challenging at night as glares and halos blur traffic lights. Another symptom of a cataract is sensitivity to bright lights, so headlights can easily overwhelm your vision.

When Colors Appear Duller

Have colors lost their vibrancy? A cataract can affect your color vision, making the world appear less bright.

Some patients say it is as if everything is covered by a brown or yellow film. Eventually, you may be unable to distinguish between cooler colors.

When You Are Injuring Yourself Due to Impaired Vision

Do you find yourself getting pricked more often while sewing? Or maybe you have tripped up or down the stairs recently because you did not see a step.

Blurry vision can make you more likely to get hurt, which can be very serious. Having cataract surgery can help you to keep safety a priority.

When You Have to Depend On Others

Unfortunately, cataracts left untreated can result in decreased independence. You may find yourself unable to perform regular activities without the assistance of others. For example, you may need someone to drive you to the grocery store or help you to read the labels and prices on items.

Is having a cataract making day-to-day life difficult?

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment today to experience the GRO difference. Call 616.588.6598 or click here.

Our Locations

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is pleased to provide top-quality, comprehensive eye care to our patients in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We have 15 conveniently located eye care centers that utilize the latest and most advanced technologies across the entire spectrum of ophthalmology. If you are seeking information about one of our eye care locations please click into our locations page for more information. Hours are subject to change due to upcoming Holidays.

East Beltline Map
East Beltline
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
East Beltline Medical Center
750 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(Located on the Southeast corner of East Beltline and Bradford - enter from Bradford)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am – 5pm
Late Night – T: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 11am
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
Grandville Map
Grandville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Rivertown Office Center
4475 Wilson Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(Located on the Northwest corner of 44th St/Rivertown Pkwy and Wilson - enter from Wilson)
616.588.6598
Hours
Tu, W, F: 8am-5pm
Late Nights – M, Th: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
Walker Map
Walker
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (Located on the upper level)
3300 Walker View Dr
Walker, MI 49544
(Located North of Walker Avenue exit on I-96 – enter on the upper level)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, T, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – W: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
80 68th map
Cutlerville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Corewell Health Care Center
80 68th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(Located inside the Corewell Helath Care Center on the corner of 68th St and Division)
*Please note there is no exterior signage showing Grand Rapids Ophthalmology at this time.
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-6pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
7 mile map
Rockford
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Mercy Health Campus
6050 Northland Dr NE, Suite 100
Rockford, MI 49341
616.588.6598
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 7am-5pm
Caledonia
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Mercy Health Campus
10047 Crossroads Ct SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616.588.6598
Hours
M, Tu, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Closed 12pm-1pm daily
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
caledonia map
lakeshore map
East Grand Rapids
Lakeshore Eye
717 Bagley Ave SE
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616.588.6575
Hours
M-Th: 8am-5pm
F: Closed (until December 1, 2023)
holland map
Holland
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Lakeshore Medical Campus
3235 N Wellness Dr, Suite 130
Holland, MI 49424
(Located ¼ mile East of US-31 on the left)
616.994.0477
Hours
M, W, Th: 8am-5pm
F: 7:30am-3:30pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Thurs 8am-5pm & Fri 7:30am-3:30pm
ionia map
Ionia
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
537 W Main St
Ionia, MI 48846
616.527.1640
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – Tu: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
Greenville map
Greenville
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
705 S Greenville W Dr. #Suite 201
Greenville MI 48838
616.754.5667
Hours
M: 7:30am-6pm
Tu, W: 7:30am-4:30pm
Th: 8am-5pm
F: 7:30am-4:30pm
Standale
511 Wilson Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
616.301.8663
Hours
M, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Late Night – T: 8am-7pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am – 5pm
Michigan optical map
GRO Surgical map
GRO Surgical Center
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology Surgical Care Center
750 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(Located on Southeast corner of East Beltline and Bradford – enter on the second floor)
616.588.6598
Hours
M, TU, W, Th, F: 8am-5pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 8am-5pm
walker surgical map
Walker Surgical Center
Walker Surgical Center
3300 Walker View Dr
Walker, MI 49544
(Located North of Walker Avenue exit on I-96 – enter on the lower level)
616.588.6570
Hours
M, Tu, W, Th, F: 6am-5pm
Phones answered Mon thru Fri 6am-5pm
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