June 30, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Vance Thompson Vision.

Consider these scenarios: Your vision is cloudy no matter how many times you blink trying to clear it. You often pull out your phone’s flashlight to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. You struggle driving at night because of glaring lights and difficulty seeing in the dark.

If any of these apply to you, you might have a cataract.

Cataracts occur when the natural lens in your eye gradually begins to cloud and stiffen with age. Symptoms typically begin after the age of 50, but some people experience these symptoms in their 40s. Although light still enters the eye normally, the light is dispersed by this clouding, which can create blurry vision.

Many people notice this, especially at night while driving. But don’t worry — the world-class doctors at Vance Thompson Vision are here to answer all your questions about hazy vision.

What’s the first step? 

While we always recommend seeing your family eye care provider, it’s important to note that you don’t need a referral for a cataract consultation.

How are cataracts treated?

When you do have a cataract, you undergo cataract removal surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with a new, clear lens. Vance Thompson Vision offers two treatment options: traditional and advanced. While both treatments can help make your vision clearer, our advanced treatment provides a premium lens to lessen your dependence on glasses after surgery.

Is surgery the only option? 

Although eyewear and the handy bright light of your mobile device can help accommodate blurry vision, cataracts only worsen as you grow older. To help you get back to living a life with clear vision, the cloudy lens needs to be removed and replaced to ensure that light can filter properly through the eye. Your eye care provider can determine if it’s medically necessary, and insurance may cover a portion of cataract surgery costs.

Want to schedule a consultation instead? Call Vance Thompson Vision at 605-361-EYES (3937). Vance Thompson Vision has performed more than 100,000 eye procedures at its locations throughout the Midwest and Mountain West.