For many adults in Scottsdale, staying active and independent means maintaining clear, comfortable vision. Cataracts—cloudy patches on the eye's natural lens—can interfere with that goal, especially if you already rely on contact lenses. If you’re dealing with both, you may be wondering: Can you still wear contacts with cataracts? And if so, which type is best?
Understanding Cataracts and Vision Changes
Cataracts typically develop slowly and can cause blurry or hazy vision, light sensitivity, poor night vision, and a noticeable decline in color clarity. These symptoms tend to appear more frequently in people over 60, a group that makes up more than a quarter of Scottsdale’s population. For active adults who prefer contact lenses to glasses, these changes can make day-to-day vision feel inconsistent—even with an updated prescription.
Can You Still Wear Contact Lenses?
In the early stages of cataracts, contact lenses can still offer crisp vision. However, as cataracts progress, standard lenses may not correct vision as well as they used to. Some people experience frequent prescription changes, needing more frequent eye exams and updated lenses.
Specialized lenses, such as monovision or multifocal contacts, may help temporarily manage symptoms by compensating for different visual zones. However, these lenses can’t treat the cataract itself—they only attempt to offset its effects.
When Contact Lenses Stop Being Effective
If your cataracts reach a point where even strong or specialty contacts aren’t providing clarity, cataract surgery becomes the next step. This common, outpatient procedure involves replacing the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). After surgery, many patients find they no longer need contacts or glasses for distance vision—though some still choose to wear contacts for reading or other up-close tasks.
What to Do if You Have Cataracts and Wear Contacts
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to track cataract progression.
- Discuss vision changes with your optometrist—don’t just update your contact lens prescription without a full evaluation.
- Explore surgical options early if contacts no longer provide clear vision.
If you're a Scottsdale resident navigating cataracts and contact lenses, our eye care team is here to help you find a clear path forward. From advanced diagnostics to surgical referrals and personalized vision solutions, we’ll work with you to keep your eyesight sharp—whatever stage you’re in.
Ready to talk about your options? Book an eye exam today and take the first step toward clearer vision.