This article was medically authored by Richard Yemm, MD and last reviewed for accuracy on 10/8/2026
During a routine exam, your eye doctor notes that you have a cataract, which may require surgery in the future. How will you know when cataract surgery is necessary?
If you aren’t bothered by your current vision, and you don’t have the classic cataract symptoms, your cataracts may not need to be removed yet. It’s possible a new eyeglass prescription may help you see better for a period of time, if mild cataracts are present. As the cataract progresses, though, even an updated prescription may not improve your vision.
Signs To Consider Cataract Surgery
You should consider cataract surgery when the cataracts start to limit your ability to perform daily activities or enjoy particular hobbies. You’ll want to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- Your vision impairs your ability to drive at night. This can include seeing glare or haloes from street lights or oncoming headlights.
- You require more light for reading, or alternatively become more sensitive to bright lights.
- Objects that you know should be bright and colorful, appear dull, as if looking through a filter or film. This change usually occurs gradually and may go unnoticed for some time.
Then your eye doctor will perform the following tests to confirm that the cataract surgery will be covered by your insurance provider. A refraction test is performed to determine your best-corrected vision. If your best-corrected vision is less than 20/20, a cataract may be present. Cataracts often cause increased glare from light sources, so a Brightness Acuity Test, or BAT, is performed to determine if glare is interfering with one’s vision. A microscope exam is performed to grade the density of the cataract on a scale from one to four. A grade one cataract tends to have minimal effect on vision, whereas a grade four cataract significantly limits vision.
Safe Surgical Procedure by Experienced Cataract Surgeons
Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure performed in the US, with about three million people undergoing surgery each year. Like any other surgical procedure, cataract surgery has its risks. However, current technology allows for a safe and minimally invasive procedure that is well tolerated by patients. If cataracts are affecting your vision and ability to enjoy the world around you, schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our experienced cataract surgeons today.
Dr. Richard Yemm, M.D. at Eye Surgeons Associates
Bio: Dr. Richard Yemm is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist with Eye Surgeons Associates. He’s an experienced cataract surgeon and provides retina injections for diabetes and macular degeneration. He sees patients in Rock Island and Bettendorf. For more information, please see our website: https://www.eyesurgeonspc.com/our-services/cataracts-quad-cities/
The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.