Ever driven through one of those sudden, dense South Dakota fogs that appear out of nowhere? Cataracts can feel like this: your vision gets cloudy, colors become dull, and daily tasks get harder.
At The Eye Guys, our team helps many patients in Sioux Falls who are dealing with changes in their vision. Cataracts may come on slowly, but with the right team and tools by your side, you don’t have to face them alone.
Why Cataracts Happen and How They Affect Vision
Cataracts form when proteins in the lens start to break down and clump together. This causes vision to become blurry, hazy, or less colorful. While aging is the most common cause, cataracts can develop for various reasons.
Common causes of cataracts include:
- Age-related changes: Natural wear and tear on the eye’s lens over time.
- UV rays: Prolonged sunlight can speed up cataract development.
- Smoking: Increases oxidative stress, raising your risk.
- Diabetes: Alters the lens and accelerates vision problems.
- Eye trauma or surgery: Can trigger cataract formation.
When cataracts start interfering with everyday activities—like reading, driving, or recognizing familiar faces—it’s time to consider a cataract exam in Sioux Falls.
Spotting Early Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts don’t show up overnight. Their symptoms tend to creep in gradually, which makes it essential to know what signs to watch for.
Blurry Vision or Cloudiness
If it feels like your glasses are always smudged—even when they’re clean—you could be developing cataracts. Tasks like sewing, reading, or seeing fine details may become frustrating. This type of vision cloudiness is a common early warning sign.
Glare and Halos
Many patients report difficulty driving at night. Cataracts can scatter light, causing bright sources to produce glare or glowing halos. A bright halo around lights is not just annoying—it can be unsafe.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Sunlight or even indoor lighting may suddenly feel harsh. If you’re reaching for your sunglasses more than usual, it might be time for a cataract exam in Sioux Falls.
Dull or Yellowing Colors
Cataracts can shift your color perception. Whites may appear beige, and bright colors lose their richness. This change is often so gradual that you don’t notice it until your world suddenly brightens after treatment.
Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription
If your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription keeps changing and you still can’t see clearly, your lenses might be clouding too quickly. This could be a sign of cataracts.
How Our Eye Doctor Diagnoses Cataracts
At The Eye Guys, we’re serious about precision and clarity—both in your vision and care. Our eye doctors use advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate your eye health and uncover the root of your vision changes.
Here is what the process looks like:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: We assess your symptoms and check for cloudy lenses.
- Slit-Lamp Exam: A specialized microscope gives us a detailed view of your eye structures.
- Retinal Imaging: Lets us rule out other causes of vision loss.
- Pupil Dilation: Provides a complete view of your lens and retina.
- OCT Imaging: Optical Coherence Tomography creates high-resolution cross-sectional images of your retina and lens to detect early cataract development and other conditions.
Serving Our Community: Eye Care Beyond the Clinic
Our commitment to eye care goes beyond our walls. We proudly serve South Dakota through outreach programs. One of these is our partnership with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI). Together, we provide important eye care to those who are visually impaired.
Each week, Dr. John Sivesind visits the Flandreau Indian Reservation, bringing compassionate care to the Santee Dakota people. We’re also honored to work with Veterans Affairs (VA), delivering specialized vision services to support our veterans.
And for our tech-savvy patients, it’s not just care, it’s high-tech care. We use the latest tools, like OCT imaging and digital retinal scans, to diagnose eye conditions early. This helps us find issues like cataracts and protect your vision and quality of life.
What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
Surgery is often the best way forward when cataracts begin affecting your lifestyle. Thankfully, it’s one of the safest and most effective surgeries in the U.S.—and the results can be life-changing.
Surgical Co-Management with Sioux Falls
Our Sioux Falls team provides co-management throughout your cataract journey. That means we are with you every step of the way—before and after surgery:
- Pre-surgical Consultation: We will discuss your family history of cataracts, review your exam, explain your options, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist for surgery.
- Coordinated Scheduling: We will help streamline your appointments with the surgeon.
- Personalized Support: We tailor the process to your specific needs and visual goals.
Life After Cataract Surgery: Recovery and Timeline
Recovery is usually smooth and relatively quick:
- First 24-48 Hours: Vision may be blurry while your eye adjusts.
- First Week: You will use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation.
- 1-4 Weeks: Most people return to normal activities, including driving and reading, within a week or two.
We will monitor your healing and keep your recovery on track through follow-up care at our office.
Protect Your Eyes—Book a Cataract Exam in Sioux Falls
If you’ve noticed cataract symptoms or vision cloudiness, don’t wait until it worsens. Our team at The Eye Guys is here to help you understand your options and take the next step toward clearer, more vibrant vision.
Book your appointment—and let’s clear up the fog, together.