About half of adults have cataracts by the age of 75. Given how common cataracts are, you may be wondering about which signs you can watch for to know if you may have them. For most patients, cataracts begin to develop after the age of 60, but they can strike significantly earlier in some patients. In this blog, the talented team at Vista Eye Specialists shares some symptoms so that you know when it is time to speak to a doctor.
Potential Cataract Symptoms
Cloudy/Blurry Vision
Does your vision seem increasingly foggy? The most likely symptom you would notice is hazy vision. The breakdown in proteins on the lens makes it harder for light to pass through, making the picture that your retina passes to your brain less clear.
Frequent Changes to Your Vision Prescription
If you find yourself frequently needing to update the prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses, this can be an indicator that you have cataracts.
Light Sensitivity
Your eyes may become more sensitive to stimulus like bright indoor lights or a car’s headlights that may not have bothered you in the past.
Diminished Night Vision
With cataracts, it becomes increasingly difficult to see objects in settings with dimmer lighting.
Faded Colors
Some patients with cataracts find that they no longer perceive colors to be as bright or vibrant as they once were. That’s because cataracts can add a slightly more yellow or tan tint to your vision.
Double Vision
Cataracts in early stages can cause double vision, but this may go away on its own as cataracts become more significant.
An Eye Exam Is the Best Way to Know for Sure
The good news about cataracts is they are easy to detect with a comprehensive eye exam. Schedule an eye exam if any of these symptoms arise so that you can know for sure. Because cataracts are a progressive condition, the symptoms may come on so slowly that you fail to recognize them. That is why our doctors strongly encourage you to schedule an eye exam every couple of years as an adult, or annually past the age of 65.
Treatment Is Easier Than You May Imagine
Although cataracts may sound scary, treating this condition is surprisingly easy. Cataract surgery is a quick procedure that removes the eye’s natural lens (cloudy with cataracts) and replaces it with an artificial lens that clears up your vision. Fortunately, cataracts cannot reform on an artificial lens, meaning that the surgery should put a permanent end to hazy vision.
If you have cataracts or are concerned that you may have them, schedule an appointment at Vista Eye Specialists to diagnose and/or treat them. Request an appointment online or call 1-540-208-5827 today.
