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Cataracts are among the most common eye conditions, especially as we age. They occur when the normally clear eye lens becomes cloudy, leading to vision problems that can significantly affect daily life.
Recognizing the early signs of cataracts can help you seek timely treatment, preserve your vision, and maintain your quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common symptoms of cataracts, how they develop, and what steps you can take if you suspect you have them.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop when proteins in the lens of your eye break down and clump together, creating cloudy areas. These protein clumps can grow larger over time, gradually obscuring vision. While cataracts can form at any age, they are most commonly seen in older adults. Other factors, such as diabetes, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and certain medications, can increase the risk of cataracts.
5 Common Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurry or Cloudy Vision
One of the most noticeable signs of cataracts is blurry or cloudy vision. It may feel like you’re looking through a foggy window or a piece of wax paper. This cloudiness can occur in small patches or affect your entire field of vision. You might find it increasingly difficult to see clearly, especially when trying to read, drive, or perform tasks that require sharp vision.
- Difficulty Seeing at Night
As cataracts progress, they can cause vision problems in low-light conditions, such as at night or in dimly lit rooms. You may notice that driving at night becomes more challenging, especially when it comes to seeing street signs, lane markers, or other vehicles. The increased difficulty seeing in dark conditions can be hazardous and should not be ignored.
- Sensitivity to Light and Glare
If you find yourself squinting or shielding your eyes more often, you may be experiencing increased sensitivity to light and glare—a common symptom of cataracts. Bright sunlight, headlights, or even indoor lighting can seem overwhelmingly harsh, making it uncomfortable to be in bright environments. Glare from lights can also create halos or starburst patterns around them, further complicating your vision.
- Halos Around Lights
Seeing halos around lights, particularly at night, is another early warning sign of cataracts. These halos often appear as bright circles or rings of light surrounding streetlights, car headlights, or other illumination sources. Halos can be distracting and make night driving more dangerous, contributing to the sense that lights are excessively bright or blurry.
- Fading or Yellowing of Colors
Cataracts can cause colors to appear faded, dull, or less vibrant. You might notice that whites seem more yellow or that your overall perception of color has changed. This symptom occurs because cataracts can filter light differently, altering how you see the world around you. Everyday tasks like matching clothing colors or appreciating the beauty of a sunset can become more difficult.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have Cataracts
If you recognize any of these symptoms, Schedule an appointment now!
Treatment Options for Cataracts
In the early stages, when cataracts are not severely affecting your daily activities, your doctor may suggest managing symptoms with new eyeglasses, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. However, surgery is often recommended to restore clear vision as cataracts progress.
The surgical procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide and has a high success rate. The procedure is usually quick, safe, and performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day.
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Think you might have cataracts? Get a Free Cataract Screening by March 31, 2025! Don’t wait until your vision noticeably deteriorates—taking action today can help safeguard your eyesight and ensure a higher quality of life for years to come.
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