A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. A cataract often progresses gradually and frequently develops in both eyes simultaneously.
Cataracts may not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but they will likely begin to significantly affect your vision and day-to-day life with time.
For most people, cataracts form due to a normal aging process in the eye. Other factors that can make you more likely to develop cataracts include diabetes, high blood pressure, eye injuries, smoking, and previous eye surgery.
Certain eye conditions like uveitis, excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and long-term use of corticosteroid medication might also lead to the formation of cataracts. Keep reading to learn ten of the most common signs of cataracts!
Blurry Vision
One of the first signs of cataracts is blurry or cloudy vision. As proteins in your eyes break down and build up, they create a cloudy film.
Most people with cataracts describe this symptom as trying to see through a foggy or dirty window.
Everything Appears Faded
Cataracts interfere with the way you perceive colors. Everything around you might begin to look faded.
This occurs when the deteriorating proteins on your eye lens change color, making everything appear dull or faded.
Frequent Prescription Changes
It’s normal for your glasses or contact lens prescription to change every once in a while. However, if your refractive error is unstable, forcing you to change your prescription may often indicate that you have cataracts.
Cataracts speed up the rate at which your vision deteriorates. Therefore, you may need to change your prescription every few months.
Poor Night Vision
Cataracts usually cause your nighttime vision to worsen. These changes might not be evident during the day when there’s plenty of light to compensate for your dimming vision.
However, poor vision is quite noticeable when it’s dark outside.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
When you have cataracts, discomfort around otherwise normal lighting will become increasingly evident and bothersome. If you find that you close your eyes, squint a lot, or develop sudden headaches due to light from the sun and other light sources, you may have cataracts.
Glare and Halos
As your eye’s lenses harden due to cataracts, light passing through it is diffracted. This causes the appearance of halos and glares around light sources, especially at night.
Glares and halos from headlights, streetlights, and stop signs can obscure your vision at night, making driving dangerous.
Needing Brighter Lighting
During the early stages of cataracts, you may require more lighting than usual to see. That’s because the cloudiness due to cataracts is still mild enough.
Using stronger lighting will help you perform simple, everyday activities like reading and sewing with ease.
Yellow or Brown Tint
Cataracts are caused by an accumulation of proteins with a yellowish or brownish tint. The buildup alters the color of light as it passes through your eyes, giving it a yellow or brown shade.
This can make it difficult to tell colors apart, such as blue and purple.
Double Vision
When light entering your eye is scattered by cataracts, you may see two or more images of one thing. Double vision from cataracts appears in one eye and can be very disorienting.
Tips to Prevent Cataracts
Some of the causes of cataracts, such as age, can’t be controlled. However, you can make the following changes to lower your risk or delay the formation of cataracts.
Wear Quality Sunglasses
UV rays increase the chances of developing cataracts early. It’s important that you wear high-quality, polarized sunglasses that offer at least 99.9 percent protection against the harmful UV rays.
Avoid Smoking
Cigarette smoking hastens the formation of cataracts. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
You can still enjoy your cocktails, wine, whiskey, and beer, but in moderation. A large amount of alcohol intake can also cause cataracts to form earlier in life.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Make sure you include omega-3 fatty acids, dark leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and nuts in your meals. Also, look for zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E supplements, all of which can aid in keeping cataracts at bay.
Have You Scheduled Your Routine Eye Exams Yet?
A comprehensive eye exam helps catch cataracts early and protect your sight. The ophthalmologists at Joshi Retina Institute can accurately diagnose cataracts, closely monitor your condition, and recommend the right time to have cataract surgery and restore crisp vision.
When you are first diagnosed with cataracts, you will likely not need surgery right away. Many times, you can remediate the immediate symptoms of cataracts with glasses and additional lighting.
Your eye doctor will recommend cataract surgery once the symptoms you are experiencing begin to greatly interfere with your day-to-day life.
Have you noticed that your eyesight isn’t as clear as usual? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL, today!