Cataracts are a vision problem that affects one in every six Americans past the age of 40. But many people are unfamiliar with cataracts and unsure of what warning signs to watch out for.
The lens of your eye needs light to pass through it to focus on an object. A cataract causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, which slowly leads to vision impairment over time. This vision impairment can affect your life in a variety of ways.
Cataracts affect every individual differently but there are some common symptoms that most patients experience. Let’s look at the four biggest warning signs of cataracts:
- A sudden change in vision
The first sign of cataracts is often a sudden, unexpected change in your vision. Items that you used to be able to see clearly are suddenly out of focus and difficult to see.
- Cloudy or blurry vision
Many people describe the experience of having cataracts as similar to gazing through a piece of glass. Their vision becomes blurry or cloudy and it becomes increasingly difficult to see.
- Sensitivity to light
Think about how it feels to suddenly move from a very dark room into the bright sunlight. It can hurt your eyes at first, causing you to squint and cover your eyes.
Cataracts can cause a similar sensitivity to light. A glare or halo can start to form around lights, making it increasingly difficult to see under certain light sources.
- Poor night vision
Because of this sensitivity to light, driving in the evenings can become very difficult for many people with cataracts. Halos begin to form around street lights which can make it hard to make out road signs or see where you are going. The light from oncoming vehicles can also make nighttime driving difficult for many cataracts patients.
Early on, there are lifestyle adjustments you can make to manage the symptoms of your cataracts. However, if your vision continues to deteriorate and your daily activities are affected, it may be time to think about cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is the best option available for cataract patients. It can dramatically improve both your vision and your quality of life. To find out if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery, contact our office to schedule an appointment.