Cataracts are the most common eye condition, it develops as people ages. They tend to develop gradually and may not be noticeable until they significantly affect vision. It is essential to recognize the early signs of cataracts for prompt detection and treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 signs of cataracts that everyone should know, enabling timely medical care and helping to preserve optimal eye health.
These are the top 10 cataract signs that everyone should be aware of:
1. Blurry Vision
Description: The most common and one of the earliest cataract signs is blurred and cloudy vision. It happens because cataracts obstruct light from passing clearly through the lens, leading to a hazy or foggy view.
Impact: Day-to-day tasks such as reading, driving, or recognizing people’s faces may become challenging due to blurriness.
What to do: If you notice persistent blurriness in one or both eyes, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination.
2. Increased Sensitivity to Light
Description: People with cataracts often experience increased sensitivity to light, particularly to bright lights. This sensitivity may cause discomfort or pain in the eye, especially in bright-lit environments. Increased sensitivity to light is also among the earliest cataract signs which should not be ignored.
Impact: Activities like driving become more challenging due to this condition, due to glare from headlights, and outdoor activities in bright sunlight can be uncomfortable.
What to do: It is advised to wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats, it will help to reduce the discomfort. However, if sensitivity persists, seek an eye examination.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Description: Cataracts can impair night vision, making it difficult to see clearly in low-light situations. This is because cataracts reduce the amount of light that reaches the retina. If you are facing issues while driving at night or notice difficulty seeing at night, it could be a potential cataract sign.
Impact: Night driving becomes partially hazardous, as it hampers the ability to see objects and judge distances accurately.
What to do: It would be great if you consider using brighter lights at home and avoid driving at night. Consulting an eye specialist is also recommended if night vision deteriorates.
4. Seeing Halos Around Lights
Description: A typical symptom of cataracts is seeing halos and rings around the light, especially at night. This happens due to the scattering of light as it passes through the cloudy lens.
Impact: Halos can be distracting and disorienting, making it difficult to focus on tasks that involve lights, such as driving or working on a computer.
What to do: If you notice halos around lights, it’s a strong indication that you should have your eyes checked for cataracts.
5. Fading or Yellowing of Colors
Description: Cataracts may result in making colours less vibrant, often with a yellow or brownish tint. It could be happening possibly due to the lens becoming discoloured as the cataract progresses.
Impact: The world may seem duller, and tasks requiring colour differentiation, like choosing clothing or cooking, can become difficult.
What to do: If colours seem to be faded and yellowish, it is highly advised to have an eye examination to see if cataracts are the reason. Monitoring these cataract signs is crucial for maintaining good vision.
6. Double Vision in One Eye
Description: Double vision, also known as diplopia, in one eye, is another sign of cataracts. This occurs when the cataract distorts light passing through the lens, creating multiple images. Identifying this as a cataract sign is important for seeking medical advice from your eye surgeon or Ophthalmologist.
Impact: Double vision can be confusing and may make daily tasks, such as reading or driving, extremely challenging.
What to do: If you experience double vision in one eye, it’s crucial to consult an eye care professional for diagnosis and treatment options. Early recognition of cataract signs can significantly improve your quality of life.
7. Frequent Changes in Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses
Description: People with cataracts often find themselves needing to update their prescription glasses or contact lenses more frequently. This is due to the changing nature of the cataract, which can alter the lens’s shape and clarity over time.
Impact: Despite getting new glasses multiple times, you find your vision still unsatisfactory, which eventually could lead to frustration and inconvenience.
What to do: If you notice that you need frequent prescription changes, it’s time to discuss the possibility of cataracts with your eye doctor. Being aware of these cataract signs can facilitate timely intervention.
8. Need for Brighter Light for Reading or Other Activities
Description: As the cataracts progress, you might encounter that doing daily tasks such as reading, sewing, or any detailed work, you are required to tend in brighter light. The clouded lens reduces the amount of light reaching the retina.
Impact: You might encounter, it is getting more difficult to read, and you might need to turn on more lights or brighter bulbs.
What to Do: Although increasing light can help temporarily, it’s essential to have a professional eye exam to address the root cause.
9. Difficulty with Depth Perception
Description: Cataracts can impair depth perception, making it challenging to judge distance accurately, it especially concerning while navigating stairs or driving. Misjudging the depth due to poor eye vision is also considered as one of the cataract signs and you should consider getting your eye test with your Ophthalmologist.
Impact: Reduced depth perception increases the risk of falling from stairs, and could lead to accidents, making everyday activities more dangerous.
What to do: If you notice difficulty with depth perception, an eye examination is necessary to assess the severity of the cataract and determine the appropriate course of action.
10. Vision Appears Dim or Shadowy
Description: As cataracts advance, vision may appear dim or shadowy, resembling a veil over the eyes. This occurs due to the substantial obstruction caused by the cataract in the lens.
Impact: This symptom can greatly hinder daily activities, as overall vision quality is significantly diminished.
What to Do: If you experience this, it may indicate an advanced cataract requiring surgical intervention. Consult with an eye surgeon to explore your treatment options.
Conclusion: Why Early Detection is Crucial
Recognizing the cataract signs at an early stage is very crucial for effective treatment and can help prevent significant vision loss. Regular eye exams are essential, particularly for individuals over 60, as cataracts often develop with age. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and management are key to maintaining your quality of life and preserving your vision. You can also do self tests for cataracts at home.
In some instances, cataracts can be managed with lifestyle adjustments or corrective lenses, but surgery may ultimately be necessary to restore clear vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures, boasting a high success rate. The best outcomes are typically achieved when surgery is performed before vision impairment becomes severe.
Staying informed about the cataract signs and symptoms is the first step in protecting your eye health. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with an eye care professional today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A) What are the most common early cataract signs?
Answer: Early cataract symptoms include blurry vision, sensitivity to bright light, difficulty seeing at night, and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions. These are subtle but noticeable changes in vision.
B) Can cataracts affect only one eye, or do they usually develop in both eyes?
Answer: Cataracts may develop in one eye or in both eyes, but they often affect both. However, the progression may not be symmetrical, it could be a possibility one eye has more advanced cataract symptoms than the other.
C) How do cataracts affect colour perception?
Answer: As cataracts develop gradually from time to time, they make the lens of the eyes to be cloudy, which can lead to faded or yellowed colour perception. This makes it harder to see vibrant colours and differentiate between certain shades.
D) At what age do cataracts usually begin to form and when the cataract sign can be noticed?
Answer: Cataracts usually begin forming after age 40 but often don’t cause noticeable symptoms until age 60 or older, as they are linked to the natural ageing process.
E) Can cataracts be treated without surgery?
Answer: During the early stages, cataracts can be managed by stronger lighting, updated glasses prescriptions, and anti-glare lenses. However, surgery is the only definitive treatment for cataracts, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. If you are planning for cataract surgery, check our blog about things i wish before cataract surgery.
Reviewed By
Dr. Sonam Aggarwal
MBBS, MD(C.Medicine)