How to Recognize Symptoms of Cataracts
Posted by: Midwest Eye Center in General
Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and the lens of your eye is crucial for your daily activities. However, with age, the proteins in your lens can clump, leading to symptoms of cataracts. These symptoms, such as blurry vision, can significantly impact your daily activities. This underscores the importance of not delaying your eye exam!
Did you know cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment, especially in older adults? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts affect many Americans aged 40 and older. By 2050, this number is expected to double. This highlights the importance of regular eye check-ups to catch cataracts early.
We also want to mention a few behaviors that can increase your risk of getting a cataract. A few of those behaviors include:
- Smoking
- Too many long periods of fun in the sun without eye protection
- Using steroid medications
- Radiation treatments on your upper body
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is time to take control of your eye health and schedule an appointment with us soon. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in managing cataracts.
The World Seems Cloudy
Cataracts start small and, at first, may have a small effect on your vision. Looking at all the things within your beautiful world, your vision may be affected by not seeing clearly, which can hinder your view because it may seem blurry, cloudy, or dim. This effect usually increases over time.
Difficulty Driving At Night
As cataracts advance, it can be hard to distinguish between light and dark. This difficulty can affect your night vision and make specific nighttime activities, such as driving, more complex. If you suspect you have cataracts or feel unsafe driving, talk to a family member or friend to drive instead. Making this choice will keep you and others on the road safe!
Need Stronger and More Light
If you are trying to complete a favorite hobby like reading, painting, or sewing, completing a detail-oriented task may require a stronger light to help focus. Increasing your light might work first, but stronger light won’t help as your cataract grows.
Colors Look Faded
When cataracts mature, seeing your favorite color may look faded or less intense. For example, your comfy cherished white t-shirt or sweater will start looking yellow. Matured cataracts may be brown or yellow, which can cause anything you see to look yellow or brown.
Frequent Prescription Changes
Advancement of cataracts could affect you from seeing distances clearly to needing frequent prescriptions to see a “Stop” sign. Sudden vision changes could be a sign that you could have cataracts.
Do any of these symptoms seem familiar to you? If so, schedule a cataract evaluation TODAY to discuss your vision changes and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Our TOP priority is your lifelong eye health!
References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
Tags: cataracts, Eye
