Cataract Symptoms
Cataract Symptoms: How Can You Know?
Cataracts cause clouding of the lens in your eye, leading to blurry vision. This makes everyday activities like driving or reading to be more challenging. Cataracts can affect anyone at any age but are more commonly found in people later in age, around 50-60 years old. Early signs of this condition are squinting through cloudy vision, or colors seeming dimmer than usual. Unfortunately, cataracts tend to develop very slowly over time, so most people don’t even know they have one until their vision is already declining.
Here is a list of symptoms that may indicate you are suffering from cataracts:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- The colors seem faded or more yellow
- Poor night vision
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Reading becomes increasingly difficult
- Glare or halos appear around headlights, lamps, and in bright sun
- Your prescription changes frequently
- Temporarily improved distance vision if you are farsighted or worsened distance vision if you are nearsighted
A common misconception of cataracts is that they are accompanied by discomfort or redness. This tends to not be the case. Cataracts do not change your eye’s appearance or cause any irritation or itching. These are usually signs pointing to a different eye disorder.
Risk Factors for Cataracts
There are several factors that can put you at a higher risk for cataracts. These include:
- Age (generally over 50)
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Eye trauma
- Heredity
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Glaucoma
When to Seek Out Treatment
We advise you to seek treatment as soon as you notice any of these symptoms developing and affecting your daily life. Patients over 50, especially those who have a family history of cataracts, should have an annual appointment and evaluation.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or want to know more about your options, we invite you to call us at (607) 200-3221 or schedule an appointment for a full eye examination today.
