A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. The clouding is comprised of proteins in the eye. Over time, these proteins move around and may form a clump.
When this happens, a cataract starts developing on the lens. Because this can happen slowly over time, many patients don’t know they have a cataract. It’s only when vision becomes worse that many realize something is wrong.
What are the signs that you may be in the early stages of cataract development? It’s important to be aware, as cataracts can lead to total loss of vision if left untreated.
Read on to learn how to recognize signs that you may have cataracts!
Sensitivity to Light:
This is often one of the first warning signs that a cataract is developing. If headlights at night or sunlight during the day seems too bright, it’s time to make an appointment.
You’ll want to see a trained ophthalmologist for a thorough dilated eye exam.
You might consider investing in a pair of UV sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. These can help reduce your discomfort when you’re out and about outside.
An Increase in Prescription Changes:
No matter what your prescription was, it’s worth investigating if it changes rapidly. Not only is this a warning sign of cataracts, but it could signal another problem.
The best thing to do is get an eye exam to determine why your prescription is changing. If it is another eye condition, catching it sooner than later is always better.
If you do have a cataract, your ophthalmologist can keep an eye on it as it continues developing.
Double Vision:
Are you seeing double? If so, don’t ignore it. Double vision can signal conditions like brain injury, high blood pressure, and cataracts. If you notice double vision in one eye only, it’s likeliest a sign of developing cataracts. Note that double vision may decrease as the cataract grows and develops.
Glare Around Lights:
Glare or halos around light sources may cause the only source of pain for cataract patients. It’s important to know that there are two classifications for glare:
Discomfort Glare: This type of glare happens when bright light is too strong for the eyes
Disability Glare: This type of glare can be measured in a diagnosable decrease in vision.
Note that seeing glares around lights is separate from sensitivity to light. It’s possible to have either symptom or both.
Glazed or Filmy Vision:
Patients with cataracts often experience glazed or filmy vision. This is best described as trying to see through a fog. These symptoms also may reduce how clearly you can see. As a cataract continues to develop, this will only get worse.
If you think you may have cataracts based on the symptoms above, you owe it to yourself to find out! Cataracts are treatable, and vision loss can be restored. The only way to know for sure is to visit an eye doctor.
Schedule your cataract screening with Stahl Eyecare Experts in Long Island, NY today!
