5 Signs You May Have Cataracts
Have you been experiencing blurry vision recently? Do you see halos around lights while driving at night?
These could be signs that you may be developing cataracts. While it is possible to have cataracts and skip surgery, the majority of patients end up getting it. Keep reading for 5 signs that you may have cataracts!
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop when the proteins in the eye’s lens break down causing cloudy vision. A healthy lens is clear and easy to see through. When you have a cataract, it’s a lot like looking through a frosty window. It’s hard to see!
Cataracts make it challenging to complete detail-oriented tasks. This could include reading, sewing, or driving at night because of vision impairment.
Sign 1: Having Problems Driving at Night
If you have cloudy vision, it makes it more difficult to see the difference between dark and light. This can make it a lot harder to drive at night.
Besides cloudy vision, many patients with cataracts see halos around lights at night. They may even get headaches from seeing lights and headlights at night with cataracts.
Sign 2: Experiencing Vision Changes
In most cases, it takes cataracts some time to develop. At first, you may not even realize you have them since they won’t affect your vision.
Over time, cataracts develop, making your vision worsen as well. Having your annual eye exam is important because it can catch cataracts early on. If you do have a cataract, your eye doctor can then monitor its progression. Many people with cataracts experience frequent vision changes.
If you find yourself needing to get a new prescription frequently, this is a common sign of cataracts. You may also experience blurry or dull vision as cataracts develop.
You may find yourself becoming more sensitive to light, or see glare and halos around lights. As a result, you’ll find that you need stronger light when completing activities. You may even have double vision, in either one or both of your eyes.
Sign 3: Colors Appear Dull or Yellow Tinted
As your cataracts get bigger, you might start to notice that colors look dull and discolored. An example is what you used to see as neon pink looks like a very pale pink.
Things may also look more yellow or brown tinted because of the cataract taking over your lens.
Sign 4: Experiencing Prescription Changes
As your cataracts grow, your vision changes too. You can go from once being able to see distances clearly to requiring a prescription within a few months. This is one of the most common symptoms of having cataracts.
Sign 5: Needing Stronger Light For Activities
Cataracts can make you need stronger light to see when performing detail-oriented tasks. This makes tasks like sewing, reading, or having a conversation and seeing friends’ facial expressions more difficult.
Early on, having stronger light can be helpful. But as your cataracts grow and develop, it might not help anymore.
Preventing Cataracts
There’s no way to guarantee you’ll never develop cataracts. What you can do is reduce the likelihood you’ll develop them early on. Doctors recommend the following:
- If you’re a smoker, stop smoking
- Wear sunglasses that protect from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays
- Keep other health conditions under control
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet
- Minimize the amount of alcohol you drink
- Have comprehensive eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor
Do these signs sound familiar? If so, you should talk to your eye doctor. Schedule a cataract screening at Complete EyeCare West in Columbus, OH now!
