5 Signs You May Have A Cataract

With age, it’s common to start developing more health problems. This is even common when it comes to your vision and cataracts.

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll eventually develop cataracts as part of the aging process. The experience can be frightening and confusing, but there is good news.

You can have your cataracts removed during cataract surgery. Cataracts share many of the following symptoms with other vision problems.

It is important to stay informed when it comes to your personal eye health. Keep reading for 5 signs you may have a cataract!

1. Blurry Vision

Cataracts form in the lens of the eye. In order for clear vision to be possible, the lens must be translucent.

As proteins clump together on the lens, the lens becomes cloudy and opaque. This block light from even entering the eye.

In the beginning stages, your brain is able to compensate for the lost vision easily. As time goes on and the cataract worsens, more and more vision is lost until the cataract is removed.

2. Difficulty Seeing At Night

Since cataracts affect your vision by blocking light, you may find it much more difficult to see at night. Bright days or rooms with extra lighting can help if you’re finding it hard to see because of cataracts.

This will usually only help up to a certain point. Once your cataracts are removed, you’ll be able to see much more clearly.

Before having them removed, you may not realize just how bad your eyesight really is. Make sure not to drive at night if your vision is unstable as it’s unsafe to you and others on the road.

3. Light Sensitivity

Not all cataracts are the same. Most grow in the center of the lens, while others grow around the perimeter or even behind the lens.

The different kinds of cataracts produce similar basic symptoms, but they may be more likely to produce unique symptoms. Cataracts that develop around the perimeter of the lens are cortical cataracts.

With this kind of cataract, they are more likely to cause glare and light sensitivity. This is because light is refracted off of wedge-like clefts that point toward the center of the lens.

The light then scatters and bounces inside the eye, making vision difficult and sometimes painful.

4. Vision Problems Like Second Sight

Other unique vision problems may come into effect from cataract development. Double vision may occur in one eye, making focusing on a single point difficult.

You may also develop what’s known as second sight. This occurs when the cataract causes the lens to swell early on in development.

If the circumstances are right and the lens swells enough, it may be enough to make your vision better than it was before. But this is not long lasting, as the cataract darkens and physically stops light from entering.

5. Loss of Color Vision

Cataracts don’t become perfectly opaque right away. There is a long period when they allow some light in.

Cataracts also tend to become yellow in color, and they pass this hue onto the light that enters your eyes. This not only gives your vision a distinct, ugly yellow tint, but it may also reduce contrast.

There is no need to be concerned if you believe you may be developing cataracts. Schedule a cataract screening at Kovach Eye Institute in Naperville, IL to find out more about cataracts!