What’s The Big Deal About Cataracts Anyway?

The eyes have a profound impact on how an individual goes through life. Cataracts replace clear vision and impair the brain’s ability to make decisions. Not only that, losing sight means having to rely on others for help as things become too challenging to do. The best solution is to understand the symptoms of cataracts and treat vision loss in a timely manner.

Why is it so cloudy all the time?

One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is blurred or cloudy vision. Just imagine looking through a dirty window. For some patients, vision can change seemingly overnight. For others, the decrease is almost too gradual to notice. In either case, vision will get worse to the point of temporary blindness if left alone for too long. This has even more of an impact at night when there’s even less light for the eye to take in.

Where did all those vibrant colors go?

The world is full of color, but a patient with cataracts may not be aware. A growing cataract is often a yellowish color but can be gray, brown, or even red. These types of cataracts affect the ability to see other colors or distinguish a difference between them.

Halos aren’t always angelic

Cataracts can have a considerable effect on the way the eye focuses light. As a result, halos may start to appear around light sources. The rings can appear in any size or color and are very distracting. The effect is intensified with headlights and streetlights, so driving at night can quickly become dangerous.

Why is there so much glare?

Even if halos don’t appear, patients often experience extreme sensitivity to lights of all shapes and sizes. Normal lights soon appear blindingly bright and painful. Halos can be a huge problem with night driving, as headlights from other cars can make the road and surroundings impossible to see.

Do I need new glasses?

Rapid changes to a glasses or contacts prescription is another sign of cataract formation. As the eye’s natural lens changes shape and rigidity from cataracts, that prescription will have to change frequently to compensate. Regularly buying new eyewear won’t solve the issue. There is clearly another factor at hand that needs to be addressed by a healthcare specialist.

Seeing double

In addition to dealing with prescription changes resulting from cataracts, patients may also notice double vision when looking at objects. As light enters the eye, the cataractous lens causes that light to split, putting two images on the retina. This can lead to a misinterpretation of where objects actually are.

What should I do if I am experiencing any of these?

Any of these symptoms could be the result of cataracts or other serious eye health issues. Fortunately, eye doctors specialize in all types of eye conditions and are well-equipped to diagnose problems. Consulting an ophthalmologist is the best course of action whenever a new eye symptom appears.