7 Signs You May Have a Cataract
Do you have blurry vision, see glare around streetlights while driving at night, or have a prescription that’s changed frequently? These are some signs of having a cataract.
Keep reading to find out 7 signs you may have cataracts!
What are Cataracts, and Why Do They Form?
A cataract occurs when proteins in the eye clump together on the natural lens, causing it to become cloudy and opaque. Cataracts may begin developing when you’re in your 40s but usually lead to vision problems after 60.
You can have cataracts in either one or both eyes. Although cataracts are typically associated with the normal aging process, they may also form due to:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- A serious eye injury
- Spending too much time in the sun without proper eye protection
If you notice one or more of these classic signs of cataracts, it might be time for a cataract screening.
1. Blurry Vision
Blurry or cloudy vision is one of the most common tell-tale signs of cataracts. People with cataracts usually describe it as trying to see through a foggy window.
Often, a cataract grows gradually and eventually causes vision impairment. Having blurry vision can make it harder to perform routine, everyday tasks.
2. Increased Sensitivity to Light
Light sensitivity is another indication of cataracts. It can make you feel uncomfortable around bright lights, especially while driving at night.
As a result, you may shield your eyes or squint. After having your cataracts removed, this discomfort will go away. You’ll see a lot more clearly than when you had cataracts.
3. Frequent Prescription Changes
Getting new glasses or contacts every year or two is normal. But if your prescription changes after several weeks or a few months, you may have cataracts.
As cataracts develop, they cause your prescription to change rapidly. At some point, glasses or contacts won’t fix your blurry vision anymore.
The only effective treatment to restore clear vision is to undergo cataract surgery.
4. Double Vision in One Eye
As cataracts continue to form, they cover your natural lens more. Covering the natural lens may cause you to have double vision in one eye.
Seeing two or more images can be disorienting. It’s important to let your eye doctor know if you’re experiencing double vision in one eye.
5. Colors Appearing Faded
When everything around you seems faded or dull, you might have a cataract. You may also find it difficult to tell certain colors apart, like green and blue, because of a reduced ability to see contrast.
6. Trouble with Nighttime Driving
Glare and halos from stop signs, oncoming traffic, and brake lights may be due to cataracts and can distract you while driving. Driving at night with unstable vision is dangerous to you and others on the road.
If you suspect you have cataracts, it’s important to stop driving and see your ophthalmologist without delay to get to the root of the problem.
7. Second Sight
Sometimes, a cataract can improve your up-close vision. However, this is only short-lived and is known as second sight.
You may find that you no longer need your reading glasses. But as the cataract continues developing, it will prevent light from passing through. Your second sight will disappear if this happens, and your vision will continue deteriorating.
Choose the Best Cataract Surgeon
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, Dr. Farbowitz at Short Hills Ophthalmology can help. You don’t have to live with poor vision due to cataracts.
Schedule a cataract screening at Short Hills Ophthalmology in Clifton and Short Hills, NJ, today!
