7 Common Signs of Cataracts

Have you recently noticed it’s more difficult to see? Do things like the television or a restaurant menu appear blurry? There’s a chance you may be developing a cataract. 

A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens within your eye. Cataracts may not be noticeable at first but can worsen over time as the cataract grows. The signs of cataracts may resemble those of other eye conditions, so they can be difficult to diagnose on your own. 

Continue reading to learn more about the common signs of cataracts from The EyeDoctors.

Factors That Increase Your Chance of Developing Cataracts

Factors that can increase your risk of cataract development include:

• Past eye surgeries

• Diabetes

• Using steroids, a drug used for many health problems such as arthritis

• Taking phenothiazine drugs, which are used for conditions like bipolar disorder

• Ultraviolet exposure, or spending time in the sun without wearing sunglasses

It is possible for cataracts to develop in both of your eyes. However, the cataracts may develop at different rates.

Common Cataract Signs And Symptoms

Now that you understand what a cataract is, let's take a closer look at the most common cataract signs and symptoms.

1. Blurry Vision

Blurry vision from a cataract will progress over time, causing you to feel like you’re looking through a foggy car window. This can impact your everyday life, especially while driving or reading.

2. Poor Visibility in Low Light

Have you bought some brighter lamps recently? Read the restaurant menu with your phone’s flashlight? As cataracts develop, you may find yourself needing a brighter environment for everyday tasks. As a result, your ability to see at night is also affected by the cataracts.

3. Sensitivity to Light

Although you may need more light to see, it’s possible you’ll also experience sensitivity to light. People with cataracts may notice that lights can cause a debilitating glare. This is especially dangerous when driving at night.

4. Changes To Your Prescription Lens

If you've had to make one or more changes to your lens prescription recently, this may be due to developing cataracts.

5. Light Glares or Halos

Do headlights bother you when you drive at night or on cloudy days? Cataracts can cause halos or glares to appear around bright lights. 

6. Dull Colors

Instead of seeing bright colors as they normally are, cataracts can make them appear dull or yellow.

7. Double Vision

Cataracts can sometimes cause you to see double images, making it difficult to perform your everyday activities.

It is also possible that your ocular symptoms may be from something other than cataracts. Working with a trusted eye doctor is the best way to confirm whether or not you have cataracts.