Top Cataract Symptoms for Cataract Awareness Month

Top Cataract Symptoms for Cataract Awareness Month

June is cataract awareness month. Globally, an estimated 30 million individuals are blinded by cataracts, and another 240 million people experience visual impairment that affects daily life. With so many lives being impacted by cataracts, it is the perfect time to learn more about early symptoms. Visiting an eye care professional every year is an important part of your eye health at any age.

 

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Some cataracts are caused by certain medical conditions, medications, or eye injuries, but most cataracts are related to aging and will eventually happen to most of us. Cataract removal is one of the most common surgeries in the United States.

While cataracts may start out small at first and have little effect on your vision, as they grow larger they may cloud more of your lens and distort the light passing through. This may lead to more noticeable symptoms.

 

What are common cataract symptoms?

If you have a cataract, you may notice that your vision is slightly blurred, as though you are looking through a cloudy piece of glass. You might also notice that light (either from the sun or from a lamp) appears too bright. Or, you might notice that when you drive at night, the oncoming headlights cause more glare. Even colors may start to appear dull and less colorful. Common cataract symptoms may include:

  • Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
  • Seeing “halos” around lights
  • Increased nearsightedness and/or frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
  • Colors appear faded
  • Double vision in one eye

 

Do different types of cataracts cause different symptoms?

Different types of cataracts cause different symptoms.

  1. A nuclear cataract, one that affects the central part of the lens, may actually cause a temporary improvement in your near vision known as “second sight.” It unfortunately does not last long and improved vision disappears as the cataract worsens.
  2. A subcapsular cataract, which affects localized parts of the lens, may not produce any symptoms at all until it’s well developed. Cortical cataracts start in the periphery of the lens and gradually extend from the outside to the center and commonly cause blurry vision, double vision, and glare.
  3. Most cataracts develop slowly, making it more difficult to detect symptoms. An annual visit to your eye care professional is the best way to identify cataracts early on.

 

Can I prevent cataracts?

While there is disagreement about whether cataracts can be prevented, several studies suggest that certain nutrients and nutritional supplements may reduce your risk. Always wearing sunglasses outdoors that block the sun’s UV rays is another step you can take to reduce the risk of cataracts.

While cataracts are a serious eye condition that can vary in type and symptoms, they can be safely and effectively removed and vision can be restored.

 

References:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/dxc-20215129
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/eye_care/cataracts_and_cataract_surgery_85,P00494/
http://www.preventblindness.org/cataract-awareness-month
https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics
MarketScope 2016 IOL Report