Concerned that you may have cataracts? They are an almost inevitable part of aging. Cataracts affect the lens.
This is the part of the eye that focuses light on the retina to see images. When you have a cataract, it clouds the lens.
This makes it difficult to focus enough light through the retina. Keep reading for 5 signs you may have cataracts!
What are the Signs of Cataracts?
The following are signs and symptoms that may show that you have cataracts:
1. Blurry Vision
Cataracts occur when proteins in the lens break down and clump together. This forms an opaque layer.
The opaque layer blocks the light passing to the retina. As a result, you end up with clouded or blurred vision.
In the early stages, you may notice fuzzy spots in your vision. Over time, you may notice that more of your vision becomes blurry. It’s not unusual to see unfocused images with cataracts.
2. Poor Night Vision
As cataracts become more advanced, the clouding on the lens will develop a yellow or brown tint. This especially affects night vision.
At night, there’s limited light compared to natural light during the day. Because of this, it makes driving at night much harder. You may see halos or glare around street lights or headlights.
3. Seeing Halos Around Lights
Due to the clouding in the lens, it’s common to see halos around lights. Driving at night becomes dangerous at this point.
Seeing halos can make it harder to see than before. If you feel unsafe driving, talk to a family member or friend who can drive you where you need to go.
4. Frequent Prescription Changes
If you need to change your glasses or contact prescription frequently, it could be because you have a cataract. If this happens, you should have an eye exam.
This will allow you to know if you have cataracts or not.
5. Light Sensitivity
Cataracts make it difficult to focus on bright lights. You may find yourself having to squint or close your eyes because of the glare from the lights.
What are the Different Types of Cataracts?
The signs and symptoms that you develop vary depending on the kind of cataracts that you have. Here are the different types of cataracts you should know about:
Nuclear Cataracts
These are cataracts that affect the central part of the eye lens. At first, they may cause nearsightedness. Eventually, the lens becomes tinted in yellow, then brown, changing your perception of color.
Subcapsular Cataracts
This kind of cataract develops at the back of the lens. They grow in the path of the light and progress faster than other types.
Cortical Cataracts
These cataracts affect the edges of the lens but slowly grow towards the center.
Congenital Cataracts
People are either born with congenital cataracts or develop them during childhood. Trauma in the womb, infection, or genetics are the major risk factors for this type of cataract.
Take Preventative Measures Against Cataracts
More than half of Americans develop cataracts by the age of 75. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures.
This means you should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, avoid smoking, and manage medical conditions. Being in good health is an easy way to prevent cataracts from forming early on.
There is no way to guarantee you’ll never develop cataracts but being healthy can help!
Think you may have the warning signs of a cataract? Schedule a cataract screening at Herschel LASIK & Cataract Institute in Orlando, FL!
