Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Cataracts on March 29, 2024
Cataracts are a fact of life for many of us. Usually caused by aging, cataracts are a build-up of proteins on the eye’s lens.
This build-up of proteins causes cloudy or discolored areas on the lens, making it no longer clear. This limits the amount of light that reaches the retina and affects vision.
In the vast majority of cases, Cataracts develop slowly. They start small, and in the earliest stages, you might not notice cataracts at all. Over time, cataracts increase in size, and you’ll begin to notice changes in your vision.
Keep reading to learn the most common symptoms of cataracts.
Common Cataract Symptoms
Cloudy or blurry vision
The protein deposits that make up cataracts cause vision to seem blurry, hazy, or out of focus. You may notice that our vision seems dimmer, even during daylight or in bright lights.
Colors seem faded
Cataracts can cause the lens to develop a brownish or yellowish tinge. This can act like a brown and yellow film over your vision, making colors seem less vibrant or dimmed.
Glare or halos around lights
Cataracts may cause you to notice glare or halos around lights. These can be noticeable at night, particularly when driving. The halos or bright glare might make it difficult to see when faced with oncoming headlights or streetlamps.
Increased Light Requirement for Clear Vision
Cataracts prevent light from penetrating the retina. This reduces how well you can see in low light.
You may need help reading menus in restaurants with dim lighting or find night driving more challenging. You may even find yourself increasing screen brightness on reading materials or choosing brighter ambient lighting.
Multiple (double) vision
Distortions from cataracts may cause double vision in one or both eyes. It is essential to speak to your eye doctor immediately about any episode of double vision.
Double vision can be a sign of serious health conditions such as a brain tumor, a concussion, or multiple sclerosis. Please seek medical help quickly if you have double vision.
Frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions
As cataracts progress, they can cause frequent changes in your vision, which means your glasses or contact lens prescription changes more often. If you’re experiencing frequent changes to your glasses or contacts, you may need to consider cataract surgery.
How to Manage Cataract Symptoms
Many people manage their cataract symptoms alone for an extended period by using accommodations like magnifying glasses or special lights to make reading easier. Keeping your glasses or contact lens prescription up to date can also help minimize the symptoms of cataracts.
Eventually, however, cataracts can lead to vision loss, affecting your ability to conduct ordinary activities. When this happens, cataract surgery is the only treatment option.
Cataract surgery is a safe, effective procedure where your eye doctor replaces your eye’s clouded lens with a clear, artificial lens. The new lens completely corrects the vision issues associated with cataracts.
Before your procedure, you can work with your ophthalmologist at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, to choose your artificial lens, an Intraocular Lens (IOL). Cataract surgery can also correct refraction errors, making you less reliant on glasses or contacts.
Are you experiencing symptoms you think may be related to cataracts? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
