For those with normal vision, the eyes’ lenses are clear. For those that suffer from cataracts, however, that clearness makes way for a form of clouding. Trying to look through a cloudy lens is comparable to looking through a window which is all foggy or frosty. As you would expect, this can make it difficult to do everything from reading a book to driving a car.
One of the main issues with cataracts is how they tend to develop at a slow rate, to the point where it doesn’t cause any disruption to eyesight at the beginning. This means the condition can creep up on someone and develop to the point where it is a notable interference to vision.
Are you fearful that you have developed cataracts like approximately 25 million Americans aged 40 and above?
If so, make sure you diagnose yourself against the following five symptoms.
1. Night vision affected
When cataracts develop into a more serious condition, they begin to take on a form with a brown or yellow tinge. The darkening of the lens begins to impact night vision. This results in select nighttime activities, becoming a lot more difficult. One such activity is driving. Due to how your night vision is affected, it makes getting around in your vehicle a serious challenge – and one that should be avoided for those with advanced cataracts.
2. The pain of bright lights
One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is light sensitivity. This means that, if you have cataracts and look at a bright light, the glare from it can be painful for your eyes. The bright light issue is certainly of concern for those with posterior subcapsular cataracts, which are cataracts that impact the back of the eyes’ lens.
3. The need for constant new glasses
Do you have to frequently change your glasses or contact prescriptions, upping the lens strength to be able to see clearly? This rapid upgrading could be a strong indicator that you have developed cataracts.
Simply going to the drugstore to purchase stronger reading glasses isn’t going to fix the issue. See a specialist eye doctor for advice on glasses and, more importantly, the treatment needed if you do have cataracts. If you require surgery, Visionary Eye Centre has an extensive guide to cataract surgery.
4. The appearance of halos around lights
Due to the clouding of the eyes’ lenses, this may result in light diffraction from entering the eye. If this happens, it can result in halos appearing around different light sources. These rings, which may come in various colors and appear around every light in your vision, can be particularly disruptive. This is certainly the case when it comes to driving at night, which again makes this something every person with cataracts needs to avoid.
5. The requirement for brighter lights
This might seem contradictory when compared to previous points, but cataracts are not a straightforward condition. As for when you may require brighter lights when compared to normal, this could be when trying to read a book, for example.
