5 Signs You May Have A Cataract

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on May 29, 2020

Are you experiencing blurry or cloudy vision? Do you see halos around lights when you drive at night?

These are two common signs that you may have started developing cataracts. Cataracts are more likely to occur as we grow older. Keep reading to find out five signs you may have a cataract!

What is a Cataract?

As we age, the lens of the eye can become cloudy. This happens because of a build-up of proteins in the lens. As the lens gets cloudier, it becomes harder and harder to see through.

This eventually leads to the development of a cataract. Many cataract patients describe cataracts as looking at things through a foggy window. When you have cataracts, it becomes more challenging to drive at night and even complete detail-oriented tasks.

1. Vision Changes

In the beginning, cataracts are small and they grow slowly. At this stage, they do not affect your vision.

You may not even realize you have a cataract at first! They do not affect your vision. But as time passes, your cataracts get bigger and start impacting your vision.

The best way to diagnose cataracts early on is by getting frequent eye exams. If you have cataracts, common vision changes include cloudy, faded, or blurry vision.

You may become sensitive to light if you have cataracts. Also, some patients see halos and glare around lights.

Cataracts can make normal levels of light seem too strong. Another common symptom or sign of cataracts is double vision. Cataracts make your lens cloudy, which makes it harder for light to enter your eye. Because of this, it can cause you to experience double vision.

2. Difficulty Driving at Night

If you have cataracts, it can be harder to tell the difference between dark and light. Some patients experience headaches from looking at headlights or street lamps when they drive at night.

You may also see halos around lights while you are driving at night. Seeing halos or glare while driving at night can make it more dangerous.

If you ever feel unsafe while driving, talk to a friend or family member about driving you instead. There’s no reason to put yourself or others on the road in danger because of your cataracts!

3. Requiring Stronger Light

If you are trying to complete a detail-oriented task, you might need stronger light to focus. Activities that may require more light include sewing and reading.

Increasing the amount of light might work in the beginning, but as your cataracts grow, it won’t help.

4. Color Discoloration

When cataracts mature, they can cause colors to look faded or less intense. For example, clothing you know is white will start looking yellow.

When cataracts become more mature and developed, they may be yellow or brown. This can then make other things look brown or yellow as well when you look at them.

5. Needing Frequent Prescription Changes

When your cataracts mature, your vision will change too. You could go from seeing distances clearly to needing frequent prescriptions to see a street sign. Sudden vision changes are a sign that you could have cataracts.

If your cataracts start to seriously impact your life, it may be time to talk to your eye doctor about cataract surgery.

Do any of these signs sound familiar to you? If so, you might have cataracts. Schedule a cataract screening at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO now!