Cataracts are one of the most common causes of blurry vision for those over the age of forty, but they are also treatable. While only your eye doctor can truly diagnose whether you have a cataract, there are some common symptoms that you should be aware of.

Keep reading to learn the most common symptoms of cataracts! 

What Are Cataracts?  

Cataracts develop as your eyes age. When a cataract forms, the clear lens in your eye starts to harden naturally, making everything appear yellowish. 

It can become difficult for you to focus and see clearly with a cataract. Your vision may seem blurry or cloudy, and colors tend to dull over time. 

You may notice a sensitivity to bright lights and, at the same time, find that you need an even brighter light to focus on something. If left untreated, cataracts can significantly diminish your sight.

Once your cataract surgeon removes the cataract and replaces it with an artificial lens, your vision will be clear once again. Most people will develop cataracts by the time they turn eighty. 

However, some people will develop cataracts much earlier than that. Diet, lifestyle, medications, and hereditary conditions can cause a cataract to form on much younger eyes. 

Those with uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, eye injuries, excessive exposure to the sun, or frequent smokers may be at a higher risk.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms of Cataracts?

Depending on each person, symptoms may vary. Some people may have cataracts but do not notice any symptoms, while others may experience all symptoms at once. 

Here are some of the most common symptoms of cataracts:

Blurry vision

When you have a cataract, your vision may seem cloudy, colors faded and almost yellowish. You may also notice difficulty seeing things in dim lighting.

Many people with cataracts struggle to read at night without additional light. You may also notice that you feel like you need to have your glasses prescription updated more frequently. 

In some cases, your vision may even seem distorted or irregular. 

Glare

Another common symptom of cataracts is glare from light sources. Many people first notice this symptom when driving at night, when bright headlights make driving difficult.

You may also notice haloes or starbursts around light sources. Glare can make everyday activities much more challenging. 

Having Double Vision  

Double vision can also be a symptom of cataracts. Sometimes this double vision may come in the form of a ghosting or shadowing of an image. 

When the lens is cloudy and unable to reflect the light properly, what you see may be fragmented into multiple incomplete, duplicate images. When you look at something, you see more than one image as your eye struggles to make a complete picture.

Reading can be difficult when you have double-vision. You may adapt to this by closing one eye and focusing on the other.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

The only way to completely restore vision changes from cataracts is through cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a common procedure with minimal recovery time. 

Once your eye doctor determines that it’s time for you to have cataract surgery, your next step will be to discuss lens options and preparations for surgery. Cataract surgery involves having the cloudy lens in your eye removed and replaced with an artificial lens.

This new artificial lens will enhance your vision and allow you to see clearly without glasses or contacts. After cataract surgery, your vision will be restored, and with it, your confidence and appreciation for life. 

Do you want to determine if your symptoms are due to cataracts? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Vision Care of Maine in Bangor, ME, today!