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6 Ways To Know You Have Cataracts
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in Cataracts
As we get older, our vision gets worse. There are certain eye conditions that we get as we age that contribute to many visual problems.
The most common of these conditions are cataracts. Cataracts occur when the crystalline lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts don’t only affect the elderly since they can occur at any age. People who are 40 and over are at the highest risk.
There is good news since cataracts are treatable! You can have them removed through cataract surgery.
But before you can do that, you need to have your cataracts examined and diagnosed by a doctor. How do you know if you might have cataracts? Well, here are a few ways.
Cloudy Vision
One of the primary symptoms of cataracts is if you have blurred vision. Some people mistake this for a prescription change.
But a stronger prescription won’t help with blurry vision due to cataracts. The lens in your eye is what’s making everything seem blurry. When you have a cataract, trying to see can be like looking through a fogged window.
Glare and Halos
Cataracts often cause intense glare, especially from bright lights on a dark background. This can make car headlights at night particularly bothersome. Patients also see halos of light that impede their vision, especially at night.
Light Sensitivity
Besides seeing halos and glare, cataract patients are often more sensitive to light. This may mean that you have a difficult time keeping your eyes wide open when it’s bright out. It can also mean you get headaches when exposed to too much light.
Difficulty Distinguishing Similar Colors
Cataracts make it hard to see contrast. This means that it’s hard to see objects that are the same color as the background they’re against. Colors may also appear to be more faded. You may even have difficulty seeing the difference between blue and green.
Trouble Seeing at Night
Seeing in low light is harder for patients with cataracts. You may find that when completing up close activities, you need more light than normal.
Driving at night becomes more difficult, especially with glare and halos from headlights. It should go without saying that you shouldn’t drive if you feel like you can’t see!
Double Vision In One Eye
Cataracts can cause double vision. This means that the patient sees more than one image when only one eye is open. If you see double while keeping one eye closed, this is usually a sign that you have cataracts.
Having double vision is not painful but it can be frustrating while driving. If you’re experiencing double vision in one eye, see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, you should see your regular eye doctor to have your eyes examined. If you have advanced cataracts, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery.
Looking for somewhere to have cataract surgery? Consider scheduling an appointment with Georgia Eye Associates in Lawrenceville, Georgia today!
