Are you starting to see halos around lights when you drive at night? Do items that once looked whit now look yellow? These are signs that you may be developing cataracts.
Keep reading for more information about what happens when you have cataracts!
What are cataracts?
People develop cataracts when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. Your lens is typically clear. People with cataracts describe it as looking through a cloudy window.
When you have cloudy vision from cataracts, it might be challenging to drive a car. This is especially true at night.
You may also find it difficult to do detail-oriented tasks like reading or sewing. It is very common to develop cataracts as people age.
When you first have cataracts, they are usually quite small. You may not even realize you have them! At this stage, they will not impact your vision.
Most patients develop cataracts slowly and over time. As time goes on, cataracts grow and will start to affect vision. Getting regular eye exams is the best way to track cataract growth.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:Cloudy, blurry, or faint visionDifficulty seeing at nightHaving sensitivity to light and glareSeeing halos around lightsNeeding brighter lights for reading or other detail-oriented activitiesHaving double vision in one eyeNoticing that colors look faded or yellowNeeding frequent glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
Early on, you can use stronger light and glasses to help manage the symptoms from cataracts. Also, when cataracts are developing they only take up a small part of the lens.
As a cataract grows and develops, it takes over more of the lens. This clouds your lens and it becomes harder to see.
If your vision problems begin to affect your life, talk to your doctor about cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a safe, common, and successful procedure.
How do you diagnose cataracts?
It is easy to diagnose cataracts. Your doctor will do a few easy, pain-free and non-invasive tests.
The tests look at how thick your cataracts are, the results from glare and vision tests, and refraction. After completing these, your doctor will discuss different treatment options.
If you and your doctor determine that your vision problems cannot be treated with a new prescription, the next step is cataract surgery. Cataracts do not cause permanent damage to your vision, so you do not need to rush to remove them.
Cataract surgery is a common procedure and your vision will improve after having it.
How do you prevent cataracts?
There is no way to guarantee you will never develop cataracts or you will be able to prevent them. You can try the following to avoid developing cataracts early on:
Stop smoking if you’re a smokerGet other health conditions you may have under controlEat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetablesWear sunglasses whenever you’re outsideReduce how much alcohol you drinkGet frequent eye exams.
Do you think that you have cataracts? Schedule a cataract screening at Chicago Cornea Consultants™ in Chicago, IL now! If you’re tired of living with the frustrating symptoms of cataracts, our doctors can help!
