Cataracts refer to a clumping together of the proteins in the lens of the eyes. This condition is not uncommon, especially as a person ages, and is usually treatable with medication or surgery, depending on how advanced the clumping has become. It's important for anyone with cataracts to get to their doctor at the first sign of their symptoms so they can be treated before they become severe. A person may also address anything that may be causing cataracts, such as smoking or certain medications. Note a few common symptoms of cataracts so you know what to look for and can make an appointment with an eye doctor if these occur.
1. Blurred vision
Blurry vision is one of the first signs of cataracts, but consider that this is often different than the blurriness you may experience from eye strain or eye fatigue. With cataracts, it may seem as if you're looking at things through a thick bottle or through thick fog, not just that lines or borders around objects are blurred. This is from the proteins clumping together and causing a type of film over the eyes.
2. Dim night vision
The covering over the eye lens due to cataracts can impair night vision; objects are not just blurry but they get very dim too. Imagine driving down a dark street that is illuminated with table lamps rather than street lights and you may understand how cataracts affect your night vision. It may seem as if you simply cannot get enough light in a room or anywhere else at night when you have cataracts.
3. Light sensitivity
While cataracts can make night vision even darker and cause blurriness, it can also make a person very sensitive to light, especially bright light. Normal light can seem glaring and can cause pain in the eyes when a person has cataracts.
4. Halos
It's not unusual for someone with cataracts to see halos around light sources, including lamps, headlights, streetlights, and the like. The halos may also be seen around other light-colored objects, but seeing them around lights themselves is most common.
5. Discoloration of the eye lens
This clumping together of the proteins may cause the eye lens to darken and the proteins themselves may turn a yellowish or brown color. The eye lens may look as if it has a covering over it or a person may notice a yellowish or brown tinge around the iris or the whites of the eyes.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important that you visit a local optometrist center, such as myEyeSpecialist.
