Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye procedures performed today. A cataract is the clouding of what normally is a clear lens of a person’s eye, and this clouding typically develops slowly over a period of time. Thanks to advances in modern medicine, cataracts can be corrected with a safe, outpatient procedure.
But how do you know if you may have cataracts? Let’s discuss 4 early warning signs that you might have cataracts:
- Cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Increased light sensitivity
- Appearance of glare and halos
Cloudy Vision
A key sign that you might be developing cataracts is fuzzy spots in your field of vision. Early on, these cloudy spots appear as what can be described as small aberrations in the field of vision. Over time, what were once small aberrations grow in scope and intensity. As clouding vision becomes more significant, a person may find it more difficult to easily engage in some activities of daily life. If you experience more sudden and persistent cloudy vision, you should take steps to see an eye doctor immediately.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
A second common early sign of cataracts is difficulty seeing at night. As is the case with cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night becomes progressively more significant. Initially, difficulty seeing at night might not seem particularly noticeable. Ultimately, impairment of night vision can become so significant that a person can struggle with seeing road signs while driving at night.
Increased Light Sensitivity
A third early symptom indicative of possible cataracts is increased light sensitivity. This can include discomfort with brighter lights. This discomfort will become more bothersome or profound over time. It can result in a person having to squint or close eyes whenever bright lighting is encountered.
Appearance of Glare and Halos
A bit later in the progression, a sign of possible cataracts is the appearance of glare and halos in a person’s field of vision. This is caused by light passing through an actual cataract that has developed in an eye. The “diffracted light” results in the appearance of glare and halos. Glare and halos may not be noticeable during the day. However, these can be major issues at night.
Your Next Steps
If you find yourself experiencing what you believe might be a sign or signs of cataracts, an experienced eye doctor at Matossian Eye Associates can provide you with a thorough cataract evaluation. You can schedule an appointment at your convenience for a cataract evaluation or to address any of your eye care needs by calling (800) 708-8800, or request an appointment online. The team at Matossian Eye Associates is eager to assist with all your eye care needs.
