Early Warning Signs of Cataracts: Are Your Eyes Trying to Tell You Something?

Introduction:

Have you found recently that things are getting a bit fuzzy? Perhaps colors don’t look as vivid, or the task of driving at night has become more difficult. These are small changes that might be the first indicators of cataracts. It is a typical eye problem that many people ignore.

At Bergen Optometry, we understand that early intervention is key for clear sight. In this post, we’ll look at common signs of cataracts forming. We’ll also discuss what you can do about them.

5 Subtle Signs That Cataracts Might Be Forming

• Why do they see everything with a cloudy eye?

  One of the first symptoms is blurred vision, as if looking at the world through a smudged window. New glasses won't totally clear up cataract-related blurriness. This isn't true for common vision changes that glasses and contacts can fix.

• Night Vision Struggles.

  Scared to drive at night for fear of glare from lights? Cataracts may be the culprit. As they cloud, the eye’s natural lens diffracts light, making it more difficult to see in low light.

• Colors seem washed out.

  Do reds look duller? Blues less vivid? Cataracts may discolor the eye’s lens, yellowing or browning it and dulling your color vision. Some people don’t realize how much of their vibrancy they have lost until after the surgery!

• Double Vision (Even with One Eye Closed)

  Cataracts can produce illusions in one eye. This is due to disequilibrium light scattering. This is not the same as neurologic double vision. If covering one eye doesn’t eliminate the doubling, make an appointment for an eye exam.

• Frequent Prescription Changes

  If your glasses or contacts require frequent tweaking, yours may not be just aging eyes. Rapid shifts in vision may be a sign of developing cataracts.

Cataracts develop slowly. If you ignore the symptoms, you may face serious vision loss.

Self-Check: Compare your vision in each eye! If you see any inconsistencies in your brightness or clarity? That’s a signal to get your eyes checked by an optometrist.

Final Thought

Your eyes are important, and we want to help you keep them looking their best! If you notice any changes that concern you, Bergen Optometry is here for you. A full eye exam can help you stay on top of your eye health. Taking action early helps you see the world clearly!

Make an appointment today—because perfect vision is not a luxury.