Cataract Signs and Symptoms: An Introduction

Cataract Signs and Symptoms: An Introduction

A cataract is simply the clouding of the lens in the eye. Cataracts are common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. However, it cannot spread from one eye to the other.
A cataract starts out small and has little effect on vision at first. You may notice that your vision is a little blurry -- like looking through a cloudy piece of glass.
A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright, causing a glare. Or, you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Also, colors may not appear as bright to you as they once did.
As the cataract gets bigger and clouds more of the lens (healthcare providers use the term "ripens"), you may find it harder to read and do other normal tasks. The word "cataract" means "waterfall," and for people with a ripe cataract, it is like trying to see through a waterfall.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts usually form slowly and cause few symptoms until they noticeable block light. When symptoms are present, they can include:

Other cataract symptoms may include:
1.Poor night vision
2.Double vision or multiple images in one eye (this symptom may go away as the cataract gets larger)
3.Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
4.Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy.
5.Progressive nearsightedness in older people often called "second sight" because they may no longer need glasses.
6.Changes in the way you see color because the discolored lens acts as a filter.
7.Problems driving at night such as glare from oncoming headlights.
8.Problems with glare during the day.
9.Double vision.
10.Sudden changes in glasses prescription.

In addition to the obvious problems of reduced vision, the visual disability associated with cataracts can have a significant impact on the risk of falls and fractures, your quality of life, and possibly even mortality.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
An eye exam will be given to test how well you can see (remember to bring your glasses or wear your contacts to the appointment). Your doctor will also dilate your pupil in order to examine the condition of the lens and other parts of the eye.
Adult cataracts develop slowly and painlessly.
Vision in the affected eye or eyes slowly gets worse.
Mild clouding of the lens often occurs after age 60, but it may not cause any vision problems.
By age 75, most people have cataracts that affect their vision.
Visual problems may include the following changes:
Being sensitive to glare
Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision
Difficulty seeing at night or in dim light

Loss of color intensity
Problems seeing shapes against a background or the difference between shades of colors
Seeing halos around lights
Cataracts generally lead to decreased vision, even in daylight. Most people with cataracts have similar changes in both eyes, although one eye may be worse than the other. Many people with this condition have only mild vision changes.
Other  may include:
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

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