Blog post by: Eye Physicians of Long Beach
Do you have blurry vision? Are you finding it more challenging to do things you love because of this?
It could be due to cataracts. Cataracts typically develop gradually, so you’re unlikely to notice any visual changes in the early stages. With time, you may start to experience various symptoms.
Once these symptoms make it hard to perform routine activities, it could be time for cataract surgery. Keep reading to learn if it could be time for cataract surgery and what that could mean for your vision!
Blurred Vision
Blurred or foggy vision at any distance is a common sign of cataracts. Over time, the proteins in your lens cause it to become cloudy, making it harder to focus light accurately on the retina at the back of your eye.
This leads to blurred, foggy, or filmy vision. Blurry vision can make it challenging to perform everyday activities like reading, watching TV, and running errands.
It can also increase your risk of trips, slips, and falls, which can cause serious injuries. If your vision is blurry and you struggle to see, it may be time for cataract surgery.
Halos
Halos are circles or rings that form around light sources. If you’re seeing halos around bright lights, this could be a warning sign of cataracts.
Cataracts scatter or diffract light entering your eye, causing you to see halos. You’ll likely notice halos around streetlamps and headlights at night, making it far more challenging to drive safely at night.
Cataract surgery can help you achieve clear, halo-free vision.
Light Sensitivity and Glare
The scattering of light in different directions due to cataracts can also heighten sensitivity to light and glare. As a result, the sun and light sources may appear overwhelmingly intense.
Bright indoor and outdoor lighting can impair vision, make it difficult to keep your eyes open, and cause discomfort or pain. You may squint or shield your eyes from light sources to reduce the discomfort.
Glare is also noticeable at night around light sources such as traffic lights and headlights. It’s essential to see your ophthalmologist at Eye Physicians of Long Beach if you have these signs of cataracts. They may recommend cataract surgery to eliminate these symptoms and improve your vision.
Fading and Yellowing of Colors
Do your clothes seem faded or muddy? It may be time to have your cataract removed. Over time, cataracts turn brown or yellow and pass this hue onto your vision.
Consequently, colors may look muted, washed out, or yellowed, making it hard to distinguish between hues, such as browns, blues, and purples. For instance, even in adequate lighting, it might be difficult to distinguish between a brown and blue T-shirt.
Cataract surgery will allow you to experience the full spectrum of colors
again. It will reintroduce you to a vivid, vibrant, and brighter world without faded colors, instead showing you the full gamut of shades around you.
Double Vision
Double vision in one eye is another tell-tale sign of cataracts. As a cataract develops, it can scatter light entering your eye, causing double vision in that eye.
You may see two images of the same object closely together with double vision. This effect is called ghosting.
If you’re experiencing double vision, you should see your ophthalmologist to determine if you could have cataracts and if you may need cataract surgery. Cataract surgery can restore your crisp, sharp vision by removing the cataract and replacing the cloudy lens with an intraocular lens.
Frequent Prescription Changes
If you have a cataract, it will continue to cloud your vision, gradually affecting it. As a result, you may notice more frequent prescription changes and fluctuations.
A stronger prescription can help you see clearly, but only temporarily. Ultimately, if you have cataracts, a new prescription won’t improve your vision as they worsen.
Rather than changing the prescription of your glasses or contact lenses every few months, consider having cataract surgery. Cataract surgery permanently addresses the underlying cause of your deteriorating eyesight and restores clear, sharp vision.
Needing More Light for Up Close Activities
You may require brighter lighting to perform up-close activities like reading, writing, knitting, and sewing when you have advanced cataracts. As cataracts progress, they can block light from reaching the retina, making it progressively more challenging to see in typical lighting.
The good news is that having cataract surgery will remove your cataracts, returning clarity to your world. You’ll no longer need to sit close to lamps or use stronger lighting around your home to get things done.
Poor Night Vision
Cataracts cause blurry vision, halos, double vision, and glare, leading to poor night vision. Driving at night can become quite dangerous when you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Oncoming headlights can blind you, and it may be difficult to read street signs, making you a liability on the road. If you don’t feel safe driving at night, find a trusted friend or drive you until you can have cataract surgery.
Driving with limited vision at night puts you and others on the road at risk. After cataract surgery, you’ll be able to see clearly, making it safe to get behind the wheel and helping you regain your independence.
Second Sight
Cataracts worsen vision over time. But sometimes, a cataract may improve your eyesight temporarily.
This phenomenon called second sight occurs with a nuclear cataract that develops at the center of the lens. Second sight happens when a cataract causes your natural lens to bulge and swell.
The swelling can change how light focuses, making close-up vision sharper. You might even find that you don’t need your reading glasses. However, second sight eventually wears off as the lens becomes cloudy, and your vision deteriorates again.
If you have a cataract and suddenly realize that you can see clearly, it may be time for cataract surgery.
Reclaim Your Vision
Are cataracts affecting your ability to see clearly? Schedule your cataract consultation today at Eye Physicians of Long Beach in Long Beach, CA, to determine if you need cataract surgery. Isn’t it time to reclaim your vision and finally see clearly again?