Signs That You May Have Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the clear, natural lenses of the eye begin to harden and yellow, creating a cloudy and opaque spot over the lenses. This condition prevents light rays from passing through the lens, making it difficult for a person to see. It is common in older people, and it’s the leading cause of blindness in seniors.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts range in their severity, and the treatment usually depends on how quickly the condition progresses. Early cataract signs include:

1. Cloudy vision – Look out for the appearance of noticeable fuzzy spots in your field of vision. These often start as small aberrations, but they tend to worsen over time.
2. Increased light sensitivity – People with cataracts may feel discomfort around bright lights, and this problem becomes increasingly noticeable over time.
3. Difficulty seeing at night – People with emerging cataracts also complain about gradual worsening of their nighttime vision. This causes their vision to darken or dim, and it may also result in slight tinges of brown or yellow.
4. Halos and glare – Halos and glares in the field of vision may be noticeable as the lens hardens and becomes cloudy. This is due to the diffraction of the light passing through cataracts. 

How to Slow Down Cataract Progression

Cataracts don’t always develop quickly so there’s often enough time to treat or prevent further progression. For instance, wearing sunglasses and eyeglasses can protect your eyes from sun exposure and digital screens. Switching to an eye-healthy diet can also help, and this means eating lots of leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Furthermore, you can also talk to your doctor about treatment and medications that you can try. Regular eye examinations are also crucial in monitoring the progression of cataracts. These allow you to adjust your treatment as needed before symptoms worsen.

Guilford Eye Center provides superior eye care services and products for children and adults. We offer eye disease treatments, dry eye treatment, eyeglasses, contact lenses and more. Call us at (336) 292-4516, or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We serve customers in Greensboro, NC.