Vision is one of the most important senses you have, so it’s essential that you protect it. From driving to watching TV, our vision aids us in almost every activity we carry out in the modern world.
One of the most common issues that people suffer from is cataracts, which can make day to day tasks a lot more difficult than they need to be. In the next section, we’re going to look at some of the tell-tale signs you may have cataracts, but first, it’s important to answer the question, what causes cataracts?
LEADING CAUSES OF CATARACTS
Cataracts often happen with age, as certain proteins within the lens of your eye can bunch together and make your vision become gradually more cloudy. Some of the risk factors for cataracts include smoking, radiation exposure, steroid medication, high blood sugar, and exposure to UV light without protection.
There are three types of cataracts. Nuclear cataracts affect the centre of the lens. Cortical cataracts affect the side of the lens and may appear as small streaks. Posterior subcapsular cataracts start at the back of the lens and grow over time. These different forms will harm your vision and need to be addressed.
Changes to your diet and daily habits can reduce the severity of cataracts and being careful from a young age can also help with this. Cataracts are quite common, and by the age of 75 about half of Americans will have them. This is why it’s crucial to see your doctor if you’re suffering from any of the symptoms in the next section.
5 TELLTALE SIGNS OF CATARACTS
DIFFICULTY SEEING AT NIGHT
Cataracts make it much more difficult to see at night. As they advance, they can cause a brown or yellow tinge that darkens overall vision. This can make bright rooms seem slightly dimmer, but it’s most noticeable at nighttime when things become much harder to detect.
This element of cataracts is particularly dangerous when it comes to activities such as driving, and a study by the Australian Curtin University found that cataract treatment reduced car accidents by 13%. It’s important to be cautious if you think you’re experiencing these symptoms and to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
FREQUENTLY CHANGING GLASSES
As you get older, you might find yourself frequently needing stronger glasses. Changing your pair of glasses all the time isn’t good for the eyes, and it isn’t a long-term solution to the underlying problem.
Although this issue isn’t definitely due to cataracts, there is a strong possibility that it could be. If you’re buying new pairs of reading glasses all the time then you should go to a doctor in order to get a correct diagnosis and address the problem in a more effective way.
CLOUDY VISION
One of the biggest and most obvious tell-tale signs of cataracts is cloudy vision. In the beginning, cataracts often start out small and are barely noticeable.
Over time, your vision will become blurrier and ultimately things will start to look cloudy and much less vibrant than they did when viewed with optimal vision. If you’ve noticed things starting to become cloudy, blurry, or dim, then you should consider the possibility of cataracts and seek the advice of a doctor.
LIGHT SENSITIVITY
Nobody likes having a bright light shone into their eyes, but this is even worse for somebody with cataracts. If the glare of bright lights is becoming increasingly painful, this could be due to an underlying issue such as cataracts. Light sensitivity is particularly prevalent in those with posterior subcapsular cataracts.
Lens clouding can also cause light diffraction. This is when a halo of light appears around bright lights, and it can come in a variety of colours. Light sensitivity is yet another reason why cataracts can be dangerous for drivers.
DOUBLE VISION
If your vision is getting cloudier and blurrier, it can also cause double vision. Double vision can be confusing and irritating, and it’s dangerous if you’re driving or working in an environment that requires you to be careful.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Cataracts can be treated by using a variety of methods, including something as simple as diet. Leaving the issue can cause things to get worse than they need to be, so it’s recommended that you visit an eye health professional promptly if you’re worried about your vision.
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