All About Blurry Vision Due To Cataracts

What is a cataract and what causes them?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that can make someone feel as if they are looking through a fogged window. Everyday activities can become difficult to complete as the cataract progresses such as reading and driving especially with glare at night.

There are different types of cataracts. Each of them can create slightly different symptoms. Some progress more quickly than others. In some cases changes in vision can occur as quickly as six months. It also causes the lens to become less flexible and can change your prescription over time.

What are the symptoms of a cataract? 

In the beginning stages of a cataract, you may not notice symptoms because it may only affect a small part of the eye lens. Overtime as it progresses and more clouding occurs you will notice more symptoms. Symptoms may include fading or yellowing of colors, seeing halos around lights, sensitivity to light and glare, clouded, blurry or low vision, difficulty seeing at night, constant changes in eyeglass prescription, double vision in one eye, and the need for brighter light for reading and other activities. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms make an appointment with an eye care specialist as soon as possible. 

Who is at risk for Cataracts? 

There are many risk factors for cataracts. Naturally as you get older the risk for cataracts increases. You are also at a higher risk for cataracts if you have diabetes, spend a lot of time in the sun, take steroids to treat health problems like allergies, or arthritis. You are also at an increased risk for cataracts if you are a smoker or have had an eye injury, surgery or radiation treatments on the upper body. If you are concerned with the possibilities of developing a cataract, talk to your doctor about ways to lower the risk. 

How is a cataract diagnosed? 

An optometrist examines your eyes during a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose a cataract. Your doctor will dilate your eyes in order to see the back of the eye more clearly. Your doctor will look for signs of a cataract using a slit lamp microscope to spot any abnormalities in the lens. 

What are the treatments for Cataracts? 

Once cataracts progress to significantly impact your vision, surgery is indicated. During cataract surgery, an eye surgeon will replace the natural lens that is cloudy with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

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