Cataracts result from the natural aging process. Eye lenses that were initially clear start to cloud over and become harder and more rigid. For people with this condition, seeing through their cloudy lenses is like looking through a fogged-up or frosty window. This makes it difficult for them to see people’s expressions, drive at night, or read.
 

This condition develops slowly and does not affect your eyesight early on. With time, however, it will eventually lead to vision problems. At first, eyeglasses and stronger lighting will help you deal with cataracts. When your vision problems start to interfere with your normal activities, you should consider having cataract surgery. Fortunately, it is usually an effective and safe procedure. Some of the common signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

 

Cloudy or Blurry Days

This condition starts slowly; therefore, initially, you may not experience any negative effects on your vision. After some time, however, things might start seeming a little blurry. You will feel like you are looking at an impressionist painting. This problem will continue to get worse over time, and your world will seem dim, blurry, or cloudy.
 

There are three different types of cataracts, and they usually affect different parts of your lens. These are:

• Cortical cataracts, which look like small streaks affecting the side of the lens.

• Nuclear cataracts that affect the center of the lens.

• Posterior subcapsular cataracts.
  
   

Bad Night Vision

As the condition becomes more advanced, you will need to cut back on your wild nights. This is because cataracts will start darkening with a brown or yellow tinge, which will affect your night vision. Certain night-time activities will become more difficult; for example, driving at night. If you suspect that you have cataracts, you should avoid driving when your vision is impaired.

 

Light Sensitivity

One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is light sensitivity. You will experience pain when you look at bright lights, especially if you have posterior subcapsular cataracts. These start at the back of your eye lens and block the light’s path. Often, they interfere with your ability to read.

 

Seeing Halos

The deflection of the light entering your eyes results from the clouding of the lens. This will cause you to see halos around light sources. Sometimes, these rings around light sources can make driving at night extremely difficult.

 

Frequently Needing Stronger Contacts or Glasses

If you frequently need stronger contact lenses or eyeglasses, you may have cataracts. Unfortunately, purchasing stronger glasses or contacts will not fix your vision problem. You need to visit your eye doctor to determine why your eyesight is changing so rapidly. When you visit your eye doctor, you will benefit from prompt treatment, which will help you avoid serious complications.

 

Living in a Yellow World

As the problem progresses, the cluster of protein causing your lens to the cloud will start turning brownish or yellow. This will cause the light to enter your eye to have a yellow tint. You will feel like you are wearing sunglasses that block violet and blue light. Consequently, you will see color differently, which will reduce your ability to perceive the difference between colors.
 

Sometimes, light diffraction from the clouding of the lens will cause you to experience double vision. However, double vision can also result from many other conditions; therefore, you need to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Cataracts can also occur in younger people as well.


 

If you suspect you have cataracts, visit Sacramento Eye Consultants at our offices in Lincoln or Sacramento, California. To book an appointment, call (916) 915-0300 today.