Cataracts affect one or both eyes and occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy. This condition can cause a dull color perception, blurry vision, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are also the leading cause of vision impairment in older people. In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it affects 25 million Americans aged 40 and up. By age 75, roughly half of all Americans have cataracts.
In today’s article, Eyes on Norbeck, a top provider of computer vision exam services, shares a guide on what you need to know about cataracts.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
It’s important to detect the symptoms of cataracts as early as possible. The following are five signs to watch out for:
- Cloudy vision. If you notice fuzzy spots in your field of vision, this may be a sign of an early-stage cataract. These spots will start small, but eventually, they will worsen and make daily activities such as reading or driving more difficult. Get in touch with your eye doctor as soon as possible before your vision gets worse.
- Sensitivity to light. Another sign you need to watch out for is sensitivity to bright light. Bright lights may cause you to squint or close your eyes. You may also develop sudden headaches from flashes of bright light. If you are experiencing any of these issues, schedule a meeting with your eye doctor right away.
- Difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts can cause your vision to darken or dim and may also lead to seeing slight tinges of brown or yellow. While you may not notice these changes during the day, they can be extremely noticeable at night.
- Glares. If you have cataracts, you may also notice the appearance of glares or halos in your field of vision. Since light passing through cataracts is diffracted, this may cause ringlets around bright sources of light. These glares may also be more difficult to spot during the day but can be very noticeable during nighttime.
- Sudden vision changes. Frequent prescription changes can also be a sign of cataracts. Remember that cataracts are a progressive condition. This means your vision can become worse over time. As such, it’s important to book an eye exam at least once a year with your optometrist.
How Can You Slow Down Cataract Progression?
Although cataracts are irreversible, there are many things you can do that may slow down the progression of cataracts. Small cataracts don’t develop quickly, so patients have plenty of time to consider treatments with their eye doctors. They may also suggest switching to an “eye-healthy” diet that includes leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, citrus fruits, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If you go outside during the day, it’s also recommended to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun exposure.
Furthermore, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor regularly. Regular eye examinations are crucial to tracking the progression of cataracts. This will also help your doctor determine whether you need cataract surgery before your symptoms get worse.
For top-quality eye care services, turn to the professionals in Eyes on Norbeck. In addition to comprehensive eye exams, we also provide eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions. Call us today at (301) 238-7199 or fill out our online contact form to set an appointment. We offer services in Rockville, MD.
