Cataracts are one of the most common causes of age-related vision changes. They may not cause symptoms when they first develop, but you will experience noticeable changes to your vision over time.

Keep reading to learn more about 6 signs you may have cataracts.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy spots that form on the natural lens of the eye. The lens is a clear disc that focuses light onto the retina and aids in clear vision.

It is made of proteins that can break down over time and form clumps or clusters. These clusters, known as cataracts, prevent light from passing through, which can impact your vision.

Most cataracts are age-related but can also develop due to eye injuries. They’re most commonly seen in adults over the age of 40.

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Although they may be mild initially, cataracts can lead to significant vision changes. Symptoms can become more severe as cataracts progress and cover more of the natural lens of the eye.

Here are 6 signs you may have cataracts:

1. Your Prescription Changes Often

One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is frequent changes to your prescription for glasses or contacts. The progression of cataracts means your eyes need to adjust to focusing with less light passing through the lens.

This change in visual acuity can cause your current glasses or contacts prescription to be less effective. While these updates to your prescription can temporarily help improve your vision, they eventually will not be enough to maintain clear eyesight.

At that point, you should consider cataract surgery to restore your vision.

2. You Have Difficulty Seeing in Low Light

Cataracts prevent enough light from reaching your retina. In full light, the change might not be noticeable.

However, when the light around you is dimmer, less overall light reaches your retina. This makes it difficult to focus on objects or make out details.

It may be especially noticeable in places like restaurants with low lighting, where you might struggle to read the menu. It can also make driving after dark challenging and increase your risk of accidents.

3. Colors Seems Dimmer or Duller

Cataracts can make everything you see look darker and duller. They can also cause discoloration on your lens.

This may appear as a yellow or brown cast that acts like a filter over your entire field of vision. Patients typically notice that colors don’t seem as bright or are tinted yellow or brown.

You may also have difficulty seeing variations in color. This can negatively affect your depth perception and increase your risk of tripping or falling.

4. You’re More Sensitive to Glare

Another symptom of cataracts is a new or increased sensitivity to glare. When light hits the opaque spots caused by cataracts, it can reflect off them and cause scattering effects.

This can make glare feel harsher. You may also notice halos around lights.

Halos and glare can be problematic when driving because the light from traffic signals and oncoming cars may make you squint or blink to shield your eyes.

5. You Have Blank Spots in Your Field of Vision

Severe cataracts cause obstructions in your field of vision that you can’t blink away. You may notice a cloudy spot or blank spot that blocks part of your vision.

This can make everyday activities like reading or watching TV very difficult. You may also be more likely to fall if you can’t see obstacles while walking.

6. Your Eye Doctor Confirms You Have Cataracts

A clinical diagnosis of cataracts may actually be the first sign that you have them, even if you have no symptoms. When cataracts first develop, they can be so small they don’t have any noticeable effects on your vision.

Your eye doctor can identify them during a routine eye exam before you experience any vision changes. However, a diagnosis of cataracts does not mean you need cataract surgery right away.

Most eye doctors agree that cataract surgery becomes appropriate when cataracts get in the way of daily tasks. Signs that cataract surgery would benefit you include:

You have difficulty reading or watching tv
You have stopped driving or only drive during the day when the weather is clear
You turn down social invitations because you worry about seeing well enough to enjoy yourself
You no longer feel comfortable traveling to unfamiliar places
You’re concerned about injuries from falls or cuts and burns while cooking due to vision problems

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that only takes about 30 minutes. Before the procedure, your cataract surgeon will numb your eyes so you won’t feel discomfort.

They will then make a small incision to reach the capsule that holds the natural lens of the eye. Your cataract surgeon will break up and remove the cataract-affected natural lens and replace it with an intraocular lens, or IOL.

Replacing the natural lens with an IOL completely resolves vision issues related to cataracts and ensures they will not develop in the future. In addition, IOLs can act as corrective lenses that can help with common vision problems like presbyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

If you choose a premium IOL, you can reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts and enjoy clearer vision across multiple distances. The premium lenses offered at Focal Point Vision include toric lenses, trifocal lenses, and the Light Adjustable Lens.

At your cataract surgery consultation, your eye doctor can help you select the best IOL for you, depending on your health history, visual goals, and lifestyle.

Do you think you may be experiencing symptoms of cataracts? Schedule an appointment at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today!

6 Signs You May Have Cataracts