Cataracts can make everyday tasks harder. From reading to driving, vision problems can be more than just inconvenient—they can significantly affect your quality of life. Conditions like cataracts are extremely common, so how do you recognize them? What are the first signs of cataracts?
In their early stages, cataracts typically cause blurriness, cloudy spots, and halos around bright lights. These gradually worsen and become much more noticeable. If you’ve noticed recent vision changes, visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
What Are Cataracts?
Inside each of your eyes is a clear, natural lens. It’s responsible for focusing light so you can see clearly. It’s an important part of your visual system—but it isn’t invincible.
Sometimes, this lens begins to cloud over. This is a cataract, a condition where the normally-transparent lens becomes cloudier. This changes how well the lens focuses light and creates blurry spots in your vision.
Cataracts may feel like there’s a film over your eye that you can’t brush away. And if untreated, cataracts worsen over time. But these changes don’t happen overnight, so you should always pay attention to any vision changes. Catching conditions like cataracts early makes it significantly easier to find treatment.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when proteins in your eye’s natural lens clump together. They create little deposits that block light as it passes through the lens. This is a natural part of aging, but cataracts can also develop due to other factors.
Some of the most common causes of cataracts include:
- Growing older, which increases natural wear & tear on the lenses.
- Prolonged exposure to UV sunlight without protective eyewear.
- Medical conditions like diabetes.
- Eye injuries, accidents, or previous surgeries.
- Long-term use of certain medications, especially steroids.
Cataracts are extremely common. They can affect one eye or both. So how do you recognize them?
How To Tell If You Have Cataracts
Cataracts tend to start subtly—many people don’t even realize when a cataract starts developing. However, their effects become more noticeable over time. Eventually, cataracts cause:
- Cloudy, foggy, or blurry vision.
- Problems seeing clearly at night, especially while driving.
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights, making it uncomfortable to be outside or look at screens.
- Colors appear less vibrant or seem to yellow over time.
- Double vision in a single eye, which can feel startling or strange.
- Frequently needing stronger prescriptions for your glasses or contact lenses.
If you start noticing one or more of these changes, don’t wait. Your optometrist can easily detect a cataract during a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection makes all the difference in the world—it makes it much easier to manage your vision issues and prevent further problems.
What To Do If You Have Cataracts
Cataracts don’t mean you’ll lose your sight. While they can cause long-term vision problems, they’re also highly manageable.
In their earliest stages, you’ll likely just need to make a few adjustments. Typically, you can manage cataracts by:
- Using brighter lighting at home or work
- Wearing anti-glare sunglasses
- Updating your prescription glasses regularly
- Scheduling routine eye exams to monitor changes
However, if they worsen, you’ll need to consider cataract surgery.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the world. It’s a quick and safe procedure that can dramatically improve your vision.
During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you’ll be able to go home the same day. Recovery time is minimal—most people notice improved vision within a few days.
What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a straightforward process. It doesn’t take long, and it offers significant long-term vision improvements.
The steps involved with cataract surgery are simple:
- Your eye will be numbed with drops or an injection to ensure comfort.
- A small incision is made in your eye to remove the cloudy lens.
- An artificial intraocular lens is inserted to replace the removed lens.
- The incision is closed, often without needing stitches.
- A protective shield may be placed over the eye.
Then, you’ll be able to go home. You should have someone drive you to and from the surgery—you won’t be able to drive for a few days while your eyes recover. You should notice vision improvements within a few days, and your vision gradually returns.
Tips for Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Recovery from cataract surgery is usually fast. However, you won’t be able to return to everyday habits right away. You’ll need to make a few small adjustments in your routine to promote a swift recovery.
When recovering from cataract surgery, it helps to:
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye, as this can disrupt the healing process.
- Use the prescribed eye drops as directed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Be cautious with activities like bending over or lifting heavy objects, which may strain your eye.
- Wear the protective shield or sunglasses provided, especially when sleeping or outdoors.
- Keep water or soap out of your eyes while showering or washing your face.
Make sure to follow any scheduled follow-up appointments with your optometrist. And if you ever notice significant discomfort or vision problems, make an appointment as soon as you can. Your optometrist can examine your eyes and give you personal tips for recovering.
Let Us Restore Your Vision
Cataracts can make everyday vision uncomfortable. But they don’t have to hold you back—if you recognize the signs of something wrong, it’s time to act. Your vision is precious, and our team at Discover Eyecare is here to help! Reach out to us and book an appointment today, and together, we’ll work to keep your vision clear.
