Signs You Might Have Cataracts And What To Do?

Your eyes are an indicator of your health. Your eyes are one of the key organs that keep you connected to the world. As we get older we can experience more eye sight problems and cataracts are one of the leading causes for vision changes worldwide.

A cataract is formed when your eye’s lens gets clouded, changing how the light passes through to your retina. This cloudiness can make everyday tasks difficult currently based on how blurry your vision is, while causing glare. The good thing is that cataracts can be fixed when diagnosed enough in advance by an eye physician.

Seeing changes in your eyesight? Here’s how to recognize if it might be cataracts and what you can do next.

What should you know about cataracts?

Before we talk about the signs and symptoms, let’s first understand what cataracts actually are.  The lens of your eye works in a way that is similar to a camera lens, focusing the light so that you can see how it is intended to be seen.  As cataracts develop, the proteins in the lens can clump together which can lead to cloudiness. It is gradual enough that it can be easily missed for a period of time.

Although aging is the more common cause, cataracts can also be a result of:

• Over exposure to UV light
• Eye injuries
• Long-term use of certain medications
• Overuse of alcohol

Advanced eye care can provide early detection and help find the right treatment to minimize further progression.

What signs to look for when diagnosing cataracts? 

Cloudy or blurry vision?

Blurry vision is the most common symptom people with cataracts experience. Unlike regular eyesight problems, glasses won’t make it clearer. It often feels like you’re looking through a fogged-up window.

Light sensitivity?

Is it uncomfortable for you to look at bright sunlight, headlights, or even indoor lights? Not only do cataracts create blurriness but they also create glare to bright lights. This makes driving through the night difficult. 

Problem seeing at night?

In low or dim light situations, cataracts can make your vision even worse. It is important to consider this because driving at night can be especially unsafe with cataracts. 

Seeing halos around the light? 

You may see halos around bright lights in the dark, and this is often considered a classic symptom of cataracts. 

Frequent changes in prescription glasses? 

You may either assume you simply need higher power glass or if you are getting a higher-powered glass it just might not seem to work.

Faded colors?

When you have cataract you can notice bright colors like red or blue may be a bit yellowed or faded.

Double or multiple vision?

As the lens clouds and splits the light it can result in double vision or even multiple vision at times. 

What if you have noticed these signs?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait to see an eye doctor for a complete eye examination. A complete eye examination can determine if you have cataracts or another eye condition.

What are the processes of a cataract eye examination?

Get a complete eye examination

When you visit the best eye doctor in Coimbatore or a trusted specialist you will often go through the following, which is a complete eye examination:

• A visual acuity test is done to check how clearly you can see.
• A slit-lamp procedure helps the doctor to thoroughly examine the front area of your eye.
• A retinal exam can help the doctor look at the detailed condition of the eye in the back.
• Tonometry, to check your eye pressure.

These procedures are a part of complete eye care, and can catch cataracts in the early stages, before significant symptoms develop.

Explore Non-Surgical Management (In Early Stages) 

In early stages of cataract treatment may involve:

• Stronger prescription glasses
• Using anti-glare sunglasses
• Brighter lighting for reading and tasks
• Magnifying lenses for work close up

However, these solutions are only temporary.

Cataract Surgery (Advanced Stages)

Once cataracts begin to significantly interfere with everyday activities, then cataract surgery is the only means of restoring clear vision. Cataract surgery is a highly performed safest procedure worldwide.

During the surgery, the cloudy lens is taken out and replaced with a clear artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL).

Can cataracts develop in young people?

Absolutely. While cataracts are more common in older adults, they can develop if a person is young. Cataracts can develop at any age in life as a result of an injury, medical issues, or a genetic predisposition.

At what age can cataracts actually begin to happen?

The medical community is still contemplating the actual age at which cataracts begin. Several studies support that cataracts can occur in people as young as 40 years old, but they are most commonly reported in people of age 60. There is no fixed age for cataracts, which is the reason why it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms.

A few types of cataracts can develop in young stages of life, such as:

• Congenital cataracts
• Traumatic cataracts 
• Secondary cataracts

Since the onset of cataracts differs from person to person, it is important for you to recognize and understand the symptoms at any age. A person should be able to manage cataracts well if they have the correct diagnosis and appropriate management of cataracts at the right time.

What are the types of cataract surgery? 

Phacoemulsification (tiny incision surgery) 

Small-incision cataract surgery is the most common way to remove cataracts.A tiny cut is gently made near the outer edge of the eye. A small device using ultrasound waves then breaks up the hard cloudy center of the lens. When it is broken up, the instrument will use suction to remove the remaining lens material through the same incision. 

Extracapsular surgery 

During extracapsular surgery, the surgeon opens a larger section on the upper part of the eye. The surgeon removes the hard center of the lens. Through that same incision, the cataract is carefully removed using suction.

At the end of the procedure, a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same incision. This lens stays in the eye permanently and doesn’t require extra care. It helps you see better by letting light pass clearly to the retina. The person cannot see or feel the new lens.

Can you have cataracts?

If you believe you have cataracts, it is best to visit an eye doctor and let them evaluate your condition. Depending on how advanced your cataracts are, your eye doctor will recommend the best treatment options for your situation. Common methods for the treatment of cataracts include:

• Sunglasses or prescription glasses with lenses designed specifically to block UV rays that cause blurry vision.
• Surgery to remove the cloudy lens of your eye (cataract) and place a clear artificial lens in its place.
• Eye drops or ointments to help alleviate inflammation, pain or irritation.
• Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables that may contain antioxidants to help protect your eyes.
• Going to an eye doctor for assessment whenever, or as often as you notice a change in your vision.
• Limiting activities that cause you to strain your eyes like watching tv for extended hours, working on a computer for extended hours or reading very small print.

Important Takeaway

Cataracts are a common cause of sight loss identified. Fortunately, cataracts may be well-treated. Catching it early makes it easier to choose the best treatment. If you notice any symptoms of blurred vision, glare, or faded colors, schedule an appointment with the best eye doctor in Coimbatore immediately.

The Best Eye Hospital in Coimbatore offers advanced eye care that can restore your vision and improve your quality of life while helping you maintain clear vision for years to come.