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5 Signs Of Cataract To Look Out For

Dr Lila Raj Puri | 16 AUGUST 2023

Recognising early signs of cataract is vital for maintaining your eye health. If you experience any unusual changes in your eye health, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist/optometrist for a thorough eye examination. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may involve cataract surgery, can significantly improve your vision and overall quality of life. 

In this blog, we will explore the warning symptoms/signs of cataract and how to recognise them, helping you to take proactive steps towards good eye health. 

 
COVER PHOTO: The Fred Hollows Foundation


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Click on the link below to go directly to what you’re most interested in: 

  1. Changes in your vision
  2. Sensitivity to light 
  3. Difficulty with night vision
  4. Colour distortion/perception abnormalities
  5. Frequent changes your glasses prescription



Changes in your vision 

A common initial symptoms of cataract is a gradual decline in the clarity of your vision.  

You may notice that your vision becomes increasingly blurred or hazy, as if you are looking through a cloudy lens. This blurriness may affect your ability to read, drive, or perform everyday tasks that require clear vision. 

Double vision or seeing multiple images in one eye is another potential warning sign of cataracts. This phenomenon occurs because cataracts can interfere with the light passing through the lens, causing it to scatter and create duplicate images. If you experience double vision, it's crucial to seek a comprehensive eye examination to determine the underlying cause. 

 


Sensitivity to Light 

Cataracts can cause heightened sensitivity to light. You might experience discomfort or glare from bright lights, sunlight, or oncoming headlights while driving at night. This sensitivity can be bothersome and lead to a decrease in your quality of vision and quality of life.
 
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Photographer: The Fred Hollows Foundation


Difficulty with Night Vision

Cataracts often cause problems with night vision.

If you find it challenging to see in dimly lit environments or notice a significant increase in glare during nighttime activities, it could be a sign of cataracts. Driving at night can become particularly challenging and potentially dangerous due to reduced visibility and increasing glare. 

 


Colour distortion/perception abnormalities 

The development of cataracts can alter your perception of colors. You may notice that colors appear faded, yellowed, or less vibrant than before. This color distortion can make it challenging to distinguish between shades.

Cataracts can also affect your ability to discern contrast between objects, making it challenging to differentiate between shades of gray or objects of similar colors. This loss of contrast sensitivity can be particularly problematic in low-light conditions or when distinguishing between objects with subtle variations.  

 
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Photographer: The Fred Hollows Foundation
 


Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription 

If you find yourself needing to update your eyeglass or contact lens prescription more frequently than before, it may indicate the presence of cataracts. As cataract progresses, they can cause changes in your refractive power, requiring adjustments to your corrective lenses.
 


Learn more:

  • Learn about the importance of restoring sight beyond eye health
  • Find out how we are promoting women in leadership within eye health
  • See how philanthropy can stop blindness from costing billions of dollars
  • Read about how we are strengthening the local eye health workforce in countries that we work in
  • Find answers to FAQs on trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness 


DISCLAIMER: 

The content on this page is not intended to be medical advice. For specific medical advice, please contact your health professional. 



 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Lila Raj Puri - The Fred Hollows Foundation

Dr Lila Raj Puri is a Medical Adviser at The Fred Hollows Foundation, and his interest lies in research and training. Based in Nepal, he advises on national prevention of blindness strategies in the Asia region, and leads the development and implementation of clinical governance frameworks. He also supports ophthalmologist training and quality assurance at Alina Vision Hospital. He is an ophthalmologist with over 12 years of experience in clinical and surgical management of eye diseases, and hospital management. As an Associate Professor, he has trained national and international ophthalmologists in cataract surgeries, as well as overseeing the training of optometrists, residents and nurses.

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