5 signs of cataract to look out for

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.

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Changes in your vision
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty with night vision
Colour distortion/perception abnormalities
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.

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 and 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.

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.

COVER PHOTO: The Fred Hollows Foundation

DISCLAIMER:

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

Written by

Dr Lila Raj Puri

Medical Adviser

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