Longevity logo

How to know you have Cataracts

Common signs and symptoms of Cataracts

By Omal RezaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
Like
How to know you have Cataracts

Cataract is a common eye condition that affects visual clarity. It results from clouding on the lens inside the eye. Visual impairment can affect one's quality of life, both mentally and socially. Sometimes, identifying the exact cause of the poor eyesight may not be easy, but it is the first step in getting the right eye treatment.

The following are common signs and symptoms of cataracts.

• Glare and sensitivity to light

• Double vision in one eye

• Halos around light

• Require brighter light to read and perform other activities

• Increased impairment of night vision

• Yellowing or fading of colours

• Frequent changes in prescription of contacts or eyeglasses

• Dim, clouded or blurred vision

Most times, the visual impairment starts from gradual cloudiness of vision. As cataracts grow bigger, vision becomes more cloudy due to distortion of the light entering the eye through the lens. This may also cause other noticeable symptoms.

Ensure you see your eye doctor if you notice sudden changes in your vision like flashes or double vision. Having sudden headaches and eye pain is also a cause for concern, so book an appointment with your eye doctor if you experience them.

Types of cataracts

Ageing result in the development of cataracts, and sometimes, it results from injury. Certain health and genetic conditions may also cause cataracts. Regardless of the cause of cataracts, you can get treatment for it. The following are types of cataracts.

• Nuclear cataracts

Nuclear cataracts affect the centre part of the lens and cause near-sightedness at first or improved reading vision. After a while, it causes, yellowing of colours and increased cloudiness of vision.

As cataracts become larger, the lens may change from yellow to brown, leading to difficulty in differentiating colours.

• Cortical cataracts

Cortical cataracts usually affect the edges of the lens, and it makes the lens whitish at first. Cortical cataracts cause wedge-shaped streaks or opacities on the lens's outer sides and lead to overall vision reduction.

As cortical cataracts develop, the strands extend to the centre of the lens, and it affects the light passing through the lens into the eyes. At this stage, seeing clearly comes difficult.

• Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts usually affect the back of the lens. It usually starts as a small, opaque portion of the back of the lens where light passes through. It leads to reduced vision with bright light and difficulty in reading.

Posterior subcapsular cataracts may also cause glares and halos at night. It develops faster than other types of cataracts, and may likely cause faster loss of vision.

• Congenital cataracts

Congenital cataracts affect new-borns and sometimes, develops in childhood. Babies and children suffering from congenital cataracts may also experience other conditions like rubella or neurofibromatosis, galactosemia, and myotonic dystrophy.

Sometimes, congenital cataracts do not affect vision, but it is best to undergo cataract surgery to remove them if it affects your vision.

Risk factors for cataracts

The following are common risk factors for cataracts. If you are at risk of developing cataracts, you need to pay extra attention to the quality of your vision.

• Previous eye surgery

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Increasing age

• High blood pressure

• Excess exposure to sunlight

• Previous eye inflammation or injury

• Excessive intake of alcohol

• Prolonged corticosteroid use

• Diabetes

Prevention of cataract

There is no certain way to prevent cataract or slow its progress, but experts believe the following may help.

• Quit smoking

• Wear sunglasses to reduce exposure to the sun

• Have a healthy eyes

• Reduce intake of alcohol

• Manage your other health problems such as high blood pressure that increase your risk of cataracts

• Undergo regular eye exams

If you are already experiencing cataracts symptoms, visit Optimal Vision today for your cataracts surgery in London. You can contact us on 020 7183 3725 to book an appointment for your cataracts surgery consultation.

how to
Like

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.