How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts?

Cataracts are an extremely common condition. Almost half of the population will have had at least one cataract by the age of seventy.

But cataracts can affect your vision at any age. Age-related cataracts are an issue for many people in their forties. They form when the crystalline lens in your eye becomes clouded.

This clouding can happen over many years, or it can develop faster over a period of only a few months. But aside from assessment by your eye doctor, how do you know you have them? There are a few key signs you should watch out for.

Blurry Vision

When you have cataracts, it’s like everything you see is through a foggy window. Since your lens is clouded, seeing through it can be difficult. It may seem like everything you’re seeing is blurry, out of focus, or obscured.

Blurry vision may also be a sign that you need a stronger prescription. If you find you need stronger and stronger prescriptions, it’s likely you have cataracts.

Trouble Reading or Working Up Close

People with cataracts often have trouble reading or completing activities that need focus. This may be simple presbyopia, which also occurs in patients over the age of forty.

Presbyopia causes issues with near focus. But with cataracts, the trouble is usually due to a lack of light. Cataracts make it difficult to see contrast in low light. If you need a lot of light to read or do other up close tasks, you may have cataracts.

Sensitivity to Light

Cataracts often intensify glare, making it difficult to look at anything bright. They can also cause you to see halos around light sources.

If you see halos and your eyes are more sensitive to light, it could very well be because of cataracts. The excessive glare can also make it difficult to drive at night. This is because glare is worse in low light situations.

Poor Vision at Night

Having trouble seeing contrast in low light can make it very difficult to see at night. Again, this can make it difficult to drive, especially compounded with excessive glare.

If you find your night vision is worse than it used to be, it could mean you have cataracts. If you struggle to drive at night due to glare sensitivity, you may need cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery

The only way to treat cataracts is to have them removed. This can only happen by getting cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, your cataract is broken up into smaller pieces. It is then removed, along with your natural lens.

Your lens is then replaced with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is one of the most performed of all medical procedures. It is safe and effective! If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor. It may be time for cataract surgery!

If you’re looking for a cataract evaluation, try Berg Feinfield Vision Correction. You can contact us today to request an appointment at one of our locations like Burbank or Sherman Oaks.