At some point, usually after age 60, most people will start noticing the symptoms of a cataract. But common symptoms, such as blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and trouble with night vision may not occur right away. In fact, early cataract symptoms are often associated with other conditions. So how do you know if what you are experiencing is a natural (and treatable) age-related cataract, or something else? To answer the question, let’s look at what a cataract is, and 7 early signs of cataracts to take seriously.
What is a cataract?
As we age, the natural lens of our eye begins to change. The normally transparent and flexible lens, located behind the colored part of the eye, can become thicker and less flexible, and the lens tissue can start to break down and clump together. This clumping forms cloudy areas in the lens, which is known as a cataract. When a cataract forms in the eye’s lens, it can cause vision to appear as though you are looking through a foggy window.
What are early signs of cataracts?
An important thing to know about cataracts is that in the beginning, they may not be noticeable at all. Usually, cataracts cause a slow, steady decline in vision as they progress. In the early stages, it can be easy to dismiss mild cataract symptoms as small annoyances or as simply needing a stronger eyeglass prescription. Here are 7 common signs of cataracts to look out for:
- Foggy or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Needing more light to read
- Difficulty driving after dark
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
- Double vision in a single eye
What should you do if you think you might have cataracts?
Even when symptoms are mild and cataracts may not be noticeable to you, they will be noticeable to your eye doctor. That’s why it’s important to get regular eye exams. Early detection of cataract is critical. Most eye doctors recommend having a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on age and medical history.
The Apthera intraocular lens (IOL) is a replacement lens exclusively designed to give you the advantage of clear, focused vision from near to far, and everything in between after cataract surgery.
Ask your eye doctor if the Apthera™ lens is right for you.
Live life in focus.
Find an Apthera IOL doctor near you.
For more information about cataracts and cataract surgery:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm
