7 early signs of cataract that are not to be overlooked
Cataracts, in simple words, are the clouding of the eye lens. It is a common eye disease that affects approximately 65.2 million people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, cataract causes moderate to severe blindness in 80% of the cases. Though it sounds horrifying, the cataract-affected cloudy lens can be replaced through a minimally invasive surgery. But the key is to catch the condition at the earliest.
Even though cataracts can affect anyone, people past the age of 40 are at high risk of developing it. In most cases, the symptoms will not start showing until the age of 60. Most of us do not notice the subtle changes in our eyesight, and we only start noticing when the problems start affecting our dayto-day lives.
On the other hand, if we can notice the slight changes in our vision and catch cataracts at the earliest, we can save ourselves from years of squinting and even potential blindness.
Here are some early to late signs of cataracts to look for in yourself and your loved ones.
Cloudy or foggy vision
The vision appearing cloudy is the most common sign of cataracts. It begins very subtly in the form of spots or small aberrations in a person’s sight. It goes overlooked until the fogginess starts affecting the person’s everyday life.
If you notice you or your loved ones starting to squint at things or rubbing their eyes to see better, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist because it could mark the early onset of cataracts.
Poor night vision
When one starts developing cataracts, their night-time vision gradually worsens. This problem happens because the light doesn’t enter the lens like it used to.
One wouldn’t notice the dimming in vision as there’s enough light to compensate during the daytime. But it becomes difficult at night when there is no natural light. The artificial lights at night might irritate their eyes too. It becomes difficult for them to drive or go out at night.
Increased sensitivity to light. The glare & halo effect.
The foggy cataract lens makes it difficult to tolerate bright lights. The person will start noticing glares and halos in their vision. Bright lights can also cause instant headaches. These changes can be unnoticeable during the daytime but are immediately noticeable at night.
Double vision
When cataracts develop in one eye, it results in seeing two of the same things (double vision) in one eye. Try looking at things closing one eye and consult your eye doctor if you have double vision.
Frequent shifts in eyesight
If you start noticing frequent changes in your eyesight and are required to change prescribed glasses or contact lenses, it is better to get tested for cataracts. The eye power in your eyes becomes very unstable as you develop cataracts.
Lens discolouration
When cataracts cloud a person’s lens, it becomes brown or yellow-tinted. The things they see can also look tinged with yellow or brown shades and it gets worse over time.
Consult your eye doctor if you notice discolouration of the lens in your loved one’s eyes.
With the help of advanced Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (LRCS), removing cataracts has become comfortable than ever. This blade-less & painless surgery can help one recover from cataracts faster.
Remember, the sooner you notice the symptoms, the better the recovery. Don’t lose out on the joy of life because of cataracts.
Read about the new & advanced cataract removal
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