What is Cataract

Cataracts occur when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision. Cataracts are common in older adults, but they can develop at any age due to other factors like trauma, medication use (e.g., corticosteroids), or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Symptoms of Cataracts
The symptoms of cataracts develop gradually as the clouding of the lens worsens. Key symptoms include:
Blurry Vision:
1- Vision may become foggy, blurry, or dim, as though you're looking through a frosted window.
Difficulty with Night Vision:
2- You may find it harder to see at night, especially while driving. Lights from cars or streetlights may cause increased glare or halos.
Sensitivity to Light and Glare:
3- Bright sunlight or indoor lights may feel overwhelming, leading to discomfort or increased glare.
Faded Colors:
4- Colours may appear less vibrant or yellowed, making it harder to distinguish between certain shades.
Double Vision:
5- In some cases, cataracts can cause double vision (diplopia) in one eye.
Frequent Prescription Changes:
6- You may find that you need to update your glasses or contact lens prescription frequently, but even the new lenses don't fully correct your vision.
Halos Around Lights:
7- You may see halos around lights, especially at night, which can interfere with activities like driving.
Cloudiness or White Pupil (Advanced Stage):
8- In advanced cataracts, the pupil may appear cloudy or whitish. This is a sign that the cataract is very dense.
When to Seek Help for Cataracts
You should seek help if:
Vision Changes Affect Daily Activities:
If blurry vision or difficulty seeing at night starts to interfere with daily tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces, it’s time to consult an eye specialist.
Increased Sensitivity to Light or Glare:
If you find yourself squinting or feeling uncomfortable in bright light or experiencing glare more frequently, it may be an early sign of cataracts.
Frequent Changes in Glasses or Contacts:
If your vision prescription changes often and doesn’t seem to improve your clarity, this may indicate cataract progression.
Difficulty Driving at Night:
Increased glare and halos around headlights at night can make driving dangerous. If night driving becomes unsafe, it's important to have your eyes checked.
Changes in Color Perception:
If colours seem dull or faded, or you notice difficulty distinguishing between them, this could be a sign of cataracts.
Double Vision in One Eye:
If you experience double vision (in one eye) or see multiple images of a single object, it's a sign that cataracts may be affecting the lens of the eye.
White Appearance in the Pupil:
If the pupil of your eye looks cloudy or white, it indicates an advanced cataract that requires prompt medical attention.
When Cataract Surgery Is Needed
Cataract surgery is generally considered when the cataract begins to interfere with daily life or if there is a risk of complications such as glaucoma.
Cataract surgery is the most common treatment, and it involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).
Urgency and Special Considerations
Sudden vision changes: If you experience sudden vision loss or other alarming symptoms like severe eye pain, redness, or flashes of light, this is a medical emergency that could indicate conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment, rather than cataracts. Seek immediate help.
References:
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO):
National Health Service (NHS):
"Cataracts." Last reviewed: March 2022.
Mayo Clinic:
"Cataracts: Symptoms and Causes." Last reviewed: June 2023.
National Eye Institute (NEI):
"Cataracts: What Are Cataracts?" Last reviewed: August 2020.