What are the symptoms of a cataract?

When you develop cataracts, they form in the lens of your eye. The lens is composed of water and protein. This composition allows for light to pass through the tissue, through your cornea, and onto your retina, in the back of your eye. Eventually as you age, the protein begins to clump and form small patches within the lens. When light passes through these patches, it is as if you are looking through a yellow haze or cloud.

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 Symptoms of a cataract:

  • Blurred or cloudy vision
  • Colors appear faded or dull
  • Lamps such as headlights or streetlights have glare or halos; sunlight may appear too bright
  • Poor night vision
  • Double or multiple vision in one eye; this effect may disappear as the cataract grows
  • Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses

Important Note: These symptoms can indicate other eye problems that may also result in blindness if untreated. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Davis Eye Center immediately for a complete eye examination.

What causes cataracts?

Aging is one of the main factors of cataracts but it isn’t the only cause. There are several other conditions that may be the cause of cataracts:

  • Diabetes
  • Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Hypertension
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Eye injuries
  • Genetic factors (a parent or grandparent who had cataracts)

The good news is that cataracts are treatable. In most cases, a lens with a cataract can be easily removed during a process known as Phacoemulsification. Once the lens has been removed it is replaced by a synthetic lens. This is most commonly called Cataract Surgery and is performed on millions of Americans every year.

If you think you have cataracts, please give us a call and set up an appointment for an eye exam.