7 Silent Signs You Might Have Cataracts

Bokeh cars and traffic lights on highway at night

Cataracts are a common cause of vision problems, especially for seniors. This eye condition occurs as proteins in the lens break down and leads to cloudiness that gradually impairs vision. Cataracts can start developing when people are in their 40s, but they typically begin to cause vision problems in adults over 60. However, a lot of the time it’s hard to know if your vision problems are due to cataracts. That’s why you should take any vision problem seriously and make an appointment to have your eyes examined and discuss treatment options with your doctor. 

Don’t overlook these silent signs that you might have cataracts.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is one of the most common signs of cataracts. When this cloudiness develops, it might only cause slight blurriness at first, especially if it only affects a small area of your lens. As cataracts grow, your vision might become increasingly blurry.

Seeing Double

Cataracts can cause you to see double in the affected eye. This can occur as cataracts cause distortions in the way light passes through the lens. As the cloudiness in the lens becomes more widespread, double vision can possibly occur.

Difficulty Reading Small Print

Trouble seeing small print is common as you age, but it’s important to have an eye doctor determine if this is occurring due to cataracts. As cataracts develop, the affected lens has more difficulty allowing light to pass through, so you can see clearly. This change can cause you to have more difficulty being able to read smaller print.

Increased Light Sensitivity

As cataracts grow, they make it harder for light to get through your lens clearly. As light becomes scattered, you might have problems with glare and light sensitivity. Brighter sources of light, such as overhead lights or sunlight, might seem too harsh for your eyes.

More Frequent Lens Prescription Changes

While your nearsightedness might improve slightly when you first develop cataracts, this is only temporary. As cataracts develop, you might find that you need to have your lens prescription for eyeglasses or contacts changed more often. Make sure you have routine eye exams done, even if your vision seems to have improved. 

Trouble With Night Driving

Cataracts can give you trouble when driving in the dark. You might notice that you’re having problems reading road signs at night or that headlights from other vehicles are causing a lot of glare. Since this can make driving at night dangerous, make sure you have your eyes examined for cataracts.

Colors Look More Faded

Cataracts can cause colors to look faded or less vivid than usual. As this cloudiness becomes worse, you might also see whites as more yellowish. Keep in mind that this sign of cataracts usually happens slowly, so you might not realize just how faded colors look until later down the road.

Routine eye exams, especially as you get older, are an important part of catching cataracts early and creating a treatment plan to counteract its effects. Contact Florida Eye Specialists today to request an appointment for your next eye exam.

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