More than 22 million Americans have cataracts. While cataracts typically develop as a natural part of aging, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Recognizing the early signs of cataracts can lead to timely intervention and treatment and lifestyle changes may even reduce your risk.
Cataract Symptoms
While cataracts can be congenital (present from birth) or brought on by injury, the condition typically develops slowly over time as people age. By age 80, more than 50% of people have some degree of cataract. By 95, cataracts affect nearly 100% of people. Common symptoms that could indicate cataracts include:
1. Clouded, Blurred, or Dim Vision: One of the most noticeable signs of cataracts is a gradual reduction in the clarity of your vision. It may begin as a slight blur or like looking through a fogged-up window.
2. Difficulty with Night Vision: Cataracts can make it harder to see in low-light conditions. You might find it challenging to drive at night or move around in dimly lit areas.
3. Sensitivity to Light and Glare: You may find sunlight or bright indoor lighting uncomfortable, or you may experience halos around lights, which can be particularly noticeable when driving at night.
4. Frequent Changes in Vision Prescription: An unexpected need to frequently update your eyeglass or contact lens prescription can be a tell-tale sign of cataracts. The clouding lens affects your vision, necessitating these changes.
5. Fading or Yellowing Colors: You might notice that colors seem faded, yellowish or less vibrant than they used to be, as the clouded lens acts as a filter, dulling the intensity of colors.
Cataract Prevention
While cataracts can’t be prevented entirely, or their progression reversed once they begin, there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
Limit Exposure to Sunlight – Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can contribute to cataract development, so always wear UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors in sunny weather.
Be Selective with Medications and Limit Alcohol – Corticosteroids, miotics and triparanol and some other medications can induce or increase the risk of cataract development. Talk with your physician to weigh those risks. Heavy alcohol intake may also play a role in the formation of cataracts.
Quit Smoking – Smoking cigarettes has been shown to double a person’s risk of developing nuclear sclerotic cataracts and triple the risk of developing subscapular cataracts.
Cataract Treatment
Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts. Thankfully, cataract surgery is among the safest, most common and reliably successful procedures available.
The procedure involves replacing the cataract damaged eye lens with an artificial lens implant. Surgery can be performed using traditional surgical techniques or laser-assisted, with the latter offering greater precision, faster, pain-free recovery and better long-term prognosis.
An experienced cataract surgeon will be able to advise you on the proper timing for cataract surgery, as patients can typically delay the procedure until vision loss substantially affects their enjoyment of daily activities.
If you believe you may have cataracts, a comprehensive eye exam is the best way to know for sure. Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your appointment.