Our eyes are a marvel of nature. They are the most complex organ after the brain. Most of us fail to understand the importance or appreciate the beauty of our eyes until we encounter some kind of vision problem. As we age, our bodies change, and so does our vision. The most common vision related problem people encounter is the development of Cataract. Despite the fact that it is treatable, cataract continues to be the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Cataract can cause blurred vision and make it difficult for people to carry out their daily tasks. Cataract can be easily treated with surgery, which is a common and safe procedure with a very high success rate. However, it is important to recognize the signs of cataract so that they can be treated in a timely manner.
So, how do you know when it’s time to remove your cataracts? Here are the five signs that may help you understand that cataract surgery may be necessary:
Blurry Vision
Experiencing blurry or cloudy vision is one of the very first signs that cataracts are developing. As the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, an individual’s vision becomes hazy or blurry. Simple daily activities, such as watching TV or reading, can become difficult. Blurry vision can have a major negative impact on your quality of life.
Difficulty Seeing in the Dark
Impaired night vision is one of the most common signs that you may need cataract surgery soon. As cataract develops, it becomes difficult for a person to see in the dark. People with cataract may not be able to see things clearly in dimly lit environments. They may also see halos and glare around fixed sources of light such as headlights of cars. For this reason, driving at night can be particularly dangerous and risky for those having cataracts.
Sensitivity to Light
Cataract often make your eyes more sensitive to bright light. Cataracts make the lens of the eye cloudy, which in turn, scatters light rather than allowing it to focus properly on the retina. The scatter generates glare, making lights appear very bright. With increased light sensitivity, an individual may find it difficult to read, drive and do other daily activities. However, it is important to understand that light sensitivity can be caused by other factors too, including dry eye or corneal damage. It’s important to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the exact cause of light sensitivity.
Yellowing of Colors
Living with cataract is like looking at the world through a dirty window. The colors appear less vibrant. As the cataract matures, they turn a yellowish brown colour. As a result, colours begin to appear faded and yellowed. Again, cataract are not the only reason why yellowing of colours can occurs. There can be other causes as well, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Frequent Changes in Prescription Glasses
Do you need to update your glasses or contact lenses frequently? If yes, it may be because of cataract. As cataract grows, your prescription changes, and you may need to update your glasses quite regularly. Adjusting your glasses may provide clearer vision temporarily. Ultimately however, it is beneficial to undergo cataract surgery to restore more stable vision.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is the safest operation in the world with very low risks of complications. If you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it is important to consult an eye surgeon who can evaluate your cataract and offer you the right advice.