Identifying the symptoms of cataracts early can make a significant difference in protecting your eyesight. Here are 10 signs that suggest it might be time for cataract surgery.
1. Unexplained Blurred or Cloudy Vision
If your glasses don’t seem to fix your blurry vision, cataracts could be the cause. A cloudy lens is one of the main signs that surgery may be needed.
2. Struggles with Nighttime Vision
Cataracts often cause increased glare and halos around lights, making night driving especially dangerous. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
3. Eye Strain During Reading or Screen Time
If your eyes become tired or strained after reading or using your phone, cataracts might be to blame. This increased effort can lead to discomfort.
4. Colors Seem Faded
When you notice that colors appear less vivid or muted, cataracts could be distorting your color vision, making everything seem dull.
5. Frequent Prescription Changes
If you find yourself needing new glasses or contact lenses frequently, it could indicate that cataracts are developing.
6. Difficulty Seeing in Bright Light
Cataracts often cause light sensitivity, making bright lights uncomfortable and causing you to squint or shield your eyes more often.
7. Seeing Double in One Eye
Seeing double in one eye can be an unusual but telling symptom of cataracts. This issue, known as monocular diplopia, often disappears after surgery.
8. Increased Glare and Halos
Struggling with glare or halos around lights, particularly at night, is a common complaint among those with cataracts. This can make activities like driving incredibly challenging.
9. Trouble Judging Distances
Cataracts can impair your depth perception, making it difficult to judge distances, which can be dangerous when walking or driving.
10. Cataracts Interfering with Your Routine
If cataracts are preventing you from doing things you love or affecting your work, it’s time to think about surgery.
