A cataract is a common optical condition that affects millions of people around the world.
People with this condition experience the formation of a cloudy area on the lens of their eyes (the clear part of the eye that helps in focusing light).
Cataracts can often lead to blindness if it remains untreated for a long time.
In most cases, Cataracts are age-related, while some may experience them due to trauma, radiation, or diseases.
It is important to understand the Cataract symptoms since it needs prompt treatment.
This article will discuss the symptoms of Cataracts and how they progress with time.
Recognizing Cataract Symptoms
The types of Cataracts often determine the symptoms of Cataracts and can range from mild to severe.
Recognizing these symptoms in the early stages can help in proper treatment and prevent a person from vision loss.
The early symptoms of Cataracts often differ from the Secondary Cataract symptoms.
This section will discuss the symptoms of Cataracts at its different stages in detail.
Early Symptoms of Cataracts
Source: razyph_from_Getty_ImagesIn the early stages of the development of Cataracts, a person can experience very small and subtle changes in their vision.
According to research, these are some of the most common and early Cataract symptoms and signs:
- Blurry vision: One of the initial symptoms of Cataracts is blurry vision. It can become challenging to see fine details or read small prints.
- Sensitivity to glare: People with early Cataracts may often experience pain and sensitivity to light or glare. This can be a bright light or even the sun.
- Difficulty with night vision: In the earlier stages of Cataracts, individuals may experience difficulty seeing things clearly at night or in a dim-light setting.
- Fading Colors: individuals in the early stage of Cataract might notice that the colors may appear less vibrant. They may observe a yellowish or brownish tint in their vision.
In most cases, people can mistake these early signs of Cataracts as age-related vision problems.
Primary Cataract Symptoms
With the progression of Cataracts, their early symptoms start getting worse in the Primary stage, making it more serious.
A study states that people with Cataracts may experience the symptoms of Diplopia and Polyopia.
Diplopia and Polyopia refer to the double vision in one’s eyes in the primary stage of the condition.
The earlier symptoms of “fading colors” manifest themselves as a halo or rings in the line of one’s vision.
The blurry vision worsens to completely hazy or cloudy vision, which makes it difficult for a person to see anything.
In the primary stages, a person might also need frequent changes in their eyeglasses or lenses.
Secondary Cataract Symptoms
Some people might experience Secondary Cataracts due to the development of scar tissue after their Cataract surgery.
It is quite common and affects two out of five people who have undergone the surgery.
People experiencing Secondary Cataracts might have difficulty performing activities like cooking, reading, and recognizing faces.
It can also affect depth perception, making tasks like climbing stairs or judging distances more difficult.
The clear vision will be hindered again, making the halos more prominent.
How do Cataract Symptoms Progress
The early Cataract symptoms are usually non-noticeable and do not affect the daily tasks of a person.
As the Cataract matures with age and time, it starts showing visible signs and symptoms.
The lens becomes more opaque and dense, threatening the vision of the affected person.
If it remains untreated even in the later stages, a person can lose their vision completely and interrupt their life.
If you want to know more about the connection of blindness to Cataracts, read our article Can a cataract cause blindness?
Conclusion
Understanding Cataract symptoms is essential to prevent loss of vision in a person.
In the early stages of Cataracts, a person might notice symptoms like sensitivity to glare, blurry vision, difficulty in night vision, and color vision.
However, the primary stages might produce symptoms like halos, double vision, and hazy vision.
Since some people experience Secondary Cataracts after Cataract surgery, the symptoms are usually worse.
It can hinder daily tasks, affect depth perception, and result in complete vision loss.
Hence, it is always best to consult a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of Cataracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age do Cataracts usually start?
According to a study, Cataracts usually start in people over the age of 50. However, the condition becomes more common with the advancement of age.
How do Cataract symptoms differ from other eye conditions?
Cataract symptoms can differ from other eye conditions in the form of their manifestation. The symptoms revolve around the clouding of one’s lens. However, in conditions like Glaucoma, the symptoms can affect other parts of one’s eyes.
Are Cataract symptoms reversible without surgery?
No, Cataract symptoms are not reversible without surgery. Once Cataracts affect the lens of a person completely, it leads to visual impairment. The surgery removes the Cataract and replaces the lens.
Can Cataract symptoms cause permanent vision loss if left untreated?
Yes, Cataract symptoms can cause permanent vision loss if it is left untreated. If the condition is not treated, symptoms like halos and blurry vision worsen, disrupting one’s daily tasks.
Are there natural remedies that can treat Cataract symptoms?
No, there are no natural remedies that can help in treating Cataract symptoms. However, dietary changes like including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich foods and using UV protection may help in improving some of the symptoms.
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