Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Fortunately, they’re also very treatable. Early detection and treatment make it easiest to remove the cataract. Here, we answer common questions about cataracts.
What are the early symptoms of cataracts?
People with cataracts may notice their vision becoming blurry or cloudy. Night vision may become more difficult, especially while driving. Colors can also appear less vibrant. People with cataracts may also experience vision impairments such as double vision, haloes around lights, or sensitivity to bright light.
What do cataracts look like?
As cataracts progress, they cause greater vision obstruction and become more visible in the eye. Eyes affected by cataracts appear cloudy, as if a grey film is covering the eye. Cataract surgery removes this cloudy lens, and the eye will appear clear again.
Do cataracts cause dry eye?
Cataracts do not cause dry eye, but both conditions become more common with age. Blurriness is a symptom of both, so it can be easy to attribute the symptoms of dry eye to cataracts. If you experience intermittent blurriness, it may be due to dry eye. This condition can be treated separately from cataracts, and managing dry eye before cataract surgery can improve your outcome. Center for Sight’s Advanced Dry Eye Clinic is equipped with the leading technology for effective dry eye treatment.
Do cataracts cause headaches?
Cataracts only affect the lens of your eye, so they don’t cause headaches directly. However, if left untreated, cataracts can make your vision fuzzier, causing you to squint more often. This could cause tension that contributes to headaches.
Driving at night with cataracts
Many patients notice that driving at night with cataracts feels more difficult or even unsafe. After cataract surgery, many patients find that they’re able to drive comfortably at night again.
When to get cataract surgery
Earlier treatment is often easier than allowing the cataract to progress, as an early cataract won’t be as thick or rigid. Once a cataract is removed, it doesn’t return, so you’ll be able to enjoy the lasting benefits of clear vision. Your doctor will make a treatment recommendation based on your lifestyle and vision goals.
At Center For Sight in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Pahrump, NV, our team of skilled professionals can help you preserve your vision by monitoring and treating your cataracts. If you have any questions about cataract symptoms, surgery, or recovery, contact Center for Sight today. We’re committed to serving you and your eye care needs.
