Cataracts seem to be an inevitable part
of life for many. In their early stages, cataracts show very subtle
signs that increase gradually. You may not notice that you have a
vision problem until they are well established. However, cataracts do
show early signs of development.
Discover more information about
cataracts in general as well as their earliest signs so you can talk
to your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts is a word that refers to a
thickening of the eye's lens. Most people have some sort of lens
thickening as they age. If the lens thickens in a certain way, then
you will have a cataract. You can also develop cataracts if you have
an eye injury or had glaucoma surgery. Cataracts form in three
different ways.
Nuclear
Nuclear cataracts are your typical
cataract where the lens clouds up in the center and spreads out over
time. These are the type of cataracts that become visible when they
are thick enough.
Cortical
Cortical cataracts affect the lens
cortex, or outer part of the lens. These cataracts streak inward
towards the center of the lens. They have sometimes been described as
wheels.
Posterior Subcapsular
Posterior subcapsular cataracts affect
the back of the lens under the lens capsule, which holds the lens in
place. This type of cataract forms very quickly and becomes
noticeable within a short time compared to other types of cataracts.
What Are the Earliest Signs of
Cataracts?
Cataracts present themselves in several
subtle ways in the beginning before you realize that you have a
problem. Common early signs of cataracts include:
- Cloudy vision that looks similar
to a dirty camera lens
- Noticeable yellow haze when you
look at white surfaces
- Halos around lights
- Double vision not explained by other eye problems
- Frequent prescription changes
If you are at a common age range for
cataracts, then your eye doctor will likely check for cataracts as
part of your routine eye exam.
What Is Premature or Early-Onset
Cataracts?
Premature cataracts are when someone
gets cataracts well before the usual age of onset. Generally, if you
get cataracts before the age of 40, then they are considered
early-onset cataracts.
If you have certain chronic medical
conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, then you can get them at a
younger age. Tell your eye doctor is you have these conditions so
that they can check for cataracts sooner.
What Eye Protections Help Slow Down
Cataract Development?
You may be able to slow down cataract
development with proper eye protection and care. For example, you
should make sure to shade your eyes in the sun. You can use a
wide-brim hat or sunglasses with complete ultraviolet protection.
Make sure you keep your diet healthy with good, healthy food. Also,
be sure to get a complete exam at a regular basis to adjust your
prescription.
What Is the Best Time for Cataract
Surgery?
Even if you have cataracts, you may be
able to wait before you treat them. The usual treatment is to remove
and replace the lens. However, if you have a mild case, then you may
benefit from regular adjustments to your prescription.
Anti-reflective eyeglass coatings can compensate for some of the
problems with lens thickening. They also help improve your night
vision and contrast detection.
Everyone's experience with cataracts is
different. So you shouldn't compare your cataract development with
others. The best thing to do is keep in touch with your eye doctor
regularly to keep your glasses up to date. Calvert
Ophthalmology Center can check your eyes for cataracts and
provide measures to correct the problem. Contact one of our three
locations for an appointment to have your eyes examined.
