Clearing the Fog-Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

Living with cataracts eventually impedes various aspects of everyday life. The world is gradually seen through a cloudy window with the muting of vibrant colors. Simple activities such as reading, cooking, driving and watching your favorite TV show will become increasingly challenging. As vision quality diminishes, you may find yourself squinting to distinguish images or adjusting light to better cope with the inability to see well. A factor that is not often discussed is the mental and emotional anguish that comes along with the signs and symptoms of cataracts. As we rely on eyesight to literally view life, frustration, anxiety and fear associated with declining vision may hinder quality of life and lead to social withdrawal. 

Genetics, diabetes, smoking and prolonged UV radiation exposure are some of the risk factors for cataracts, although age is the most significant reason for onset. Cataracts develop in 4 stages. Common early-stage signs include increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing in low-light conditions and a slight blurring of vision. The intermediate stage is where colors begin to fade, color perception has a yellow or brown tone, visual acuity declines and a change in prescription is usually necessary. In the advanced or mature stage, severe blurriness, double vision in one eye or the appearance of halos around lights is common. Most doctors will recommend surgery to remove the natural lens and replace it with an intraocular artificial lens at this point in development. It is not recommended to allow the cataract to progress to the hyper-mature stage as the cataract will have turned fully opaque making it nearly impossible to carry out routine tasks unassisted. The cataract will also have hardened making it more difficult to remove.

Surgery for cataracts has proven to be transformative. The procedure is quick and painless, recovery time is minimal, and life after surgery improves vision and standard of living. Just like after the storm comes the rainbow and the return of clear skies so too does clearing the fog of cataracts lift the signs and symptoms of cataracts to restore clarity revealing a world full of color once again. 
Cataracts are a prevalent eye condition that can significantly impact one’s vision and daily activities. However, with advances in medical science and technology, cataract surgery has become a routine and highly successful intervention. By understanding the signs and symptoms of cataracts, you can take proactive steps to maintain your eye health and seek timely treatment if necessary. Clear vision is a precious gift, and with the right knowledge and care, clearing the fog and the subsequent signs and symptoms of cataracts is easier than ever. Pennachio Eye invites you to learn more at WEBSITE. For a full eye health evaluation, call 325-227-1999.