The Bright Side of Cataracts: Unique Vision Effects and Experiences

Vision changes before and after cataract surgery are common. The bright side of cataracts, and understanding unique vision effects and experiences, ranges in degree and severity based on the stages of cataract development as well as the individual’s visual complexities. Blurred vision is the most common side effect of cataracts, but symptoms include light sensitivity, changes in colors, double vision, loss of contrast and halos around bright lights.

Coping with bright light can prove to be challenging as you navigate eyesight with cataracts. When a source of light affects the ability to see clearly, you may experience either discomfort glare or disability glare. Discomfort glare is when a light source is too strong for the eyes such as leaving a dark room and moving toward bright sunlight. Disability glare is brought on by an eye disease that reduces visual performance and causes sensitivity to various levels of light. Cataract patients exhibit disability glare. Healthy eyesight relies on light entering the eye, hitting the retina located at the back of the eye, and converting the light into electrical signals that travel through the optic nerve to the brain to relay the images you see. The clumping of proteins in the lens of the eye that forms a cataract blocks that light. The early stage of cataract development causes light sensitivity as the incoming light scatters due to the blurred lens. Difficulty seeing in dim light or darkness can be just as problematic, especially when driving at night. Navigating while halos around streetlights and oncoming headlights can distort vision.

The other bright side of cataracts may be that you have a new appreciation and prioritization for the health, care and longevity of your vision. And because cataract surgery is considered safe and successful, treatment is available to improve vision even after side effects begin to interfere with daily activities. If you are noticing the early stages of cataracts, contact Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999 or WEBSITE.