Over 22 million people aged 40 and older in the United States have cataracts. A cataract is essentially a clouding on the eye’s natural lens. Individuals with cataracts experience clouded vision that can make it difficult to drive a vehicle, read, or simply view things clearly.

While early symptoms of cataracts will only slightly alter your vision, the condition will eventually cause further interference with your vision if left untreated. Since cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in individuals 40 and up, it is important to understand the symptoms associated with cataracts.

Symptoms may include a sensitivity to light or double vision in one eye or one might see halos surrounding lights. Other symptoms may include clouded or blurred vision or an increased difficulty with vision at night, colors may appear faded or somewhat yellow, or even a frequent changes in your contact or eyeglass prescription.

Any changes in your vision that you notice, you should make an appointment to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will decide what the best form of action is.

There are different things that can cause cataracts. Some people develop cataracts as they get older, others may have genetic disorders that can have an impact on developing cataracts. Other people may develop cataracts from an eye injury, diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight. High blood pressure, obesity, smoking, a previous eye surgery, excess alcohol consumption, excess exposure to ionizing radiation such as cancer radiation therapy or X-rays, and even the prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.

Usually when the symptoms first appear, visual aids like glasses or bifocals may help to improve your vision. But, as symptoms get worse, it may be time to consider cataract surgery which nowadays are the common. Each year over 3 million people in the United States that undergo cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure in which the clouded lens is removed and replaced by an intraocular lens (IOL). Over the years, new IOLs have been developed that increase the overall vision of patients. Specialized IOLs have been developed that block blue light and ultraviolet rays further protecting the health of your eyes.

Many eye care practitioners also recommend that patients improve vision by eating healthier diets such as increasing antioxidant intake. To learn more about what you can do to protect your vision and options for cataract treatments, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

Bill White discusses cataracts at What Are Cataracts. Bill also explores glaucoma at What Is Glaucoma.

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