Vision Loss – Cataract

Cataracts
Cataracts

Overview

Vision loss – cataracts are an eye condition that emerges when your eye lenses start becoming cloudy in patches. With time, these cloudy patches usually grow significantly larger, causing misty and blurredvision.

There are different types of cataracts depending on the section of an affected eye lens. These can causes problems in the center, the back, or sides of the eye lens. They can show in one or in both eyes, although, many cataracts may not develop at the same time in one or both eyes. Eventually, cataracts go untreated, they can potentially lead to blindness.

Causes of Vision Loss – Cataracts

Vision loss – cataract start from a build-up of protein in the eye. These protein build-ups will then usually grow from old age.

However, cataracts can also appear due to eye surgery, an eye injury, or most other issues involving the eye. While unlikely, cataracts can affect a person from birth.

Symptoms

  • Colors look faded or muted
  • Blurred, dim, or misty vision
  • Seeing a ‘halo’ around bright lights
  • Objects appear more ‘washed out’ or less clear
  • Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
  • Sensitivity to light: lights look too bright or glaring

Objects may start appearing more distorted or blurred if an age-related cataract affects you. A good comparison to this is to then imagine as if you are looking through a dirty glass. Vision may seem cloudy, and it can also be more difficult to make out details or specific colors.

Treatment For Vision Loss – Cataracts

Vision loss from cataracts can be removed only with surgery.

If symptoms that obstruct eye lens opacity do not bother you much, do not think it necessary to remove a cataract. A possible way of limiting this problem is to then receive a new eyeglass prescription to help you see better. It is important to consider surgery when cataracts keep you from enjoying life or living day-to-day.

During cataract surgery, the doctor removes clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens. This new lens is an intraocular lens, or IOL. This surgery is generally quite safe.

Exams and Tests

A slit-lamp exam or a standard are the most common ways to diagnose vision loss due to cataracts. Other tests are rarely needed. Although, taking other eye exams can rule out other causes of poor vision, or find other eye conditions.