Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss, especially among individuals aged 65 and older. Cataracts create a buildup of proteins on the eye’s natural lens that causes the vision to become clouded and blurry. By performing cataract surgery, Dr. Raul Peña can break up and remove the affected lens and replace it with an intraocular lens. Intraocular lenses are prescription lenses that permanently sit over the eye to improve a patient’s vision and reduce their dependence on glasses. Here we discuss the most common cataract symptoms so that patients can recognize when it is time to seek treatment for this damaging condition. Dr. Peña can customize a treatment plan to relieve cataract symptoms for his Rio Grande Valley, TX, patients, and restore clear vision.
Hazy Vision
Even when cataracts are in their beginning stages, they can have an impact on a person’s vision. The most common symptom of cataracts is hazy vision. Most people have experienced blurry vision occasionally, but once they rub their eyes or rinse them with water, the world comes back into focus. When cataracts are present, the blurred vision will not clear up. Even if a person strains, they will be unable to bring small details into focus. This general haziness will only worsen as cataracts progress.
Poor Night Vision
Poor night vision, or night blindness, is another possible symptom of cataracts. When a person suffers from night blindness, their vision will not only be affected at nighttime, but any time that sources of light are low. If an individual is having difficulty seeing when lighting is dim, or if it takes a while for the eyes to adjust when going from a room with bright lights to one where there is poor lighting, it is likely a sign of an underlying eye condition, such as cataracts.
Glares or Halos
Another vision issue that may develop in patients with cataracts is the appearance of glares or halos. When the lens becomes clouded over by a cataract, light is often broken up as it enters the eye. As a result, patients may see a ring of light or streaks of light in their field of vision. These glares and halos may be white or multi-colored. The appearance of glares and halos can be very distracting, and are a special concern at night, which makes night driving very difficult for many patients with cataracts.
Diminished Colors
As a cataract develops and grows larger, patients may notice that colors no longer seem as bright or distinct. In fact, many people report that their entire field of vision seems to take on a yellowish tint. The reason that cataracts can diminish colors is that the protein clusters that grow over the lens can take on a yellow or brown tint themselves. As a result, it is like the patient is looking through a yellow-colored lens.
Schedule an Appointment
Cataracts can cause a number of symptoms that interfere with a person’s vision. Fortunately, Dr. Raul Peña is able to treat cataracts and restore sharper, clearer vision for his patients. If you are experiencing cataract symptoms and would like to learn more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Peña at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!
