Cataract Awareness:Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Almost everyone begins to develop cataracts starting at about age 40, as a normal part of the aging process. Many people never develop noticeable symptoms nor need medical intervention. Others, starting at about age 60, begin to notice cataract symptoms such as loss of visual sharpness, sensitivity to bright lights, glare while driving at night, poor night vision and changes in how they see color.

A cataract forms when your eye’s lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. Your eye focuses light through the lens onto the back of the eye and works with the brain to process information so that you can see. Over time, the lens, which is made up of mostly water and protein, can build up protein that causes the lens to get cloudy. When this happens, your eye can’t focus as well, leading to blurry vision and other vision loss. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes.

If you think you may be developing cataracts, book an eye exam and tell your doctor about your symptoms. An annual eye exam is especially important if you are over the age of 40. If you are diagnosed with cataracts, you may benefit from a new prescription and your doctor will monitor your condition over time—maybe for several years—to see when and whether you need surgery. Cataracts tend to worsen over time, so most people wait until glasses can’t adequately improve their vision and then begin to consider surgery. At this point, your eye doctor will refer you to an ophthalmologist, a surgeon specializing in diseases of the eye. Cataract surgery is very common, can be done on an outpatient basis—and most people are delighted with the results. Your eye doctor will help you determine the best option based on your comprehensive eye exam.

Routine, yearly eye examinations with are essential in detecting and monitoring cataracts and other ocular and systemic diseases. Regardless of your age, a routine check of your eye health is essential for a lifetime of clear and healthy vision.