Cataract is a common eye condition affecting millions of patients in the UK. Cataract causes blurring of vision and is the commonest cause of blindness worldwide. The good news is that you can have your cataract removed and replaced with a clear lens implant with a safe and effective eye operation. If you are wondering when you need to start thinking about cataract eye surgery then continue reading.
Difficulty performing daily work and leisure activities:
If you have cataracts, your vision will not only become cloudy or blurry, making it harder to see but can also affect color and contrast vision. This means that daily activities will become increasingly difficult, particularly in dim lighting conditions. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and watching television are all examples of this.
Difficulty with night driving
Cataracts can cause problems with driving, particularly at night or when driving into the sun, due to ‘glare’. This symptom is caused by the light from headlights or the sun being scattered by the cataract causing temporary blindness. It can be caused by early cataracts, even before they affect other activities, and is very disabling.
Double vision
Rarely, if you have cataracts, you may experience what is known as double vision. In most cases, this double vision only affects one eye and also occurs due to the scattering of light due to the cataract which prevents the eye from focusing sharply on an object. It is usually seen in early cataracts but can affect your daily activities.
Frequent Spectacle Prescription Changes
As you get older, it’s normal for your contact lens or spectacle prescription to change over time. However, if you notice that your prescription is changing more frequently than usual then cataracts may be the cause. Eventually, changing your contact lenses or spectacle prescription will no longer help you see clearly.
Loss of contrast sensitivity
This is an often overlooked symptom of cataracts where blurry eyesight is worse in poorly lit conditions. It is often a cause of falling or tripping and can cause physical injuries such as fractures and sprains.
Conclusion
If you feel you are suffering from any of the above scenarios then book an appointment to see a cataract surgeon to discuss your treatment options.
