Many people go years without knowing that they have been afflicted with cataracts, as they assume that the changes in their vision are normal. They may also attribute them to another eye issue completely, and some people even go so far as to self-treat for that condition. Rather than trying to self-diagnose and then attempting to solve the issue on your own, you should learn all the signs of cataracts, both the typical ones and the rare kinds. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your eye doctor to get treated.
Common Symptoms
One of the most obvious signs of cataracts is vision that gradually becomes blurry or cloudy. This change is not usually sudden, as cataracts typically worsen over time. They may start out on the edges of the lens and move toward the center, or they could start out in the middle of your field of vision, depending on the type.
Another common problem may be most noticeable when you are driving, as you will probably see halos around headlights, and lots of glare, as well. This may make it difficult and even dangerous to drive, as sensitivity to light like this makes it hard to see clearly. If you notice this symptom, you should avoid driving at night, and then schedule an eye doctor appointment.
Some types of cataracts cause double vision, which should be quite noticeable. Other common signs of cataracts include difficulty distinguishing between colors, and trouble seeing out of your normal glasses or contacts. This is because you might need a new prescription once you get cataracts. In fact, you might notice that you need a new, stronger one just about every time you visit your eye doctor.
Rare Symptoms
Some signs of cataracts are not as obvious as others, which can lead to trouble diagnosing the issue. In fact, one type of cataract causes better vision of items that are close to you. It is called second sight, and it is only temporary, as the vision will typically get worse afterward. Other types of cataracts have no early symptoms, which is why visiting a doctor at least every couple years is a good idea so that you can get tested instead of simply relying on noticing the signs of cataracts.