Common Cataract Symptoms and When You Should See a Doctor

When it comes to your vision, it can be tough to know the difference between a temporary issue and what could indicate a more serious problem, like cataracts. If you’re the type of person who pays attention to your health and takes care of your eyes, you probably notice when even the slightest abnormality impacts your vision. To help you understand when it’s time to get to the doctor, here’s an overview of common cataract symptoms and what they could mean to you.

Blurry Vision

First off, what are cataracts? They’re a clouding of the eye’s lens, causing blurry vision and oftentimes blindness if left untreated. So if you start experiencing cloudy vision, pay attention. This hallmark symptom of cataracts should not be ignored. If your sight seems a bit more blurry than normal for a couple of minutes (or even hours), it could just be something temporary. But if the cloudiness lasts more than a day or two, it could mean you have cataracts. Don’t let your vision be severely impacted; schedule an appointment to be seen as soon as you can.

Sensitivity to Light

Many people experience sensitivity to light at different times in their lives. Sometimes, it can be the result of an illness or even a recurring health problem (like migraine headaches). But other times, it can be indicative of cataracts. If you’ve noticed an increase in your eye’s sensitivity to light, and don’t have another health concern that could be the cause, then it’s a good idea to be seen by an eye doctor.

Seeing Halos

Another common cataract symptom is seeing halos, which are basically bright circles that appear around a light source. Some people may see halos at night time, when everything else is dark except light sources. Seeing halos isn’t normal – no matter the time of day. A cataract changes the way that your eyes take in light, which is why seeing halos and sensitivity to light are two cataract symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms it’s time to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Time is of the essence, and can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your eyesight. And the good news about cataracts is that they are usually easily treated and won’t impact vision when caught early. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.