Signs of Cataracts in Your Loved Ones

In case you haven’t yet heard, this month is Cataracts Awareness Month. While cataracts can develop at nearly any age, they’re most commonly discovered after age 60. But even if you’re not yet near that age, it’s still important to know the symptoms of cataracts so you can help identify signs of cataracts in loved ones. After all, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world but can almost always be treated or removed if caught early enough.

What to Watch for 

While you wouldn’t notice changes in your loved one’s vision first hand, of course, cataract awareness means paying attention to how they’re interacting with lights, reading and their prescription lenses. For example, if your mom starts asking for brighter lights than normal when she reads, this is a red flag. Or if your Grandpa has started squinting when he looks at lights, this could signal light sensitivity or indicate that he’s seeing halos around the lights (two of the most common signs of cataracts).

Furthermore, cataracts could be present if your loved one has had to change prescriptions several times in a short span of time. So, pay attention to whether their prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses are working for them anymore, or if they’re experiencing frustration with them. 

What to Listen for

It’s also important to listen to any comments your loved one makes directly about their eyesight. If they mention clouded or blurred vision, double vision in a single eye, fading or yellowing of colors, or increasing difficulty of seeing at night, these are all signs of cataracts. 

What to Do

One of the best ways you can help care for a loved one is by sharing important information with them about their health, and the same is true when it comes to their eye health. If you’ve noticed your loved one mentioning cataract symptoms, or exhibiting behavior that could indicate the development of cataracts, the best thing you can do for them is suggest they see an eye doctor for a thorough eye exam.