Cataracts: Leading Cause of Blindness–Here Are Its Early Signs
More than 20 million Americans aged 40 and older are affected by cataracts in one or both eyes. By age 75, nearly half of all Americans will develop the condition.
Cataracts are a gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens—like looking through a foggy window that slowly becomes more blurred over time. This cloudiness blocks light from reaching the back of the eye, which is why vision becomes less clear.
Surgery is the primary treatment for cataracts, though certain lifestyle approaches may help slow symptom progression.
What Are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Cataracts?
Early Signs
Cataracts often develop slowly, so early symptoms may go unnoticed until they begin to interfere with daily activities. Look out for these initial changes in vision:
- Colors appearing less vibrant than they used to
- Halos or starbursts around lights
- Increased need for brighter lighting when reading or doing close-up tasks
- Difficulty distinguishing between dark blue and black
Common Symptoms
Mild cataracts may not cause noticeable symptoms at first, but as they progress, vision changes can appear.
What Are the Complications of Cataracts?
- Phacolytic glaucoma: A rare glaucoma caused by protein leakage from an advanced cataract, increasing eye pressure
- Subluxation of the lens: Partial displacement of the lens within its normal position in the eye
- Secondary glaucoma: Glaucoma resulting from increased eye pressure due to a known cause, risking optic nerve damage and vision loss
- Blindness: Complete loss of vision
- Progressive visual impairment: Gradual worsening of vision that interferes with daily activities such as reading, driving, and other tasks
- Increased fall risk: Poor vision can impair depth perception, leading to accidents and injuries
- Depression: Loss of independence and reduced participation in activities can trigger depression
- Cognitive decline: Limited visual input may contribute to cognitive decline
- Reduced quality of life: Decline in overall well-being due to loss of autonomy and reduced social engagement
