Cataract Symptoms: Cloudy Vision, Glare and Trouble Seeing at Night

What it involves

The MedlinePlus encyclopedia explains that a cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. As people age, proteins in the lens break down, the lens becomes less flexible and cloudy, and what the eye sees may appear blurry at all distances.

Who this is for

• Adults with cloudy, fuzzy or filmy vision, or glare from lights and sunshine.
• Patients who have more trouble seeing at night or in dim light.
• People with diabetes, a family history of cataracts or a long history of steroid use.
• Anyone whose glasses prescription has changed often or who is giving up driving at night.

What to expect

• Questions about how your vision has changed, when, and in which eye
• A review of conditions and medicines that speed cataract formation, including diabetes and steroids
• Blood work, which the practice offers, such as a blood sugar check
• A referral to an eye doctor for the eye exam that diagnoses a cataract and for any surgery

How a cataract changes what you see

According to the MedlinePlus encyclopedia, cataracts develop slowly and painlessly and vision in the affected eye slowly gets worse. Mild clouding often occurs after age 60 and may not cause problems, and by age 75 most people have cataracts that affect their vision. Most people have similar changes in both eyes, though one may be worse. The blurry vision guide covers other reasons vision blurs, and the eye floaters and flashes guide covers changes that need prompt attention.

What speeds them up

The encyclopedia lists diabetes, eye inflammation, eye injury, a family history of cataracts, long-term use of corticosteroids taken by mouth or certain other medicines, radiation exposure, smoking, eye surgery and too much exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight. That is why a primary care visit matters here: blood sugar, medicines and smoking are things a provider can address. The high blood sugar guide and the quitting smoking guide cover two of them.

How a cataract is diagnosed

A standard eye exam and a slit-lamp examination are used to diagnose cataracts, according to MedlinePlus, and other tests are rarely needed except to check for other causes of poor vision. That means the diagnosis comes from an eye doctor. A primary care provider can review your history, check for diabetes with blood work and make the referral. Dry, irritated eyes can also blur vision and are covered in the dry eye guide.

Managing an early cataract

For an early cataract, the encyclopedia says an eye doctor may recommend a change in eyeglass prescription, better lighting, magnifying lenses and sunglasses. As vision gets worse, it advises making changes around the home to avoid falls and injuries, and the balance problems guide explains how falls are assessed. The practice does not perform eye exams or cataract surgery. Sunglasses outdoors help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which MedlinePlus lists as part of prevention.

When surgery is considered

The only treatment for a cataract is surgery to remove it, and the encyclopedia says that if a cataract is not making it hard for you to see, surgery is usually not needed. Cataracts usually do not harm the eye, so surgery can wait until you and your eye doctor decide it is right. It is usually recommended when you cannot do normal activities such as driving, reading or looking at screens, even with glasses. An eye surgeon performs it, and your primary care provider can share your health history.

When to be seen and when it is an emergency

MedlinePlus says to contact your eye care professional for decreased night vision, problems with glare or vision loss. Go to the ER or call 911 for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a curtain or shadow across your sight, or vision loss with weakness, facial droop or trouble speaking, which can mean a stroke. The stroke warning signs guide lists those signs. A cataract itself usually does not cause eye pain or redness.

Sources

• MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cataract - adult
• MedlinePlus: Cataracts