If you think cataracts are only a problem for seniors and elderly patients, think again. Statistics are showing that more and more people in their 40s and 50s are showing to be candidates for cataract surgery. There are thousands of others in their middle ages who are likely developing cataracts but don’t even realize it.
Cataracts develop slowly over time, and because of that, sometimes they aren’t recognized until vision is heavily impaired. A cataract, which is the clouding of the lens of the eye, restricts the amount of light to the eye and has a negative effect on vision.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of cataracts can help you treat or correct the problem before it starts to significantly interfere with your daily activities like job performance or even safety while driving. If you notice the following symptoms in your vision, there’s a good chance that you may be developing cataracts—even if you’re not 60 yet:
• Faded colors that once seemed vibrant
• Poor night vision
• Blurred or clouded vision
• Glares from lamps or headlights
• Double vision
• Frequent changes to your contact or eyeglasses prescription
The only way to know for sure if cataracts are developing is to visit your eye doctor. While living with cataracts is manageable to a certain point, eventually, cataract surgery is needed.
The process of cataract surgery involves making an incision in the eye to remove the clouded lens. A new lens, called an intraocular lens, is then inserted in the eye to restore vision to its normal state.
